The Strategic Account Executive manages high-value retail partnerships, driving revenue growth through strategic negotiations and data analytics while serving as the key client contact.
Kafene is a leading point-of-sale financing partner dedicated to empowering flexible ownership solutions for underserved customers nationwide. By enabling our retail partners to offer flexible lease-to-own (LTO) purchase options for prime and nonprime consumers, Kafene helps merchants grow their customer base, and meet growing demand for furniture, appliances, electronics, tires and other durable goods. Utilizing more than 20,000 data inputs in tandem with cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies, our platform creates a best-in-class experience for both merchants and customers. With over $350 million in sales since inception, we are rapidly growing and looking to build out our team.
We take pride in fostering a dynamic workplace culture that values collaboration, innovation, and mutual support. Our team of 100 is spread between a NYC headquarters, a Wilmington office, and fully remote staff across the country. Last year, we were selected for Built In Startups to Watch and Forbes' Best Startup Employers.
The Strategic Account Executive will serve as Kafene's most senior client-facing representative, responsible for managing our highest-value retail partnerships and most complex client relationships. This role requires exceptional strategic thinking, unwavering integrity, and the ability to serve as a trusted advisor to executive-level stakeholders at our most important partner organizations. They will maintain ongoing stewardship of strategic accounts that drive significant revenue and brand value for Kafene. This position demands extensive travel, superior analytical capabilities, and the ability to synthesize complex market insights into actionable strategies for both clients and internal teams. The role serves as a critical bridge between our most valuable partners and Kafene's product, risk, and finance organizations, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation.
What you’ll do:
- Serve as primary executive-level contact for Kafene's most strategic merchant partners, managing relationships that represent significant revenue and reputational impact.
- Conduct executive-level business reviews with C-suite stakeholders.
- Navigate complex organizational structures and decision-making processes at enterprise-level partners.
- Drive revenue expansion through strategic contract negotiations, pricing optimization, and service enhancement.
- Identify and execute cross-selling and upselling opportunities within strategic accounts.
- Leverage advanced analytics to identify performance trends and pricing adjustment opportunities.
- Use data to proactively identify account risks and mitigate them.
- Benchmark partner performance against competitive landscape and macro trends.
- Serve as immediate response lead for critical account issues or relationship challenges, even on accounts that are managed by a Regional Business Consultant.
- Work with the Regional Business Consultant to develop and implement remediation strategies that preserve partner relationships.
- Conduct post-incident analysis and implement preventive measures.
- Synthesize partner insights to inform product roadmap and feature prioritization.
- Collaborate with risk management teams to optimize underwriting strategies based on partner-specific data.
- Work with finance and legal teams to develop pricing and contract structures for strategic accounts.
- Ensure all partner interactions reflect Kafene's values and maintain the highest standards of business integrity.
- Serve as escalation point for ethical concerns or compliance questions within the strategic account portfolio.
Who you are:
- Candidates must have lease-to-own sales experience
- 5+ years of strategic account management experience.
- Experience managing accounts worth $1M+ annually.
- Track record of revenue growth in existing accounts.
- Experience presenting to C-suite executives.
- Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced environment.
- Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred.
- Ability to develop and execute long-term account strategies that create mutual value.
- Advanced proficiency in presenting data to executive stakeholders (e.g. QBRs, program economics, etc.)
- Unwavering commitment to ethical business practices and brand reputation protection.
- Ability to navigate complex organizational politics and resolve sensitive issues.
- Thrives in fast-paced, evolving business environment with changing priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Extensive travel required (60-75% of time)
- Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to reliable transportation for urgent travel on short notice.
- Must be able to operate a motor vehicle safely, including getting in and out of a vehicle 6-8 times per day (Note: applicant must consent to and pass a motor vehicle record check as a condition of employment).
- Position requires physical capabilities including climbing stairs, lifting and carrying materials up to 50 pounds, and performing other essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Travel Requirements
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base Salary: Earn a competitive base salary ranging from $100,000 - $120,000 plus significant bonus for performance.
- Healthcare: We prioritize your well-being by covering 80% of medical, dental, and vision insurance costs. Additionally, we contribute 75% of the premium for your spouse and/or dependents.
- Retirement Benefits: Begin planning for your future from day one with our 401k plan.
- Paid Time Off: We understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer flexible paid time off days starting from day one of your employment.
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