Key Account Manager

Key Account Manager

Location: Glendale Heights, IL

Industry: Manufacturing

Role type: Onsite

Reports To: Director of Sales / Commercial Director

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Key Account Manager to manage and grow strategic customer relationships within a manufacturing environment. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for key clients, ensuring exceptional service, long-term partnership development, and revenue growth.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience working within a manufacturing business and understand the complexities of production timelines, supply chain coordination, operational capabilities, and customer expectations. This role requires a strong balance of relationship management, commercial acumen, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and develop relationships with key customer accounts to drive long-term business growth
• Act as the primary liaison between customers and internal departments including operations, production, supply chain, quality, and customer service
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve account penetration, and expand product offerings within existing accounts
• Lead customer meetings, business reviews, and commercial negotiations
• Develop account strategies and growth plans aligned with company objectives
• Coordinate forecasts, demand planning, and production requirements to ensure customer expectations are met
• Resolve customer issues proactively while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction
• Monitor market trends, customer activity, and competitor developments within the manufacturing sector
• Maintain accurate CRM records, sales forecasts, and reporting metrics
• Support contract negotiations, pricing discussions, and commercial agreements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field preferred
• 3+ years of Key Account Management, Account Management, or Business Development experience within a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production processes, and supply chain coordination
• Experience managing large or strategic customer accounts
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Experience

• Experience within packaging, cosmetics, personal care, food manufacturing, chemical manufacturing, or related industrial sectors
• Background working with OEMs, contract manufacturing, or high-volume production environments
• Experience handling complex customer programs and multi-site accounts

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus structure
• Career growth opportunities within a growing manufacturing organization
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Collaborative and fast-paced work environment
• Opportunity to work with strategic customers and industry-leading products