National Key Account Manager

Cornbread Hemp®

. Identify, prioritize, and pursue key accounts across natural, grocery, mass, and convenience channels .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeRemote • Kentucky • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $120,000 - $150,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing key accounts within the beverage industry, with a strong focus on THC products and functional beverages. Proven ability to build relationships with category buyers, navigate compliance requirements, and drive sales growth through strategic account management and effective negotiation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

7+ Years Selling BeveragesKey Account ManagementDistributor Program ExpertiseTHC Compliance NavigationSales Pipeline Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Sales Strategy DevelopmentCategory Review NavigationNegotiation SkillsSales ForecastingCRM System Discipline

Soft Skills

Self-MotivatedRelationship BuildingStrong Follow-ThroughAbility to Work Under PressureAutonomous Work Style

Tools & Technologies

SPINS DataVIP DataDSD Sales Systems

Industry Keywords

Natural ChannelGroceryMass RetailConvenience ChannelFunctional BeveragesTHC ProductsMushroom Gummies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify, prioritize, and pursue key accounts across natural, grocery, mass, and convenience channels
Develop account-specific strategies matching product lines and stories to target buyers
Build and grow Cornbread Hemp’s presence for THC Seltzer, Non-Alcoholic Spritz, and Mushroom Gummies
Grow Non-Alcoholic Spritz and Mushroom Gummies distribution through KeHE and UNFI
Manage new distribution-center rollouts as retailers come online
Win THC Seltzer and functional wellness placements at mass and grocery retailers
Navigate category reviews, reset calendars, cold-box requirements, and convenience-chain buying calendars
Activate and accelerate THC Seltzer distribution with the DSD sales organization and distributors
Recruit, negotiate, onboard, and manage broker relationships
Set broker expectations and monitor pipeline and placement targets
Build a pipeline, secure buyer meetings, present brand and category stories, negotiate terms, and close first purchase orders
Win reorders, incremental placements, expanded points of distribution and door counts, and improved rate of sale
Maintain accurate sales pipelines and reliable forecasts
Partner with the VP of Sales on KPIs, revenue targets, and account reporting
Use SPINS data to strengthen sales stories and VIP data to audit distributor inventory and identify out-of-stocks
Partner with marketing on sell-in materials, promotions, shopper programs, in-store marketing, and retail media
Coordinate with operations on supply-chain readiness for chain orders
Manage trade budgets, model and execute promotions, and optimize spend against revenue targets
Navigate retailer organizational charts and collaborate across shared account ownership

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of 7+ years selling beverages into large chain accounts
Existing relationships among category buyers
Established relationships in the natural channel and/or grocery, mass, and convenience banners
Experience across more than one sales channel strongly preferred
Deep understanding of distributor programs, including KeHE/UNFI programs and DC rollouts, and/or DSD distributor networks
Demonstrated success landing and growing key chain accounts, navigating category reviews, negotiating, and driving velocity after the close
Comfort selling in fast-evolving categories and introducing new or unfamiliar products to buyers
Ability to navigate state-level THC rules, buyer hesitancy, and shifting compliance requirements
Understanding of functional beverage and functional mushroom gummy categories
Highly self-motivated, autonomous, and confident
Ability to build and maintain buyer relationships quickly
Ability to work independently under pressure and meet tight deadlines
Strong follow-through and closing ability
Discipline with CRM systems, clean pipeline records, reliable forecasts, and account-level reporting
Ability to work remotely with frequent travel for buyer meetings, trade shows, and key markets, up to 50% of the time
Preferred: experience selling into both natural channel and conventional grocery, mass, or convenience
Preferred: familiarity with VIP data and DSD beverage sales
Preferred: direct-to-retailer VMS/supplements experience
Preferred: familiarity with THC beverage and functional beverage categories
Preferred: experience launching new or emerging functional, better-for-you, or beverage brands
Preferred: experience with natural-channel, beverage, convenience, or grocery trade shows

Benefits

Comp & perks

Performance Bonuses: Milestone-based cash bonuses paid out immediately upon securing new retail chain authorizations
Equity grant from the company's existing option pool, vesting over four years with a one-year cliff
Full benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
Travel and expense budget for account visits, trade shows, and industry events
Professional development and career advancement
Flexible and remote working capabilities
Significant strategic autonomy
Uncapped upside tied directly to accounts closed and grown