About ZURU
ZURU is on a mission to disrupt across industries, challenge the status quo and catalyst change through radical innovation and automation advances. This is in play in different pillars of the company: ZURU Toys are re-imagining what it means to play; ZURU Tech is shaping a better future by leading the next building revolution; ZURU Edge is pioneering new generation FMCG brands to better serve modern consumers.
Founded in 2003 by EY Entrepreneur of the Year and World Entrepreneur Hall of Fame brothers Nick and Mat Mowbray, ZURU has quickly grown to a team of over 5000 direct and indirect members across more than 30 international locations.
One of the largest toy companies in the world, globally recognized and award-winning brands include Bunch O Balloons, Mini Brands, XSHOT, Rainbocorns and Smashers. Our global FMCG brands include MONDAY Haircare, Rascals, BONKERS, Gumi Yum Surprise, and more!
For more information, visit www.zuru.com
Position Overview
The Key Account Manager leads ZURU's high-growth partnership with Target, owning strategy and execution across Pet, Household, Confectionary, and emerging categories with full P&L responsibility. The role translates insight into action - shaping assortments, leading negotiations, and scaling winning brands. Past holders of this role have led the launch and early growth of brands like BONKERS and Gumi Yum. This role will manage a balance of inherited growing, existing brands, but with a robust pipe of new brands coming across these spaces. As the primary commercial partner to the Target buying team, the KAM operates with an owner's mindset, where initiative, accountability, and impact matter.
Position Impact
In the short term, the KAM drives immediate growth by executing on existing momentum, brand launches, and growth plans — through strong execution of retail strategies, merchant relationships, and promotional planning that expands space both in and out of aisle. In the longer term, by building a data-driven partnership with retail partners, the KAM positions ZURU as a category leader, driving sustainable growth and brand equity through strategic planning, NPD-guided innovation, and staying ahead of retail trends.
Roles & Responsibilities
Financial ownership – Drive and exceed all key sales targets and performance metrics for Target and Ulta across Beauty & Personal Care.
Strategic relationship management – Maintain close collaboration and overcommunication with retailer partners, co-developing category strategies that drive mutual growth.
Category leadership – Serve as a trusted category expert, providing data-driven insights to retailer partners to shape category direction and position ZURU as a key growth driver.
Cross-functional leadership – Champion business and category needs across internal teams, including NPD, Supply Chain, and Marketing, ensuring alignment and execution excellence.
Supply & demand optimisation – Partner with Demand Planning to exceed customer service level expectations while streamlining supply chain operations for maximum efficiency and in-stock availability.
Skills & Experience
Strong knowledge of syndicated retail data — Nielsen NIQ, Numerator, Target POL.
Direct experience managing Target relationships in an account manager or category management role (other major retail account experience considered, Target preferred).
Full P&L ownership and commercial negotiation experience with national retail accounts.
Track record of growing account scope, revenue, or responsibility in a previous role.
4-year college degree preferred, or equivalent account/category management experience.
Why ZURU is right for you
ZURU moves fast, thinks big, and sets ambitious goals. We're not your typical 9-to-5. Our teams are made up of talented people who enjoy solving complex problems, taking ownership, and continuously raising the bar. If you're excited by making a real impact, learning at pace, and being surrounded by people who challenge you to grow, you'll likely thrive at ZURU.
ZURU's approach to ways of working
We believe the best ideas come from working closely together. Our teams adopt an office-first mindset enabling fast collaboration, quicker decision-making, and stronger team connections. While flexibility may be available depending on the role, location and business needs, most positions are based in the office, where we can innovate, learn from one another, and move quickly as a team.
Get to know us a little better by checking out LIFE@ZURU on Instagram or www.zuru.com
ZURU – Reimagining tomorrow 🚀
Skills Required
- Strong knowledge of syndicated retail data such as Nielsen NIQ, Numerator, and Target POL
- Direct experience managing Target relationships or major retail accounts (Target preferred)
- Full P&L ownership and commercial negotiation experience with national retail accounts
- Proven track record of growing account scope, revenue, or responsibility
- Four-year college degree or equivalent account/category management experience
What We Do
ZURU is a disruptive and award-winning company that designs, manufactures and markets innovative toys and consumer products. Inspired by kids and imaginative play, ZURU is one of the fastest growing toy companies in the world and is known for their agility, creativity and new-age manufacturing techniques. The company that started in New Zealand now employs more than 5,000 staff across 18 offices, produces 600,000 toys a day and distributes to most major retailers in over 120 countries. ZURU has delighted millions of families all over the world with brands such as Bunch O Balloons™, X-Shot™, Rainbocorns™, Robo Alive™, Smashers™, 5 Surprise™ and Metal Machines™ as well as through partnerships with entertainment properties, including Nickelodeon, Disney, Universal Studios and DreamWorks. With a strong commitment to the community, ZURU supports Captivating International, local China orphanages and also student development programs in Asia and in New Zealand. ZURU will continue to pave new ways for kids to play and focuses on reimagining what this looks like every day.
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