Associate Account Manager

Location: Springfield, MO (Hybrid with weekly regional travel throughout Missouri, such as St. Louis & Kansas City, along with northwest Arkansas).

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: Base salary around $58,000 with opportunity to earn additional variable compensation related to sales goals

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, company-matched 401(k), paid time off, competitive compensation, company-issued vehicle, and much more

About Us:

At Nelson-Jameson, we've been a trusted partner in the food manufacturing industry since 1947. We provide high-quality products and innovative solutions that help businesses maintain top standards in quality, safety, and compliance. As a family-owned company, we believe in accountability, teamwork, and growth—for our people and the business. We take pride in our close-knit, supportive culture where every team member has a voice and the chance to grow. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a team that works hard and stays optimistic, we'd love to have you join us

Job Summary:

The Associate Account Manager role is a hands-on, developmental opportunity for early-career or pivoting professionals eager to grow into account or territory management. In this field-based role, you'll support and help expand customer programs by ensuring the right products are in the right place at the right time, engaging with plant personnel on-site, and learning the full lifecycle of account management—from inventory execution to identifying new business opportunities. You'll partner closely with Strategic Account Managers (SAMs) and internal teams to respond to customer needs, prepare purposeful visits, and contribute to strategic growth.

We're looking for someone who is curious, service-minded, and adaptable—comfortable in food and dairy manufacturing environments, confident working independently, and motivated to learn. A background in inventory, customer service, or operations is helpful, and an interest in building a career with customers at the center is key. Regional travel makes up about 75% of your week, with 1–2 overnight stays on average and occasional national travel for team meetings or industry events. A company-issued vehicle is provided, and a valid driver's license, insurable driving record, and ability to fly domestically are required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support customer sites through on-site service, including inventory support, product labeling, and order coordination.
• Perform Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) tasks such as usage tracking, scanning, reporting, and maintaining accurate stock levels.
• Build strong customer relationships by serving as a reliable, in-person contact and responding promptly to needs or inquiries.
• Assist in the execution of strategic growth plans by preparing purposeful visits, identifying opportunities, and profiling accounts.
• Document interactions in the CRM and coordinate internally to ensure timely and complete program fulfillment.
• Shadow Account Managers to learn account lifecycle management and support expansion efforts across assigned accounts.
• Travel regionally (approximately 75%), primarily via day trips with 1–2 overnight stays per week; attend occasional trade shows or internal events.

Why Nelson-Jameson?

At Nelson-Jameson, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to grow and succeed within a family-owned company that values innovation, collaboration, and hard work. You'll be part of a trusted industry leader, working alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a difference.

As a golden rule company, we strive to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness. Our organization is committed to operating ethically and respecting people, our community, and the environment. With us, you'll become part of a hard-working team that takes pride in providing safe, high-quality food to communities around the world.

With Nelson-Jameson, you'll receive:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits with your choice of benefits to match your unique needs.
• 401(k) with company match
• Competitive Compensation: Base salary around $58,000+ with opportunity to earn additional variable compensation related to sales goals
• Established territory
• Paid time off at time of hire
• Annual allowance for company-branded clothing
• Annual Wellness Stipend & other wellness programs
• Company provided cell phone, credit card, and vehicle
• And much more

Qualifications & Skills:

• Required:
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience: Previous experience in sales, customer service, inventory, food or dairy manufacturing, or related field (this may include internships, part-time roles, or volunteer experience)
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with a passion for providing timely, attentive, and solution-oriented customer service.
• Independent, self-starter mindset with the ability to manage a territory and schedule effectively.
• Willingness to work in varying plant environments requiring applicable PPE to be worn.
• Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Office products, along with willingness and ability to learn new software such as CRM and ERP systems.
• Travel: Ability to travel approximately 75% of the time, primarily for daily regional visits around St. Louis, MO; Kansas City, MO; and northwest Arkansas, with an average of 1–2 overnight stays per week (up to 3 during busier periods) and occasional travel to other regions of the U.S. for internal meetings, trade shows, or industry events. Must possess a valid driver's license, an insurable driving record, and the ability to meet documentation requirements for domestic air travel.
• Preferred:
• Education: Secondary education in Business, Supply Chain, Food Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Years of experience: 1+ year(s) professional experience in customer service or sales-related positions.
• Familiarity with vendor-managed inventory and inventory management software, as well as related experience, is helpful.
• Familiarity with distribution or related business models or industries.
• Familiarity with the dairy, food, beverage, or related industries, OR production experience working in industrial food or other sanitary manufacturing facilities.
• Sales experience, especially in industrial food or other sanitary manufacturing facilities.
• Familiarity with CRM or ERP software.

How to Apply:

If you're ready to drive your career forward with a company that values hard work, safety, and excellent customer service, apply now on our career site

Nelson-Jameson, Inc. and NEXT Logistics, LLC. are Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.