Management & Leadership Jobs in Hickory, NC (Now Hiring) — 5 open

• Health/Rx
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Paid sick time
• Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
• Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
• Holiday pay for company designated holidays

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

The Account Manager leads, develops, and guides the team while partnering closely with Merchandising Directors and Category Managers to support key customers across the East and Southeast regions. A central focus of this role is driving sustainable, profitable volume growth. Responsibilities include executing strategic sales initiatives and ensuring the team consistently delivers on priorities at the customer, regional, and organizational levels.

Success in this position relies on building and leveraging strong relationships with customers, suppliers, broker partners, and cross-functional teams at KeHE. Performance will ultimately be measured by profitable sales growth and strengthened customer partnerships. As with all roles at KeHE, actions and decisions are expected to align with the company’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

• Leads the execution of strategic merchandising, marketing, and category plans in partnership with Merchandising Directors and Category Managers.
• Drives growth through analytical, fact‑based selling, expanding assortment, building and executing promotional strategies, and ensuring flawless in‑store execution.
• Develops, evaluates, and executes account‑specific sales plans, including identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
• Ensures strong financial controls are in place to monitor investments, trade spending, and sales‑related expenses impacting the P&L.
• Builds productive relationships with suppliers and broker partners to strengthen customer collaboration and accelerate item and promotional performance.
• Maintains a deep understanding of competitive activity in the market and provides strategic recommendations to protect and grow the business.
• Operates with urgency and accountability in managing projects, requests, and deadlines.
• Collaborates with cross‑functional KeHE teams to uncover and lead new opportunities, support company initiatives, and demonstrate category leadership through data‑driven insights.
• Partners with Supply Chain teams to ensure efficiency, compliance, and expected service levels.
• Ensures adherence to established company policies and procedures within the assigned sales area.
• Willing and able to travel up to 25%, with flexibility to work evenings or weekends as needed for shows or store events.
• Expected to participate in KeHE Shows and facilitate MDI Shows.

• 4-year Bachelor's Degree in Business
• Minimum five (5) years' experience in sales of grocery products to chain accounts.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

• Supervisory or management role within industry to include customer facing responsibilities preferred.  

• Able to develop and deliver multi-mode verbal and written communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.  

• Able to focus on highest priorities, lay out a thorough schedule for achieving objectives, develop implementation plans and contingency plans.  

• Exhibits initiative, able to decisively act in unpredictable situations, and able to spot and seize opportunities.  

• Models’ high standards of honesty and integrity with self, co-workers, and direct reports.  

• Knows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done with a focus on continuous improvement.  

• Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.  

• Creates a climate where people are motivated to do their best and help the organization achieve its objectives.  

• Able to build teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.  

• Steps up to address difficult issues and has the courage to be a voice. 

• Able to interpret and apply understanding of key financial indicators and data to make solid business decisions.  

• Able to make sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.  

• Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.  

Qualifications / Additional Skills / Aptitude:

• Working knowledge of and literacy in computer software, including but not limited to Microsoft Excel (advanced), Microsoft Word, PowerPoint
• Problem Solving and Negotiation Skills
• Written and Verbal Communication Skills
• Business Planning, Strategic Thinking and Analysis
• Management of Direct Reports
• Knowledge of SPINS, Circana, Neilson