Account Executive - Welding & Industrial Gases

Account Executive - Welding & Industrial Gases

How will you contribute and grow?

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the unique perspectives of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders, and cultures across the world. We believe that a variety of backgrounds makes our team stronger and more innovative.

At Airgas, we respect, honor, and value diversity.

Airgas is hiring for an Account Executive - Welding & Industrial Gas sector in Shreveport or Monroe, LA!

We are looking for you!

• Monthly auto allowance
• Competitive compensation package to include a bonus plan
• 40%-50% travel with some overnights
• Comprehensive family benefits: Airgas offers a full benefits package designed to support your whole life, including medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Support for parents: We offer up to a 14-week paid child birth benefit to support growing families.
• Future security: 401(k) retirement plan with company match, tuition assistance, paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Early access: Your benefits start after just 30 days of employment

An Account Executive in the welding and industrial gases sector is a highly experienced and results-oriented professional responsible for nurturing and growing key client relationships. They serve as the primary point of contact for strategic accounts, advancing revenue growth by deeply understanding customer needs and providing comprehensive solutions across welding processes, industrial gases (including bulk and cylinder), and a full range of welding hard goods (equipment, consumables, safety gear). They strengthen Airgas' market position by identifying, developing, defining, and welcoming new metal fabrication partners.

• Identifies and welcomes new partners within the metal fabrication and industrial gas sectors by researching industry trends, attending events, and understanding the evolving market landscape.
• Leads the end-to-end sales process for new business (90% focus), from initial discovery and qualifying prospects to building alignment on pricing and product sale agreements.
• Navigates ambiguity and complex deal requirements by evaluating financials and aligning internal priorities to ensure a seamless fit for both the customer and Airgas.
• Develops engagement strategies that link a customer's unique business priorities to the Airgas value proposition, focusing on long-term impact rather than just pricing.
• Builds lasting connections by acting as the primary liaison for pricing, product delivery, and service inquiries, ensuring a high-level customer experience.
• Partners closely with District Managers and local sales teams to transition day-to-day service at newly signed accounts, maintaining the relationship during the hand-off.
• Mentors and supports local sales teams (10% focus), sharing insights and coaching them through complex sales cycles to elevate collective performance.
• Fosters professional communities and stays informed of industry insights and product mixes to remain a knowledgeable resource for both customers and internal peers.
• Drafts and aligns contracts that integrate customer needs with Airgas's operational capabilities and delivery schedules.
• Maintains transparent communication with leadership (AVP and Regional President) via Salesforce, providing consistent updates on territory analyses, work plans, and customer successes.
• Manages administrative responsibilitiesincluding sales proposals, credit terms, and expense reportingwith accuracy and a commitment to timely delivery.
• Prioritizes safety by meeting all prescribed safety procedures and rules, ensuring a secure environment for yourself, our customers, and the community.
• Collaborates with technical experts, including Airgas Specialists, ALTEC Engineering, and Advanced Fabrication teams, to provide sophisticated, multi-layered solutions.

Are you a match?

Required qualifications:

• Reliable transportation, current driver's license, minimum liability insurance as required by state of vehicle registration.
• We value diverse backgrounds: In place of a degree, we welcome the equivalent of 4 years of additional related professional experience.
• Bachelor's degree: Ideally in Business Administration, Sales & Marketing, Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Welding), or a related technical field.

Preferred qualifications:

• Advanced education: An MBA or a Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is welcomed and provides a strong foundation for strategic account management and future leadership.
• Professional certifications: We value candidates who have pursued specialized training. Certifications such as AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Certified Sales Professional (CSP), or other industry-recognized credentials are seen as a reflection of your passion for the craft and dedication to the industry.

Technical knowledge & application:

We are looking for a candidate who can navigate the technical landscape of our industry to provide the best solutions for our partners. Ideally, you bring familiarity with:

• Welding processes: Knowledge of various methods such as Arc Welding (SMAW, MIG/TIG, FCAW) and cutting processes (Plasma, Oxy-Fuel, Laser). An understanding of how automation and robotics enhance these applications is highly valued.
• Welding metallurgy: A foundational understanding of how different metals react to welding and the resulting properties of various weldments.
• Industrial gases: Familiarity with common gases (Argon, CO2, Oxygen, Nitrogen, etc.) and how different mixtures impact welding quality and material compatibility.
• Gas delivery & safety: Understanding of gas delivery systems (bulk tanks, cryogenic vessels, regulators) and a strong commitment to safety protocols regarding gas handling and storage.
• Equipment & consumables (hard goods): Knowledge of welding machines (inverters, multi-process), consumables (electrodes, filler metals, flux), and the essential safety gear (PPE) that keeps our customers and communities secure.
• Automation & robotics: Experience or interest in robotic welding cells and automated solutions to help our customers modernize their operations.

Your differences enhance our performance

At Airgas, we are committed to building a workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders, and cultures across the world.

We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.

About Airgas

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products; and a leading U.S. supplier of ammonia products and process chemicals. Through the passion and diversity of its 18,000 associates, Airgas fosters a culture of safety, customer success, sustainability, and innovation. Airgas associates are empowered to share ideas, take initiative, and make decisions.

Airgas is a subsidiary of Air Liquide, a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare. Present in 60 countries with approximately 66,500 employees, Air Liquide serves more than 4 million customers and patients.

Join us for a stimulating experience: At Airgas, you matter and so does the work you do. As a member of our team, you play an important role in the success of your team, making sure our products are created sustainably and delivered safely and efficiently. In turn, you'll find a welcoming workplace where you're valued for who you are and where you can fill your potential while growing a fulfilling career whatever path you choose.

Equal employment opportunity information

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Airgas, an Air Liquide Company is a Government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Airgas does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to the known disabilities of such individuals so as to ensure equal access to benefits and privileges of employment. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us by email at View email address on click.appcast.io.