Key Account Manager, Pulp & Paper (California)

Key Account Manager

Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company's product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the-art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 78 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over ~23000 professionals in >160 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2025 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree.

Are you a hands-on problem solver who enjoys building strong customer relationships while troubleshooting technical equipment and processes? We're seeking a Key Account Manager to support strategic paper manufacturing customers in the Southern California region. In this role, you'll serve as a trusted partner to our customers, helping optimize performance, maintain operational efficiency, and identify opportunities to deliver additional value through our products and services.

This position primarily supports two mills located in Oxnard and Ontario, California, requiring regular on-site engagement and weekly visits to both facilities.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the primary technical and commercial contact for assigned customer accounts.
• Develop strong relationships with mill leadership, operators, maintenance teams, and purchasing contacts.
• Conduct weekly site visits to New Indy Oxnard and New Indy Ontario to ensure customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and process-related issues and provide practical solutions to improve performance.
• Perform routine system inspections, maintenance activities, equipment evaluations, and product performance reviews.
• Monitor chemical treatment programs and make recommendations to optimize results.
• Identify opportunities to expand product utilization and increase value within existing accounts.
• Maintain account profitability through revenue retention, price capture, and gross profit improvement initiatives.
• Analyze operational data and trends to make informed recommendations to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with technical specialists and internal resources to resolve customer challenges.
• Provide leadership and guidance during customer projects, equipment modifications, and process improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records, service reports, and account documentation using company systems.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Paper Science, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred. Equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
• Experience supporting industrial manufacturing environments such as pulp & paper, packaging, converting, chemicals, water treatment, or related industries.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated equipment troubleshooting experience.
• Ability to learn technical chemical programs, production processes, and operational systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities with limited supervision.
• Strong customer-facing communication and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable analyzing data and using technology to support operational and business decisions.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly between customer sites.

What Success Looks Like

• Maintaining and growing revenue within assigned accounts.
• Improving account profitability through effective technical service and product optimization.
• Delivering exceptional customer service and becoming a trusted advisor to key stakeholders.
• Identifying and implementing solutions that improve customer operations and business results.
• Building long-term partnerships that drive customer retention and satisfaction.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to manage strategic accounts with significant impact on customer success.
• Highly visible role with direct exposure to customer leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Combination of technical problem-solving, relationship management, and business growth responsibilities.
• Collaborative environment with access to technical experts and industry-leading resources.
• Career advancement opportunities within a global organization committed to innovation and customer success.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Ongoing professional development and growth opportunities
• Generous paid time off including: vacation, sick days, and floating holidays
• Competitive base salary with bonus potential
• 401(k) plan with company match to help you invest in your future
• Company vehicle provided for travel convenience

We understand that candidates will not meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you.

At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people. That is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits which include medical, dental, vision & 401K, and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. So, if you are interested in working for a world-class company and enjoy solving complex challenges, whether in the lab or the field, consider joining our team.

Solenis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer, including Minorities / Women/ Veterans / Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Should you require assistance in applying to this opportunity, please reach out to Solenis Talent Acquisition at View email address on click.appcast.io

The expected compensation range for this position is between $80,730.00 and $118,404.00 plus discretionary bonuses. The exact compensation may vary based on your skills, experience and other factors permitted by law.