Key Account Manager

Key Responsibilities:

Sales & Account Management

- Manage and grow a portfolio of strategic accounts within the Water Treatment, F&B, and Mining markets.

- Execute territory and account-level sales strategies aligned with Sterling’s revenue and margin goals.

- Identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities through market research, networking, and direct outreach.

- Lead pricing negotiations, proposals, and contracts with a focus on long-term customer value and profitability.

- Build deep relationships with customer stakeholders at multiple levels—operations, technical, and executive.

- Monitor and report on account performance, pipeline health, and customer satisfaction.

- Prepare and present sales forecasts, quarterly business reviews, and strategic account plans.

Technical & Solution Delivery

- Collaborate closely with technical and product development teams to deliver fit-for-purpose chemical programs.

- Support customer onboarding, field trials, performance optimization, and issue resolution.

- Promote sustainable, efficient, and safe chemical solutions that align with operational KPIs and environmental targets.

Strategic & Business Development

- Contribute to Sterling’s North American go-to-market strategy and commercial roadmap.

- Track competitive dynamics, market trends, and technology shifts to shape proactive commercial strategies.

- Identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities across the broader Sterling product portfolio.

- Stay informed on relevant U.S. regulations, industry certifications, and customer compliance standards.

Operational Excellence & Collaboration

- Maintain accurate sales activity and opportunity tracking in SAP and Microsoft Office Suite.

- Work cross-functionally with R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Technical Services to ensure aligned execution.

- Represent Sterling at industry conferences, customer events, trade shows, and internal sales meetings.

Qualifications & Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Business; equivalent industry experience also considered.

- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in sales, account management, or business development in specialty chemicals, industrial water treatment, F&B, or mining.

- Proven track record of managing complex, multimillion-dollar accounts and closing technical sales.

- Experience with polyacrylamide chemistries and treatment program design is highly desirable.

- Proficiency in SAP, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

- Strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills.

- Self-motivated, accountable, and able to navigate a matrixed, fast-moving organization.

Impact & Growth Opportunities

- Be directly responsible for driving revenue and shaping Sterling’s regional commercial success.

- Influence go-to-market decisions through real-time customer and market insights.

- Grow into senior commercial, strategic accounts, or leadership roles as part of Sterling’s long-term talent strategy.

Candidates must reside East of the Mississippi River.

- No agencies please.