National Account Manager, Grocery, Coffee Beans

Company Description

Bodum, founded in 1944 by Peter Bodum, is a family-owned global business led by Jørgen Bodum and headquartered in Switzerland. Initially known for importing glassware, the company's first major innovation, the Santos coffeemaker, was launched in 1958, earning worldwide acclaim. Bodum has since become synonymous with high-quality, functional, and affordable designs, such as the iconic Bistro coffeepot. With 52 stores worldwide and numerous shop-in-shops, Bodum continues to expand its presence, promoting its innovative kitchenware and coffee solutions globally.

Role Description

The National Account Manager, Grocery, Coffee Beans role at Bodum is a full-time, on-site position located in the New York City Metropolitan Area. The role involves managing and growing relationships with national grocery accounts, developing sales strategies, overseeing the distribution and placement of coffee bean products, and meeting sales and revenue targets. The candidate will collaborate closely with internal teams to design promotional campaigns, analyze market trends, and ensure customer satisfaction while fostering business growth.

Manage Key Grocery Accounts

• Maintain and grow relationships with existing key grocery retail accounts, including national and regional grocery chains, wholesalers, and club stores
• Manage all aspects of the grocery accounts, including domestic orders, direct import programs, promotional planning, and seasonal resets
• Collaborate with internal teams (logistics, operations, product development, finance) to ensure accurate forecasts, timely order fulfillment, and compliance with customer-specific requirements
• Serve as the grocery channel expert and leader within the organization to drive sales growth and account strategies
• Present to and negotiate with grocery buyers and category managers to maximize brand presence and shelf space
• Play a key role in the rollout and launch of the brand's in-house made coffee beans, managing their introduction and growth within grocery accounts as they begin roasting in the US at the new facility

Open New Grocery Accounts

• Identify and open new grocery accounts at both national and regional levels
• Build and nurture relationships with new grocery buyers and distributors to expand brand distribution within the grocery channel
• Lead new account onboarding, ensuring consistent brand representation across all grocery outlets, including the new coffee product line

Analyze Grocery Business

• Analyze performance of grocery accounts, category trends, and competitive activity to identify growth opportunities
• Conduct regular store visits and retail audits within grocery locations to evaluate execution and uncover opportunities
• Utilize insights to guide assortment, promotional planning, and demand forecasting specific to grocery retail—with a special focus on coffee bean products alongside housewares

Administrative and Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with sales coordinators to manage item set-ups, new account onboarding, and order processing for grocery accounts
• Deliver timely and accurate sales forecasts and updates to logistics and planning teams based on grocery retail activity
• Coordinate with supply chain and production teams to ensure a smooth rollout of US-roasted coffee beans to grocery customers

Desired Skills and Experience

• Proven experience managing key accounts within the grocery retail channel (e.g., Trader Joe, Wholefoods, HEB, Publix and Safeway)
• Proven experience selling coffee beans, tea, or similar consumable, on a wholesale level.
• Strong knowledge of grocery retail operations, category management and promotional strategies.
• Experience in sales, account management, and developing strategic relationships with national grocery accounts.
• Knowledge of the coffee industry and consumer trends, with a focus on grocery product distribution.
• Experience supporting the launch of new product lines in grocery stores, within the coffee bean category.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• Natural sales ability with a talent for relationship building within grocery retail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Outlook
• Experience using CRM or web-based tools for customer research and management
• Ability to multitask and manage deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment
• College degree preferred, with 5+ years of experience in grocery sales or account management
• Willingness and ability to travel weekly when needed.
• Job is an in office position, based in NYC