Key Account Manager - Kroger

Key Account Manager - Kroger

Heartland Food Products Group | Cincinnati, OH

We are seeking a Key Account Manager (KAM) to support and help lead our Kroger business. This role will report directly to the National Account Manager - Kroger & Harris Teeter and play a critical role in day-to-day account management, execution, and analytical support across Heartland's brand portfolio.

This position is based in Cincinnati, OH.

What You'll Do

Support Kroger Customer Leadership

* Partner closely with the National Account Manager to execute Kroger strategy and Joint Business Plans

* Serve as a key day-to-day contact for Kroger merchandising and support teams, as appropriate

* Prepare customer-facing materials for line reviews, innovation presentations, and business updates

Drive Execution & Commercial Performance

* Support delivery of volume, trade spend, and profitability targets

* Manage promotional planning, deal execution, and item maintenance in Kroger systems

* Track promotional performance and identify opportunities to improve effectiveness

Analytics, Forecasting & Insights

* Maintain forecasts, demand planning inputs, and customer scorecards

* Analyze syndicated data (Circana/IRI, Nielsen) and Kroger-specific reporting to identify risks and opportunities

* Translate data into clear insights and recommendations for the NAM and broader team

Merchandising & In-Market Excellence

* Partner with Kroger merchandising teams to support shelf execution, display compliance, and item launches

* Track distribution, pricing, and promotional compliance across Heartland's portfolio

* Support innovation launches and post-launch performance tracking

Cross-Functional Collaboration

* Work closely with marketing, category management, supply chain, finance, and customer service teams

* Help ensure internal alignment to customer needs and timelines

* Act as a strong internal advocate for Kroger priorities

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree required

* 3-6 years of CPG sales, account management, or customer-facing experience

* Experience supporting or calling on Kroger strongly preferred

* Strong analytical skills and comfort working with syndicated and customer data

* Solid understanding of grocery retail fundamentals and trade execution

* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Preferred Experience

* Experience in branded food or beverage categories

* Exposure to trade promotion management systems and forecasting tools

* Experience working in a fast-paced, matrixed organization

Key Competencies

* Results-oriented with a strong execution mindset

* Collaborative team player who partners well cross-functionally

* Analytical thinker who turns data into action

* Clear communicator with strong presentation skills

* Curious, proactive, and eager to grow