Key Account Manager - Non Traditional (East)

The Key Account Manager at Guayaki Yerba Mate plays a pivotal role in driving sales and expanding market presence in the foodservice channel. This includes developing strategic business plans with key accounts, executing targeted promotional programs, managing distributor relationships, and conducting insightful customer presentations. The KAM collaborates closely with multiple teams to ensure successful in-store activation and alignment with company objectives.

To excel as a Key Account Manager at Guayaki Yerba Mate, candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in the CPG industry, particularly within the beverage segment, along with 5 years in non-traditional channels such as vending or healthcare. Proficiency in communication, analytics, and advanced Microsoft Office skills—especially PowerPoint and Excel—is essential. A clean Driver's License is also necessary for this position.

The Key Account Manager is vital for establishing and nurturing relationships with account partners at Guayaki Yerba Mate. By developing tailored business plans and engaging with customers through insightful presentations and promotions, the KAM ensures that both Guayaki and its customers achieve their goals. This role focuses on aligning Guayaki's mission with customer strategies to create beneficial partnerships.

Strategic business planning is essential for the Key Account Manager at Guayaki Yerba Mate. It involves creating comprehensive annual business plans aimed at achieving revenue, volume, profit, and market share goals. These plans help guide the KAM's actions and adjustments over time, ensuring proactive management of any operational or financial challenges that may arise.

Guayaki Yerba Mate embraces a company culture driven by collaboration, support, and teamwork. The organization seeks individuals who value ecological and personal regeneration, as well as diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Guayaki aims to leverage its business as a force for good, inspiring team members to contribute to meaningful change within their communities and the environment.

When discussing your experience with annual business plans, emphasize specific examples where you've built comprehensive strategies in collaboration with key accounts. Explain the measurable goals you set for revenue and volume, and how you adjusted your plans based on market feedback or internal performance metrics.

Effective relationship management involves active engagement, addressing customers' needs, and maintaining regular communication. Share examples of how you created tailored solutions for key accounts, navigated challenges, and built trust through consistent performance and shared goals.

Outline a specific promotional program, detailing how you assessed market needs, collaborated with internal teams, and tracked results. Highlight how you used data to identify trends that shaped the program and adjusted tactics based on customer feedback to maximize ROI.

Discuss the strategies you've used to penetrate non-traditional channels, such as tailored product offerings or unique marketing initiatives. Talk about understanding the consumer dynamics within those channels and how you align your approach with your partners' business goals.

To stay proactive, always keep an eye on market trends, maintain regular check-ins with key accounts, and be ready to pivot strategies as needed. Share a specific instance where your proactive approach led to successful adjustments that positively impacted your account's performance.

Address the importance of collaboration with distribution partners and field marketing teams for in-store activation. Mention the role of well-timed promotions, engaging displays, and staff training as key factors that lead to successful product visibility and sales increases.

Demonstrate understanding about forming win-win partnerships. Discuss how you openly communicate about each party’s goals, create joint business plans, and adapt strategies to ensure mutual success while maintaining the focus on your company's mission.

Utilizing data effectively is crucial. Provide examples where you analyzed sales figures, consumer insights, or market trends to inform your decision-making process. Explain how the insights helped shape your strategies, driving improved business outcomes and ensuring a better understanding of customer dynamics.

Discuss real-life challenges, such as conflicts between expectations or unforeseen market shifts. Explain how you provided solutions, whether through negotiation, revised strategies, or enhanced communication, ultimately leading to strengthened relationships and maintained performance.

Express genuine interest in Guayaki's mission and values. Highlight your passion for the beverage industry and your alignment with their focus on regeneration and community. Mention how your skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate to contribute to Guayaki's growth and vision.