National Key Account Manager

About Christian Art Gifts

Christian Art Gifts has established itself as a prominent leader within the Christian gift and publishing arena for over two decades. The company specializes in designing, publishing, and distributing premium-quality Christian-themed gifts, books, Bibles, journals, stationery, and inspirational products that aim to uplift believers and reinforce their faith by directing them towards Jesus Christ. Their offerings are available nationwide through various outlets including Christian bookstores, gift shops, independent retailers, church bookstores, national and specialty retailers, distributors, and international associates.

Position Overview

We are actively searching for a seasoned National Key Account Manager to strategically nurture customer relationships, bolster major retail alliances, and drive revenue growth among some of the most significant accounts across North America. This role is aligned beneath the Vice President of Sales and focuses on nurturing and expanding Christian Art Gifts’ most vital domestic customer partnerships, alongside uncovering new vital account prospects.

Primary Duties

• Manage and enhance relationships with assigned national and regional key accounts.
• Establish and maintain executive contacts with Buyers, Category Managers, Merchandise Managers, Vice Presidents of Merchandising, Purchasing Directors, CEOs, and business proprietors.
• Execute annual business and line reviews, as well as plan promotions and product assortments for accounts.
• Formulate targeted growth strategies unique to each account.
• Enhance customer retention and foster enduring partnerships.
• Identify and develop new national retailers, regional chains, specialty stores, distributors, Christian bookstores, and prominent independent retailers.
• Create tailored sales presentations to prospective clients.
• Negotiate pricing structures, promotional efforts, merchandising programs, and annual agreements.
• Spot opportunities for new product placements and category growth.
• Maintain a strong pipeline of strategic business prospects.
• Achieve set sales targets and profitability goals annually.
• Broaden product distribution and increase average order sizes within assigned accounts.
• Oversee the successful biannual introduction of 200 to 400 new product lines.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Product Development, Purchasing, Inventory Planning, Customer Service, and Operations to ensure excellent customer experiences and maximize account expansion.
• Represent the company at major industry trade shows and conduct frequent client visits across North America and international locations.
• Present new collections and seasonal product assortments directly to customers.
• Build and sustain strong customer relationships through regular, face-to-face meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Between 10 to 15+ years’ experience managing key accounts within the wholesale, publishing, gifts, consumer products, or Christian retail sectors.
• Proven track record of success in expanding national retail accounts.
• Strong skills in prospecting and business development.
• Experience selling to national chains, distributors, and major independent retailers.
• Confidence in presenting to senior executive leadership.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship cultivation skills.
• Robust analytical and forecasting capabilities.
• Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in CRM tools and Microsoft Office suite.
• Upholds personal integrity aligned with Christian values and has a passion for products that inspire and point people toward Jesus Christ.

Work Location and Travel

The company is based in Bloomingdale, Illinois, but this role offers remote work possibilities for a suitable candidate. The position requires approximately 50% or more travel throughout North America, including attendance at key trade shows and national sales conferences, as well as regular visits and executive business reviews with customers.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Performance-driven bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Reimbursement for business-related travel expenses.
• An opportunity to influence the expansion of a leading company in the Christian publishing and gifting field.

Success Milestones

• Increase revenue and expand product placements within assigned accounts.
• Establish new strategic retail partnerships.
• Enhance long-term customer retention.
• Successfully launch new product collections.
• Regularly exceed sales and profitability objectives.

Why Join Us?

Every product created by Christian Art Gifts is intended to encourage and strengthen faith while pointing people to Jesus Christ. This role offers a unique chance to partner with some of the largest retail businesses in Christian, gift, and specialty retail markets, helping to broaden the reach of products that positively impact millions annually.