National Account Manager - Grocery

Job Description

Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is made—creating nourishing products with astounding ingredients and amazing taste. Founded in 2012 by Katlin Smith, our brand has redefined center-aisle grocery by delivering better-for-you products made with unique, nutrient-dense ingredients. Today, we’re a category leader and the #1 natural brand in multiple segments, with distribution in over 30,000 stores nationwide.

Now, as part of Flowers Foods, we’re entering an exciting new phase of growth—expanding our reach, accelerating innovation, and amplifying brand awareness, all while preserving the integrity of what makes Simple Mills special. Our commitment to using simple, high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite is both delicious and nutritious. Whether it’s watermelon seed flour in our cookies or butternut squash in our crackers, we craft our products with innovative, wholesome ingredients that deliver extraordinary taste.

Our work has been recognized by Fast Company as a Brand That Matters and a Most Innovative Company, and has been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Women’s Health, and NPR’s How I Built This. In 2024, Inc. named us one of its Best Workplaces, reflecting our dedication to fostering an inspiring and inclusive environment where passionate individuals can make a difference.

Join us as we shape the future of food. Learn more at www.simplemills.com.

Role Description

The National Account Manager, Grocery will play a pivotal role in accelerating revenue expansion and solidifying our presence. As the primary face of our brand to key customers, you must bring an unshakable passion for our mission-driven products and a deep commitment to excellence. We seek an experienced, strategic account management professional with a commanding understanding of the Grocery Channel, particularly in managing Kroger/Albertsons. The ideal candidate will have exceptional analytical acumen, business foresight, and the ability to proactively optimize a high-performance portfolio.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Sales, National Accounts, your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Account Management

• Serve as the primary owner of Kroger / Albertsons accounts, ensuring ambitious sales targets are met and surpassed.
• Drive market expansion by securing new distribution opportunities, refining pricing strategies, optimizing promotions, and elevating product placement across the Mass Channel.
• Develop and execute forward-thinking business plans, ensuring alignment with both customer needs and corporate objectives while maximizing trade budget effectiveness.

Sales & Business Development

• Craft compelling, data-driven sales narratives that not only drive sales but foster long-term retailer partnerships.
• Leverage syndicated data tools (Nielsen, IRI, SPINS) to uncover growth opportunities, translate insights into action, and execute winning sales strategies.
• Deliver persuasive, visually compelling presentations that articulate the brand’s mission, category leadership, and revenue-driving potential.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as the voice of the customer within the organization, ensuring strategic alignment between customer expectations and internal capabilities.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, including Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain, to design and execute impactful omnichannel strategies that drive sustained growth.
• Manage and maximize relationships with strategic broker partners, setting clear expectations and objectives to drive revenue and profitability in the Mass Channel.

Customer Relationship Management

• Cultivate and nurture strong relationships with buyers and key decision-makers, deeply understanding their strategic goals to position our brand as a category leader.
• Expand customer engagement beyond the buyer level, building cross-functional partnerships within retail organizations (Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance) to drive incremental growth.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, co-developing strategies with customers to deliver mutually beneficial business solutions and accelerate brand momentum.
• Performs other projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree required; MBA preferred.
• 5+ years of proven experience in a sales role within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry; experience in food CPG strongly preferred.
• Grocery account management experience is essential—Kroger/and or Albertsons account expertise is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing multi-channel sales strategies that fuel revenue growth.
• Highly analytical mindset, with the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights that drive tangible business results.
• Expertise in syndicated data platforms (Nielsen, IRI, SPINS) and a track record of utilizing insights to shape effective strategies.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to deliver high-impact sales narratives.
• Deep knowledge of food retail industry trends, best practices, and consumer behavior insights.
• Passionate about food, health, and wellness, with a strong connection to our mission and values.
• Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-oriented, thriving in a fast-evolving, high-energy environment.
• Ability to travel approximately 50% of the time.
• A personal connection to the Simple Mills mission and a fervent desire to improve the food system to help people and the planet thrive.

Working at Simple Mills  

At Simple Mills, we’re not just building a brand—we’re leading a movement that’s transforming how food is made and enjoyed. If you’re passionate about purpose-driven work and crave a role where you can have a meaningful impact, this is your chance to be part of something bigger.

Why Join Us?

• Be a Change-Maker
  Play a key role in redefining the food industry, crafting products that nourish people and contribute to a healthier planet.
• Thrive in a Mission-Driven Community
  Work alongside a dynamic team of innovators and food lovers who are committed to positive change and bold ideas.
• A Workplace Where You Belong
  We foster an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of our culture, ensuring that everyone can thrive.
• A Culture of Integrity and Impact
  We don’t just talk about doing good—we live it. Our team is committed to ethical practices, responsible sourcing, and making decisions that drive real, positive change.
• Grow with People-First Leadership
  Our supportive leadership team is dedicated to mentorship, collaboration, and your long-term success.
• Continuous Learning & Development
  Whether through hands-on training, innovative learning platforms, or career growth opportunities, we invest in your professional development.

At Simple Mills, you’ll have the chance to make an impact while working in a collaborative and inspiring environment. If you’re ready to shape the future of food, let’s talk.

Benefits

We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being, health, and overall quality of life. 

• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $120,000 to $140,000. 
• Performance-Based Bonuses: Eligible for a quarterly sales bonus tied to sales performance, plus an annual bonus based on individual performance.
• Comprehensive Health & Financial Benefits: Robust medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a 401(k) retirement plan to support your long-term financial security. 
• Work-Life Flexibility: Enjoy the freedom to thrive both professionally and personally with unlimited PTO, Live Full Fridays (where afternoons are yours to recharge), and a three-week sabbatical after five years of service—because we believe your best work happens when you have the time to rest and refocus.
• Health & Wellness Perks: Lifestyle stipends and exclusive product perks to enhance your well-being—because your health and happiness matter. 

We’re committed to taking care of our people—so you can focus on making an impact. 

Work Model at Simple Mills

Our work model is role-dependent and team focused. With remote, hybrid, or in-office positions, each role is classified by what best supports the needs of the team.

• Remote working may be considered for qualified candidates from a designated location in the United States (the new hire’s permanent residence, as documented in our HR System, Rippling) if willing and able to travel regularly to the Chicago office. Sufficient internet access to support video conferencing required.

At Simple Mills, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, past or present military service, physical or mental disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications. #LI-DNI 

Simple Mills is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Simple Mills will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@simplemills.com.