Account Manager - Specialty Retail

Launched in 2014 by former philosophy professor David Barnett, PopSockets is a global digital-lifestyle company that sells empowering, fun, and expressive products that improve people’s digital lives. PopSockets has sold close to 300 million of its iconic phone grips in 75 countries and now has an expanding ecosystem of related products, including phone cases, wallets, mounts, batteries, and chargers. 

Our mission is to empower enhanced mobile functionality, self-expression, and authentic human connection. We imagine an Eternal Positivity Machine that sparks joy, creativity, and meaningful relationships. We bring this vision to life by upholding the highest standards in materials, packaging, logistics, and design—while ensuring our supply chain and labor practices remain ethical, responsible, and transparent. 

In 2021, PopSockets was honored as one of Fast Company’s World's Most Innovative Companies.

We are seeking a highly driven, detail-oriented account manager to manage and grow the company’s Specialty Channel portfolio, including Department Stores, Book/Toy/Fandom Retail, and Promo & Closeout partners. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Strategic Specialty & Licensing, this position will act as the main point of contact for a prescribed book of business while supporting broader channel initiatives, communications, and daily operations. The primary responsibility of the Account Manager will be to nurture client relationships by understanding their needs, developing strategic accounts plans, negotiating contracts for new businesses, and ensuring the highest level of customer service to enable long-term revenue growth and retention. As a key contributor within our most strategic sales channel, this role will need to be a strong collaborator that possesses equally strong communication skills to drive transparency across all stakeholders in strategic development and solution creation. Lastly, this role requires a self-starting strategic thinker with a drive to win and a sense of urgency to compete in the fast-paced consumer products industry.

• Account Leadership & Relationship Management:
• Serve as the primary owner for all Specialty Retail accounts, including department stores, pop culture retailers, book/toy chains, and promo/closeout buyers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across buying, planning, supply chain, and marketing teams.
• Develop joint business plans (JBPs) and quarterly/seasonal strategies tailored to each retailer’s unique format and shopper base.

• Sales Planning & Business Growth:
• Own revenue forecasting, opportunity sizing, and performance analysis for each account.
• Drive new distribution expansion opportunities across categories and sub-classifications.
• Manage seasonal pitches, category reviews, product previews, and promotional negotiations.
• Identify white-space opportunities for limited editions, fandom tie-ins, or exclusive product collaborations.
• Manage external partners, including outside sales agencies and promotional suppliers to unlock growth opportunities.

• Operations & Merchandising Execution:
• Ensure flawless item setup, content accuracy, packaging readiness, and in-store merchandising execution in collaboration with Sales Operations and Marketing.
• Track inventory levels, replenishment performance, and sell-through trends; proactively address risks ranging from stock-outs to slow-moving SKUs.
• Manage order flow, PO accuracy, and shipping timelines across a highly varied retailer base with the support of the Sales Operations team.

• Promo & Closeout Channel Management:
• Manage relationships with off-price and closeout partners to monetize aged inventory responsibly while protecting brand integrity.
• Develop sell-down strategies and timing in coordination with Finance, Planning, and Operations.
• Ensure compliance with channel segmentation, pricing guardrails, and distribution policies.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Partner with Marketing on account-specific campaigns, retail storytelling, in-store displays, and seasonal marketing alignment.
• Collaborate with Product teams on line architecture, retailer exclusives, and product innovation opportunities.
• Work with Finance and Operations to optimize margins, freight planning, and demand forecasting accuracy.

• Reporting & Insights:
• Deliver weekly, monthly, and quarterly performance updates, highlighting KPIs, risks, and growth opportunities.
• Leverage industry trends, pop culture/fandom insights, and competitive analysis to shape account strategies.
• Monitor promotional effectiveness and provide post-mortem insights to inform future planning.

• 3–5+ years of experience in account management, retail partnerships, or CPG/consumer products sales
• Experience with Book/Toy/Fandom channels, Corporate Promo, and Closeout business is strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or equivalent work experience
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, present, and influence multiple levels of an organization
• Ability to manage diverse account types with different needs, calendars, and operating structures
• Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Must be a self-starter that shows ownership and commitment to the job
• Highly versed in Microsoft Office Suite with specific emphasis in Excel & PowerPoint.  Comfortable with G-Suite platform
• Action-oriented and flexible mindset to drive impact in a fast-paced, rapidly changing growth environment
• Sense of humor, personal integrity, and appreciation for the power of teamwork
• Ability to travel domestically up to 30%

PopSockets is dedicated to the practice of equal opportunity employment. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of age, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, color, creed, ancestry, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment based on any of these protected classes. Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct which has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s work performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive, unsafe or otherwise non-welcoming work environment. This policy applies to all employees, including managers, supervisors, co-workers; and non-employees such as customers, clients, vendors, consultants, etc.