Strategic Account Manager

Location: Remote or Nashville, TN

Status: Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive salary + bonus, full benefits, unlimited PTO, and a seat at one of the coolest campfires in food

Our Mission

Kindling exists to spark the fire within—fueling everyday adventurers with snacks that are packed with protein and full of flavor. We’re here to prove that better-for-you doesn’t have to mean boring. And we’re building more than a brand—we’re building a lifestyle, a community, and a movement.

The Role

We’re looking for a Strategic Sales Account Manager to grow Kindling’s business across key strategic and regional accounts. You’ll be both a strategic partner and hands-on operator —building strong retailer relationships, crafting smart joint business plans, and executing flawlessly at shelf. You’ll manage the full sales process for your accounts: forecasting, promotions, trade spend, distribution expansion, and retail activation. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of one of the most exciting new snack brands in the country. You’ll collaborate closely with our sales, marketing, operations, and finance teams to ensure every program drives real results—and every bag of Kindling lands in the right hands.

Key Objectives

• Drive Retail Growth & Distribution Expansion: Build and execute account plans that expand Kindling’s retail footprint across key grocery stores. Secure new item authorizations, grow shelf space, and increase velocity at existing accounts.
• Strengthen Retailer Partnerships: Develop deep, collaborative relationships with retail buyers and category managers. Lead annual and quarterly business reviews to align on growth strategies, promotional plans, and category opportunities.
• Deliver Sales Excellence & Profitability: Manage trade spend, forecast accurately, and ensure promotional ROI meets targets. Partner cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and finance to ensure flawless execution and sustainable growth.

What You'll Do

• Lead key retail accounts. Own day-to-day relationships with buyers, category managers, and retail partners to drive mutual growth.
• Build innovative business plans. Develop annual and quarterly strategies that expand distribution, grow velocity, and strengthen shelf presence.
• Deliver flawless execution. Manage promotions, retail programs, and in-store activations to ensure Kindling stands out on shelf and online.
• Forecast and manage performance. Own sales forecasting, trade spend, and promotional ROI to deliver profitable growth.
• Collaborate cross-functionally. Work closely with marketing, operations, and finance to ensure alignment on programs, supply, and brand priorities.
• Champion the Kindling brand at retail. Represent our mission and products with enthusiasm, helping retailers and consumers feel the spark that fuels our brand.

Success Metrics

• Sales Growth: Achieve annual net sales targets and deliver consistent quarter-over-quarter growth across assigned retail accounts.
• Distribution Expansion: Secure new item authorizations and increase points of distribution year-over-year.
• Velocity Improvement: Grow unit sales per store per week through effective promotion, placement, and merchandising.
• Trade Efficiency: Manage trade spend within budget while delivering positive ROI on promotional activity.
• Forecast Accuracy: Maintain forecast accuracy to ensure reliable production and supply planning.
• Relationship Strength: Earn strong retailer feedback and become a trusted, go-to partner for driving category growth and providing valuable insights.

Required Experience & Skills

• 5+ years of account management or customer-facing sales experience, ideally in CPG.
• Proven track record managing retail accounts and driving sales growth.
• Experience securing new items, improving velocity, and managing trade spend.
• Strong skills in forecasting, planning, and understanding retail margins.
• Excellent relationship-building with buyers and cross-functional partners.
• Comfortable analyzing sales data and using tools like Excel/Sheets and retailer portals.
• Clear communicator with fast follow-up and strong organizational skills.
• Self-starter who thrives in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with major retailers (Costco, Sam’s, Walmart, Target, Kroger, etc.).
• Startup or emerging brand background.
• Familiarity with shopper marketing, brokers, or syndicated data (Nielsen, IRI, SPINS).
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

The Culture We're Building

We’re not just stacking resumes—we’re gathering the kind of people you’d want around a campfire. Curious minds. Brave creatives. Whole humans.

The Heartbeat – How we show up

• Be a Steady Flame: Transparent, consistent, and always lit with integrity.
• Invite Others to the Campfire: Every voice matters. Roast marshmallows, not ideas.
• Kindle Your Passions: Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. We value balance, walks in the woods, and midday creative breakthroughs.

The Output – What we expect

• Defend Our Den: Care about the craft. Own your wins and your misses.
• Seek Higher Ground: Challenge assumptions. Expand your view. Ask why (then why again).
• Take Swift Action: Light the match. Follow the spark. Adjust as you go.

Perks of the Gig

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Unlimited PTO + generous holidays
• Competitive parental leave (family-first, always)
• Tons of snacks, real talk, and laughter
• A career you’ll be proud of and a team that feels like family

Ready to Build Something That Matters?

We’re on a mission to bring more energy, joy, and adventure to the snack aisle. If you believe in building brands that inspire people to get outside, eat better, and live brighter— join us and help keep the fire going.