Senior Account Manager

Senior Account ManagerWe make pet food taste great For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people. Our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. We know wagging tails, licking whiskers and empty bowls equal happy pets and happy pet parents. Join AFB and you'll be a part of a team of highly skilled professionals that provide the greatest contribution to our success as an organization. Our team members are diverse, creative, passionate experts who are genuinely dedicated to our mission, our customers, and the pets we serve worldwide.Job DescriptionAt AFB International, we make pet food taste great and we've been doing it for over 30 years. As the global leader in pet food palatability solutions, we help pet food manufacturers create products that pets love and owners trust. Our palatants are designed to enhance flavor, nutrition, and the overall feeding experience, contributing to the well-being of pets around the world.We're more than a supplier we're a collaborative partner and innovation engine for the pet food industry. Our diverse, passionate team is committed to driving progress and creating better outcomes for pets, pet parents, and our customers.We are looking for a high-performing Senior Account Manager to join our Sales team and help us build deeper customer relationships, unlock new opportunities, and fuel strategic growth.What You'll DoAs the Senior Account Manager, you'll be the trusted advisor and primary point of contact for key customer accounts. You'll lead strategic selling initiatives, uncover business opportunities, and ensure customer satisfaction while delivering profitable growth for AFB. You'll work cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, and Marketing to ensure we meet and exceed customer expectations.Key ResponsibilitiesCustomer Relationship & Business DevelopmentCultivate long-term relationships with decision-makers and key influencers at customer organizations.Identify customer needs and translate them into actionable business opportunities.Lead negotiations and drive account strategies to maximize value for both AFB and the customer.Develop strong, long-term client relationships to ensure high retention rates and uncover growth opportunities.Proactively identify and resolve customer issues and challenges to ensure high satisfaction.Drive business development by negotiating pricing, terms, and securing new client partnerships.Strategic Sales ExecutionOwn and implement AFB's strategic selling framework across assigned accounts.Develop and deliver compelling value propositions tailored to each customer's unique challenges and goals.Achieve or exceed sales targets, including revenue growth and gross margin objectives.Leverage Salesforce and data analytics tools to track account performance, identify trends, and present actionable insights.Manage sales pipeline effectively, support accurate forecasting, and create account strategies aligned with regional growth goals.Collaboration & Internal AlignmentPartner with internal teams (R&D, Technical Services, Operations, etc.) to align priorities and resolve challenges quickly.Participate actively in new product development efforts, providing customer insights and market feedback.Collaborate closely with marketing, product development, supply chain, and customer service teams to deliver seamless customer support and drive innovation.What You BringRequiredBachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field10+ years of progressive B2B sales experience, preferably in the manufacturing, food, or pet industriesProven success in account management and solution sellingStrong analytical skills and financial acumenAbility and willingness to travel up to 50%PreferredExperience in strategic selling methodologies (e.g., Miller Heiman or similar)Proficiency with Salesforce or CRM systemsFamiliarity with food manufacturing operations or pet industry dynamicsWhat Sets You ApartExcellent communicator with executive presence and the ability to influence across all levelsRelationship builder who thrives in complex, cross-functional environmentsStrategic thinker with a process-driven mindset and a passion for resultsCollaborative, team-first approach you know how to get things done while bringing others alongHigh level of ownership and a desire to make a measurable impactWhy Join AFB?Purpose-Driven Impact: Contribute to products that improve the lives of pets and pet parents around the worldCollaborative Culture: Work alongside passionate, diverse professionals in a supportive, team-first environmentGrowth & Innovation: Join a forward-thinking company that continually invests in its people, products, and scienceGlobal Reach, Local Feel: Make an impact across multinational markets while enjoying a people-first, family-owned cultureIndustry Leadership: Be part of a high-growth global company with a #1 position in North America's resilient pet food sectorLong-Term Stability: Backed by EBI, a privately held, professionally managed parent company with a strategic growth mindsetRecession-Resistant Industry: Thrive in one of the fastest-growing, most stable industries globallyCutting-Edge Facilities: Access world-class innovation assets including a state-of-the-art pilot plant, palatability center, and on-site labs that support collaboration and customer co-development