[Hiring] Global Key Account Manager @Kemin

Role Description

Ready to drive the evolution of a global partnership? Kemin’s Pet Food & Rendering business is seeking an accomplished Global Key Account (GKA) Manager to lead our strategic partnership with one of the world’s largest pet food manufacturers.

• Develop and execute a global strategic account plan that drives growth, strengthens partnerships, and aligns with both organizations’ strategic goals.
• Responsible for ongoing market analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive threats, and new opportunities to inform joint strategy and innovation pipelines.
• Act as the primary regional and global relationship owner, managing senior-level customer interactions across procurement, R&D, marketing, operations, and sustainability teams.
• Position the company as a strategic supplier and innovation partner, not just a raw material vendor.
• Responsible for customer meeting management and coordination – annual senior leadership meetings, innovation summits, trade shows, recurring interactions with key customer contacts.
• Negotiate global commercial agreements, including pricing, supply contracts, and long-term collaboration terms.
• Build trusted relationships across procurement, technical, and commercial functions at the customer’s global and regional levels.
• Provide regular executive updates on account performance, market dynamics, risks, and strategic opportunities.
• Collaborate with Regional Account Managers in a team selling approach.
• Drive North America volume and margin growth through proactive pipeline management and contract optimization.
• This role will lead a regional account manager for several key North America customers.
• Travel up to 40%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Animal Science, Nutrition, or related field.
• MBA preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in strategic or global account management, ideally selling ingredients or raw materials to pet food or animal nutrition manufacturers.
• Proven success in global customer relationship management, contract negotiation, and cross-functional leadership.
• Strong technical understanding of pet food formulation, ingredient functionality, and quality/safety standards.
• Comfortable operating in a matrixed, international environment with global travel (up to 20% required).
• Must have and maintain an insurable driving record.
• Prior experience in managing sales projects to a successful completion.
• A high degree of energy and personal motivation, demonstrated project and time management skills, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office products and database development programs and the ability to train others in these systems.
• Excellent communications skills.

Requirements

• We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decision‑making, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
• We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process.
• Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview can email [email protected].
• A post-offer background check and drug screen is required. Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.
• Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus.

Benefits

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support: Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on-site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.