Distributor Account Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Associate Account Manager is an operationally focused member of the account team who supports client onboarding, account maintenance, reporting, and issue resolution. This role works closely with Account Managers and Account Executives, operations, billing, and all other internal teams to ensure accurate setup and smooth day-to-day service for assigned clients. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and able to balance customer service with data-driven tasks. This entry-to-mid-level role is perfect for a professional eager to learn the produce distribution industry, build client relationships, and contribute to revenue goals. 

Who are we?

The Buyer's Edge Platform Fresh Division is an entity comprised of Fresh Concepts, Produce Alliance, Fresh Alliance & Fresh Services with over 35 years of produce management solutions. The Fresh Division provides fresh produce category management services, procurement and contracting, national distribution, freight management, k-12 solutions, technology services, and food safety assurance to food service clients across North America, the Caribbean and beyond. The Fresh Division has a national footprint of over 125+ industry leading distributors in North America, and partnerships with the most premier grower shippers.

This position is remotely based, with anticipated travel 1-2 times per year. We are unable to offer work sponsorship for this role. 

Your impact:

•    Assist with onboarding new clients: gather required information, populate systems and order guides, and coordinate internal resources.
•    Maintain and update client order guides, product mappings, and SKU data to ensure accurate ordering and billing.
•    Support Account Managers and Account Executives by preparing client reports, consolidating data, and summarizing insights for reviews and meetings.
•    Monitor client accounts for issues (pricing discrepancies, missing invoices, short pays, mapping errors) and either resolve or escalate to the appropriate team.
•    Process routine data tasks: data entry, spreadsheet cleanup, file imports/exports, and basic data normalization.
•    Respond to client inquiries in a timely and professional manner (email/phone/teams), and coordinate follow-up actions with internal teams.
•    Use CRM (e.g., Salesforce) to log activity, track requests, and update account information.
•    Help manage claims and exceptions by collecting documentation, entering details, and tracking resolution progress.
•    Participate in cross-functional projects to improve onboarding speed, data quality, and operational efficiency.
•    Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying repetitive tasks that can be automated or streamlined.
•    Analyze market intel (e.g., USDA pricing, weather impacts) to provide insights to clients and internal teams.
•    Identify upsell/cross-sell opportunities by analyzing client purchasing history and market data.

About you:

•    1-2 years of experience in customer service, account support, or similar role; industry experience in foodservice, distribution, or produce is a plus.
•    Proficiency with Google Sheets/Excel (data entry, filters, basic formulas) and comfortable working with data.
•    Experience with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) or willingness to learn.
•    Strong verbal and written communication skills.
•    High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
•    Comfortable working with multiple internal teams and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
•    Customer- first mindset with professional phone/email etiquette
•    Problem solver who escalates appropriately and follows through
•    Self starter able to manage tasks independently and ask for guidance when needed
•    Analytical thinker with the ability to work with data and spot discrepancies
•    Collaborative and positive team player with strong interpersonal skills
•    Proactive attitude and willingness to learn and adapt quickly

What's in this for you?

Amazing coverages to start. Medical, dental, and vision coverages are just the beginning! We also offer ancillary plans, such as flexible spending accounts for both health and dependent care, critical illness, accident, and voluntary life as well as company paid life! On top of this, we also offer a 401(k) plan with company match.