Key Account Manager

Job Description

Key Account Manager

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Key Responsibilities:

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Sales & Account Management

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• Manage and grow a portfolio of strategic accounts within the Energy markets.
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• Execute territory and account-level sales strategies aligned with Sterling’s revenue and margin goals.
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• Identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities through market research, networking, and direct outreach.
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• Lead pricing negotiations, proposals, and contracts with a focus on long-term customer value and profitability.
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• Build deep relationships with customer stakeholders at multiple levels—operations, technical, and executive.
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• Monitor and report on account performance, pipeline health, and customer satisfaction.
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• Prepare and present sales forecasts, quarterly business reviews, and strategic account plans.
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Technical & Solution Delivery

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• Collaborate closely with technical and product development teams to deliver fit-for-purpose chemical programs.
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• Support customer onboarding, field trials, performance optimization, and issue resolution.
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• Promote sustainable, efficient, and safe chemical solutions that align with operational KPIs and environmental targets.
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Strategic & Business Development

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• Contribute to Sterling’s North American go-to-market strategy and commercial roadmap.
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• Track competitive dynamics, market trends, and technology shifts to shape proactive commercial strategies.
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• Identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities across the broader Sterling product portfolio.
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• Stay informed on relevant U.S. regulations, industry certifications, and customer compliance standards.
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Operational Excellence & Collaboration

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• Maintain accurate sales activity and opportunity tracking in SAP and Microsoft Office Suite.
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• Work cross-functionally with R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Technical Services to ensure aligned execution.
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• Represent Sterling at industry conferences, customer events, trade shows, and internal sales meetings.
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Qualifications & Experience

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• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Business; equivalent industry experience also considered.
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• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in sales, account management, or business development in specialty chemicals, industrial water treatment, F&B, or mining.
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• Proven track record of managing complex, multimillion-dollar accounts and closing technical sales.
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• Experience with polyacrylamide/friction reducer and/or surfactant chemistries and treatment program design is highly desirable.
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• Proficiency in SAP, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
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• Strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills.
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• Self-motivated, accountable, and able to navigate a matrixed, fast-moving organization.
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Impact & Growth Opportunities

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• Be directly responsible for driving revenue and shaping Sterling’s regional commercial success.
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• Influence go-to-market decisions through real-time customer and market insights.
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• Grow into senior commercial, strategic accounts, or leadership roles as part of Sterling’s long-term talent strategy.
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The preferred candidate will live in Denver, San Antonio, Ohio/Pennsylvania, Houston