REPORTS TO: General Manager 

Company Overview:

D&D Ingredients LLC, a premier contract manufacturer and ingredient supplier to the animal feed and pet food industries, is seeking a highly organized and proactive Key Account Manager, This role is responsible for developing and strengthening key account partnerships, driving strategic alignment, and coordinating cross-functional efforts to deliver value, enhance customer satisfaction, and support sustainable growth.

Position Summary: Full-Time

The Key Account Manager is responsible for driving revenue growth and managing strategic customer relationships within assigned territories. This role serves as the primary commercial point of contact between D&D Ingredients and its customers, ensuring strong alignment across sales and operations. The Key Account Manager is expected to proactively identify opportunities, expand existing accounts, and develop new business while maintaining a high level of customer service and market intelligence. The successful candidate must reside in either Ohio, Indiana or Michigan as these states will be the primary sales territories.

Key Responsibilities

• Function as the primary in-person contact for key accounts, partnering closely with customer service to ensure smooth, consistent day-to-day support.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and key influencers (feed mills, nutritionists, procurement, and operations teams).
• Understand each partner’s business, goals, and challenges to provide practical, value-driven solutions.
• Present and sell products using a consultative approach, supporting both existing customers and new opportunities.
• Develop and execute account plans to meet revenue and margin goals.
• Identify opportunities to grow within existing accounts through cross-selling and expanding share of wallet.
• Prospect and develop new business through networking, industry involvement, and customer referrals.
• Support customers and nutritionists at industry events, meetings, and educational forums.
• Stay connected to key nutritional resources and trends, bringing relevant insights back to customers and the team.
• Help position D&D as a trusted partner within the nutrition and feed community.
• Manage special order requirements from placement through delivery, ensuring accuracy, timing, and follow-through.
• Work closely with operations, logistics, purchasing and customer service to ensure product is sourced, produced, and delivered as expected.
• Communicate proactively with customers and suppliers on order status, timelines, and any issues that arise.
• Coordinate purchasing and customer service on needed pricing, contracts, and terms to align with company strategy and customer needs.
• Work with the credit team to stay aligned on customer activity, risk, and payment performance.
• Address questions, concerns, and issues quickly and professionally, ensuring resolution and follow-up.
• Maintain a high level of responsiveness and reliability in all interactions.
• Keep organized records of account activity, opportunities, and key contacts to support follow-through and planning (CRM system e.g., Zoho or equivalent as a tool system of record).
• Provide regular updates on account performance, pipeline, and market insights to leadership.
• Stay aware of market trends, supplier dynamics, competitive activity, and customers need to help guide strategy.
• Look for ways to improve service, simplify processes, and strengthen the overall customer and supplier experience.
• Step in where it is needed to keep things moving, especially during high-volume or time-sensitive situations.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in animal nutrition, agriculture, business, or a related field preferred. Equivalent industry experience will be considered.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of sales experience, preferably in B2B or agriculture-related industries.
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive results.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to work effectively across customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with customers, nutritionists, and suppliers.
• Solid understanding of consultative selling, with the ability to identify needs, provide solutions, and grow accounts over time.
• Ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities while staying organized and detail oriented.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting customer needs, production schedules, and market conditions.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a customer-first mindset and the ability to resolve issues quickly and professionally.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, basic analysis, and data organization) to support pricing, tracking, and decision-making.
• Experience in agriculture, feed, ingredients, or related industries, including sales, coordination, or customer support roles.
• Working knowledge of animal nutrition and a willingness to continue learning ingredient applications, product use, and market trends.
• Ability to think both operationally and commercially balancing customer needs with company goals.
• Valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record, with the ability to travel as needed for customer visits and industry events.
• Understanding that performance will be measured through key metrics, including sales revenue growth, customer retention, market expansion, and CRM compliance.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to navigate uneven terrain, walk through large-scale agricultural facilities, and stand for extended periods during site visits, plant tours, and industry events.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Frequent use of vision, including reading and close-up work.
• Regular use of computers, mobile devices, and phones to perform daily responsibilities.
• Frequent communication, including hearing and speaking in person and over the phone.
• Ability to maintain focus, make decisions, and manage multiple priorities throughout the day.
• Frequent interaction with employees, customers, and external partners.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in a variety of outdoor weather conditions and industrial environments, including active dairy farms, feed mills, and production facilities.
• Ability to work in environments with exposure to livestock, agricultural odors, dust, and loud machinery (with appropriate PPE provided).
• Flexibility to work outside of standard business hours as needed, including early morning site visits, travel across time zones, and evening industry or customer events.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• 401(k) program with employer match
• Opportunity for advancement in a growing organization
• Company vehicle for business travel
• A collaborative, team-driven work environment
• The ability to directly impact customer satisfaction and operational performance.

To Apply: Email a cover letter and resume to zach.ellsworth@jfs.ohio.gov with “D&D Key Account Manager” in the subject line.