Director, Strategic Accounts

About Us:

At Schylling, we create timeless moments of joy, laughter, and imagination for kids of all ages. Since 1975, we’ve been designing toys that spark creativity, inspire play, and bring smiles, whether through cherished classics or fresh innovations with a nostalgic twist. The Schylling portfolio includes iconic brands like NeeDoh®, LAVA® Lamp, Big Wheel®, Sea-Monkeys®, and many beloved classic toys, each crafted to encourage curiosity, discovery, and a sense of wonder. Join us in bringing play to the world!

The Director of Strategic Accounts is responsible for leading Schylling's account management strategy and overseeing key customer relationships to drive profitable sales growth, strengthen customer partnerships, and expand business opportunities. This role provides strategic direction and leadership to account management personnel and outside sales representative groups while maintaining direct involvement with major accounts and strategic customers. The Director works cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, and Supply Chain to align customer needs with business objectives, identify opportunities for growth, and ensure exceptional customer service and execution. This position plays a key role in developing account strategies, negotiating customer agreements, monitoring sales performance, and maximizing the long-term value of Schylling's customer relationships.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Schylling's account management function, ensuring strong customer relationships, profitable growth, and achievement of sales objectives.
• Oversee and develop key account relationships with major customers, serving as a senior point of contact for strategic accounts and complex customer matters.
• Lead, manage, and develop account management personnel and outside sales representative groups, establishing clear expectations, goals, and performance standards.
• Develop and execute account management strategies to retain existing customers, grow current business, and identify new revenue opportunities.
• Oversee the management of key accounts, including account planning, sales forecasting, customer performance, and business development initiatives.
• Establish and monitor key account metrics, sales performance indicators, and profitability targets, identifying opportunities for improvement and growth.
• Lead contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and customer agreements to maximize revenue and profitability while maintaining strong customer partnerships.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Supply Chain, and other departments to ensure customer needs and business objectives are met.
• Provide strategic oversight of customer initiatives and cross-functional projects involving pricing, product development, production, packaging, and shipping.
• Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitive opportunities to support business growth and strengthen Schylling's market position.
• Represent Schylling at major customer meetings, industry trade shows, and annual national sales meetings.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with customers and sales representatives at all organizational levels.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed, up to 30%.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Management, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in account management, sales, or business development, preferably within the consumer goods industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing major retail or wholesale accounts and driving profitable sales growth.
• Prior experience leading, supervising, or developing account management teams or outside sales representative groups.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic account plans and sales initiatives.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with sales forecasting, pricing strategies, profitability analysis, and contract negotiations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Self-starter with strong business judgment and the ability to operate independently.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%.

The base salary range for this position is $135,000 to $145,000 plus bonus. Offered base compensation within this range will be determined based on a candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographic location and other factors relevant to the scope and responsibilities of this role.

Schylling offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage with an 80% company contribution, company-paid life and disability insurance, PTO and at least 9 paid holidays, product discount, and a two-year cliff vesting 401k with weekly company match and eligibility after 30 days.