NAT Key Account Sales Manager - Gift & Specialty Retailers

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: National Key Account Sales Manager - Gift & Specialty Retailers

🔹 Company: True Brands

🔹 Location: Seattle, WA

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (2 days/week in-office)

🔹 Category: Sales

🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Growing and deepening True Brands' presence in the specialty channel
• Driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships with national and regional retail gift and specialty accounts
• Collaborating cross-functionally to develop customized programs that reflect each customer's goals
• Leveraging a strong network and hunter mentality to build tailored sales strategies
• Representing True Brands at key trade shows, sales meetings, and industry events (15-20% travel required)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic planning and hands-on execution, with a focus on building and maintaining strong customer relationships.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute innovative sales and marketing strategies tailored to national and key specialty/off price retail accounts

✅ Lead quarterly and monthly business reviews to track progress and align on future opportunities

✅ Analyze sales performance and market trends to identify growth areas and build actionable plans for product placement

✅ Use data insights to optimize merchandising solutions and product assortments that align with customer needs

✅ Leverage existing relationships and cultivate new connections with decision-makers in the specialty retail space

✅ Collaborate with internal teams including Sales, Marketing, Design, and Operations to build compelling seasonal promotions and retail programs

✅ Partner with the Warehouse team to ensure smooth execution and high levels of customer satisfaction

✅ Monitor shifts in the specialty retail landscape to proactively adapt sales strategies and leverage emerging trends

✅ Represent True Brands at key trade shows, sales meetings, and industry events (15-20% travel required)

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, relationship building, and data-driven decision making to drive sales growth and customer satisfaction.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 5+ years of experience in national account management, with at least 2 years focused on specialty retail or corporate sales

Required Skills:

• Proven success selling to large National Specialty Accounts, including gift shops, department stores, off price retailers, and other specialty customers
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities
• Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; comfortable with CRM tools and online sales platforms

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Housewares, or Wine & Spirits industry
• Trade show experience and comfort representing a brand in public-facing events
• Background in high-growth environments where creativity and adaptability were key to success

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in national account management, with a strong focus on the specialty retail space and a data-driven approach to sales strategy.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000 per year, with quarterly bonus opportunities

Benefits:

• 40% employee discount
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Gym benefits
• Large supplemental insurance offerings
• FSA General Purpose Healthcare and Dependent care
• Growth and development opportunities
• Excellent work/life balance
• Accrue 15+ days of PTO per year
• 8 Paid Holidays per year
• Company events

Working Hours: Full-time, with an expectation of being in the office at least two days per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for national account management roles in the specialty retail space, with consideration for the candidate's experience level and the company's size and success.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: True Brands is a leading designer and supplier of beverage lifestyle accessories worldwide, operating in the Manufacturing industry

Company Size: True Brands has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: True Brands was founded in 2004, with nearly two decades of experience in the beverage accessories industry

Company Description:

• True Brands is anchored by an innovative, future-driven product development team
• The company offers the very best on-trend products and branding at the best prices on the market
• True Brands is committed to providing the finest customer service in the industry

Company Specialties:

• Beverage lifestyle accessories
• Product development and design
• Sales and marketing strategies
• Customer service and support

Company Website: http://www.truebrands.com

ASSUMPTION: True Brands is a well-established company with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction in the beverage accessories industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring a balance of strategic planning and tactical execution

Reporting Structure: The National Key Account Sales Manager reports directly to the Vice President of Sales

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of being in the office at least two days per week

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a senior sales management role or other leadership positions within the company
• Expansion of responsibilities to include additional product categories or geographic regions
• Development of skills and expertise in areas such as strategic planning, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within a dynamic and expanding company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: True Brands' headquarters is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and productivity

Office Location(s): 154 N 35th St, Seattle, Washington 98103, US

Geographic Context:

• Seattle is a vibrant, tech-centric city with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability
• The city offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and culinary experiences
• Seattle has a mild, marine climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers

Work Schedule: Full-time, with an expectation of being in the office at least two days per week

ASSUMPTION: True Brands' headquarters provides a modern, collaborative work environment in a vibrant, innovative city with a strong focus on work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
• In-depth behavioral interview with the hiring manager and a member of the sales team
• Final interview with the Vice President of Sales
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales strategy development and execution
• Customer relationship management
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Communication and presentation skills
• Adaptability and problem-solving

Application Tips:

• Highlight your proven track record in national account management, with a focus on the specialty retail space
• Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant skills and experiences, using industry-specific keywords
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments
• Research True Brands' company culture and values to ensure a strong fit
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your enthusiasm for the role and reiterate your qualifications

ATS Keywords: National Account Management, Specialty Retail, Sales Strategy, Customer Relationship Management, Data Analysis, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, CRM Tools, Online Sales Platforms

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the position through a thorough interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Workspace
• CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM)
• Online sales platforms (e.g., Shopify, Magento)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, Tableau)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in a range of tools and technologies to support sales strategy development, customer relationship management, and data analysis.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: True Brands encourages creativity and continuous improvement in all aspects of the business
• Quality: The company is committed to delivering the very best on-trend products and branding at the best prices on the market
• Customer Focus: True Brands prioritizes the needs and satisfaction of its customers above all else

Work Style:

• Collaborative: True Brands fosters a culture of teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
• Dynamic: The company operates in a fast-paced, ever-changing industry, requiring adaptability and flexibility
• Customer-centric: True Brands prioritizes the needs and satisfaction of its customers above all else

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
• Are you comfortable representing a brand in public-facing events, such as trade shows and sales meetings?
• Do you have a proven track record of building and maintaining strong customer relationships?

ASSUMPTION: True Brands values candidates who are innovative, adaptable, and customer-focused, with a strong work ethic and a collaborative mindset.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role requires a balance of strategic planning and tactical execution, which can be demanding at times
• Travel requirements (15-20% of the time) may present challenges for candidates with personal or family commitments
• The role involves working with a diverse range of customers, each with unique needs and expectations, which can be challenging to manage
• The role requires a strong focus on data-driven decision making, which can be time-consuming and detail-oriented

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require a balance of strategic thinking, tactical execution, and strong customer relationship management skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions in its focus on the specialty retail channel, requiring a deep understanding of unique customer needs and preferences
• Compared to other sales management roles, this position places a greater emphasis on strategic planning and customer relationship management
• Career paths for this role may include advancement to senior sales management or other leadership positions within the company

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to drive sales growth and customer satisfaction in the specialty retail channel, with opportunities for career advancement and development within a dynamic and expanding company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a tailored sales strategy for a national specialty retailer, focusing on optimizing product placement and merchandising solutions
• Collaborating with the marketing team to create a compelling seasonal promotion for a regional off-price retailer, driving increased sales and customer engagement
• Partnering with the warehouse team to ensure smooth execution of a large-scale order for a department store, resulting in high levels of customer satisfaction

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and collaborative opportunities available in this role, requiring a balance of strategic planning, tactical execution, and strong customer relationship management skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's approach to strategic planning and execution in the specialty retail channel?
• How does the sales team collaborate with other departments, such as marketing and design, to develop customized programs for key customers?
• What are the key challenges and opportunities facing the specialty retail channel, and how does the company plan to address them?
• How does the company support the growth and development of its employees, particularly in sales management roles?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does that manifest in this role?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions help candidates better understand the company's approach to strategic planning, collaboration, and employee development, ensuring a strong fit for the role and the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience in national account management, with a focus on the specialty retail space
• Prepare a cover letter that emphasizes your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role
• If applicable, prepare examples or a portfolio showcasing your past successes in sales strategy development and execution
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to reiterate your qualifications and express your enthusiasm for the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.