Job Description
Location: Remote (U.S.-based)
Industry: Pet Products | National Retail & Distribution
Reports To: VP of Sales
About the Role
We are seeking a driven, relationship-focused National Sales Manager to lead and grow our national account and distributor business within the pet industry. This role is designed for a proven sales leader who already has experience navigating large retailers, national distributors, and complex account structures—and who thrives in a highly autonomous, remote environment.
You will be responsible for managing and expanding relationships with national retailers, regional and national distributors, small and medium size chains, and select international customers, while driving strategic growth through line reviews, data analysis, and disciplined execution.
Key Responsibilities
National & Key Account Management
• Own and manage national retail accounts including (but not limited to):
• Walmart, PetSmart, Costco, and other major national and regional pet retail chains
• Conduct regular line reviews with national accounts, ensuring alignment with retailer strategies, category objectives, and product assortment goals
• Present new items, promotional plans, pricing strategies, and merchandising opportunities
Distributor & Channel Management
• Manage and grow relationships with national and regional pet distributors, including:
• Phillips Pet Food & Supplies
• Central Pet
• Bradley Caldwell
• Actively participate in and leverage distributor trade shows, buying shows, and planning meetings
• Drive new item placement, promotional programs, and catalog inclusion
Business Development & Growth
• Leverage existing industry relationships while actively developing new national, regional, international customers, and multi store pet specialty
• Expand distribution across additional channels including:
• Grocery chains
• Catalog retailers
• Regional and specialty chains
• Identify white space opportunities and emerging channels within the pet industry
Strategy, Analytics & Reporting
• Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and customer needs to support data-driven sales strategies
• Monitor and manage sales performance metrics, including revenue, margin, distribution, and promotional effectiveness
• Prepare and present regular sales reports and forecasts to senior leadership
• Partner with internal teams to align sales initiatives with broader company objectives
Required Qualifications (in priority order)
• Proven experience as a National Sales Manager or Senior Account Executive in the pet industry
• Established working relationships with Phillips, Central Pet, Bradley Caldwell, or comparable distributors
• Direct experience managing national accounts such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, or similar large retailers
• Hands-on experience with distributor and national trade shows
• Demonstrated ability to bring existing relationships while building new business
• Highly self-motivated, disciplined, and effective in a remote work environment
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience selling into grocery, catalog, or regional retail chains
• International sales or distributor experience
• Strong analytical skills with comfort using Excel, CRM systems, and reporting tools
• Ability to manage complex pricing, programs, and multi-channel strategies
Who You Are
You’re a self-starter with deep pet industry knowledge and a strong national network. You understand how national retailers and distributors think, know how to win line reviews, and are comfortable balancing relationship management with data-driven decision-making. You thrive in an autonomous environment and take ownership of results.
Industry: Pet Products | National Retail & Distribution
Reports To: VP of Sales
About the Role
We are seeking a driven, relationship-focused National Sales Manager to lead and grow our national account and distributor business within the pet industry. This role is designed for a proven sales leader who already has experience navigating large retailers, national distributors, and complex account structures—and who thrives in a highly autonomous, remote environment.
You will be responsible for managing and expanding relationships with national retailers, regional and national distributors, small and medium size chains, and select international customers, while driving strategic growth through line reviews, data analysis, and disciplined execution.
Key Responsibilities
National & Key Account Management
• Own and manage national retail accounts including (but not limited to):
• Walmart, PetSmart, Costco, and other major national and regional pet retail chains
• Conduct regular line reviews with national accounts, ensuring alignment with retailer strategies, category objectives, and product assortment goals
• Present new items, promotional plans, pricing strategies, and merchandising opportunities
Distributor & Channel Management
• Manage and grow relationships with national and regional pet distributors, including:
• Phillips Pet Food & Supplies
• Central Pet
• Bradley Caldwell
• Actively participate in and leverage distributor trade shows, buying shows, and planning meetings
• Drive new item placement, promotional programs, and catalog inclusion
Business Development & Growth
• Leverage existing industry relationships while actively developing new national, regional, international customers, and multi store pet specialty
• Expand distribution across additional channels including:
• Grocery chains
• Catalog retailers
• Regional and specialty chains
• Identify white space opportunities and emerging channels within the pet industry
Strategy, Analytics & Reporting
• Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and customer needs to support data-driven sales strategies
• Monitor and manage sales performance metrics, including revenue, margin, distribution, and promotional effectiveness
• Prepare and present regular sales reports and forecasts to senior leadership
• Partner with internal teams to align sales initiatives with broader company objectives
Required Qualifications (in priority order)
• Proven experience as a National Sales Manager or Senior Account Executive in the pet industry
• Established working relationships with Phillips, Central Pet, Bradley Caldwell, or comparable distributors
• Direct experience managing national accounts such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, or similar large retailers
• Hands-on experience with distributor and national trade shows
• Demonstrated ability to bring existing relationships while building new business
• Highly self-motivated, disciplined, and effective in a remote work environment
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience selling into grocery, catalog, or regional retail chains
• International sales or distributor experience
• Strong analytical skills with comfort using Excel, CRM systems, and reporting tools
• Ability to manage complex pricing, programs, and multi-channel strategies
Who You Are
You’re a self-starter with deep pet industry knowledge and a strong national network. You understand how national retailers and distributors think, know how to win line reviews, and are comfortable balancing relationship management with data-driven decision-making. You thrive in an autonomous environment and take ownership of results.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The National Account Sales Manager position is now open for candidates interested in the Marketing Executive Jobs sector. This role in Chicago offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Marketing Executive Jobs is a plus.
