Key Account Manager (United States)

Key Account Manager

Key Responsibilities:

Sales & Account Management

• Manage and grow a portfolio of strategic accounts within the Energy 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/friction reducer and/or surfactant 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.

The preferred candidate will live in Denver, San Antonio, Ohio/Pennsylvania, Houston