Key Account Manager - Southwest / Central California

Summary

The Key Account Manager (KAM) creates value for Simplot Grower Solutions (SGS) and its supported business units by delivering profitable sales growth and strong customer relationships with large, strategic accounts. This role is responsible for managing and expanding designated key accounts, developing new large customer opportunities, and aligning closely with internal teams to ensure consistent strategy and execution.

The KAM serves as the primary day‑to‑day contact for assigned customers, leading sales strategy, pricing, and coordination across SGS sales, product management, procurement, and division leadership. Clear communication, strong judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently are essential.

Key Responsibilities

•  Financial/Budget: Monitor compliance to guidelines, policies and procedures. Implement systems, processes to ensure profitable margins on all products. Train and communicate financial learning to team members to improve performance. Review and analyze major pricing programs. Plan, analyze, and track Departmental budget. Work closely with and advise finance and accounting partner assigned to the Business Unit.

• Sales: Responsible for Conventions, Market Visits, Supplier blitzes, Account Manager back-up in various Markets, field training and sales meetings within assigned geographic areas. Develop and manage relationships with Menu Management, Supply Chain, Division and Regional Management and Owner/Operators. Function as primary liaison to Sales and Marketing Department, Chain Accounts and International Sales Department.

• Marketing: Develop and implement systems/processes that reduce spending or increase the margin received per development dollar spent. Work closely with Simplot Marketing Department to ensure communication and efficiency in New Product development and execution. Coordinate local S&OP activity with national and global promotional plans to increase forecasting accuracy. Monitor and track compliance to guidelines, policies and procedures. Review and analyze marketing programs. Develop domestic Marketing and training materials.

• Project Management/Technical: Function as back-up to the Simplot Quality interface to include manufacturing and operations, quality systems, research & innovation, process improvement and value enhancement. Provide QA support at both internal and external cuttings, in the field and as assigned. Handle  quality complaints.  

• Sales and Operations Integration: Accurately forecast demand by communicating and troubleshooting with logistics, Account Managers & Supplier Quality Support, production, and PPIC. Monitor performance analysis & reporting. Budgeting/best estimates. Monitor/track New Product introduction, status, and results. Track and report priority Core Product changes and new product development/introduction. Implement administrative processes, systems, and guidelines that are efficient and consistent within the Global Business Unit and between all other Simplot Departments.

Typical Education

Relevant Experience

• 10+ years of related sales or account management experience
• Experience managing large, strategic, or complex customer accounts
• Strong pricing, negotiation, and relationship management skills
• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating across teams
• Comfortable engaging with internal leadership and external customer stakeholders

Other Information

Successful track record in Account Management, National Account Management preferred. Analytical skills and ability to use complex data to identify insights, trends, business opportunities and customer solutions. Sensory Certification is preferred.