Key Account Manager - Specialty Sales

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is seeking a strategic, results-oriented Key Account Manager to join their Specialty Sales team. This role focuses on driving revenue growth across a diverse portfolio of national and regional specialty retailers and wholesalers by developing sales strategies and building long-term customer partnerships.

Responsibilities:

• Own revenue and distribution goals for an assigned portfolio of specialty retail and wholesale accounts
• Develop and execute strategic account plans that drive sales growth, expand distribution, and strengthen customer partnerships
• Identify and cultivate new business opportunities across specialty retail channels, opening new doors and expanding existing relationships
• Manage sales forecasts and business plans for assigned accounts
• Analyze sales performance, customer trends, and market opportunities to develop actionable account strategies
• Partner with customers to create customized assortments and merchandising opportunities that maximize sales performance
• Present seasonal assortments, sales insights, and business reviews to customers and internal stakeholders
• Build and maintain strong relationships with buyers, category managers, and key decision-makers across national and regional accounts
• Collaborate closely with Editorial, Marketing and Custom Publishing to execute customer initiatives and support new title sales
• Monitor competitive activity, consumer trends, and marketplace dynamics, sharing insights that influence sales strategies and product development

Requirements:

• 7+ years of experience in key account management, national account sales, specialty retail, or business development
• Proven success managing retail accounts and achieving revenue goals
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to influence customers and retail/wholesale buyers
• Proven ability to develop strategic account plans that deliver measurable sales growth
• Excellent analytical skills with experience using sales data to identify trends and business opportunities
• Strong presentation, negotiation, and communication skills
• Highly organized with exceptional project management and follow-through
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and CRM or sales reporting tools
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for growing existing business while identifying new business opportunities
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities
• Willingness to travel regularly for customer meetings and industry trade shows
• Experience within publishing, gift, specialty retail, consumer products, or adjacent industries