Account Executive

Sterling Engineering; Westchester (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering is seeking an Account Executive to drive growth in the Manufacturing & Industrial sector from Westchester, IL. The role offers a base of $70,000–$90,000 with total compensation of $100,000+ through uncapped commissions.

This is an on-site position with a future hybrid option. You will partner with leadership and recruiting to identify new business opportunities, develop strategic accounts, and deliver staffing solutions for manufacturers and industrial clients.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in business development, account management, or outside sales.
• Experience selling to manufacturing or industrial environments preferred.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Willingness to travel locally for client meetings.

Responsibilities

• Identify, prospect, and develop new manufacturing and industrial accounts.
• Build strategic relationships with operations, engineering, HR leaders.
• Develop target accounts, create sales strategies, and expand market presence.
• Lead business development activities through cold calling, networking, and events.
• Deliver staffing solutions with recruiters to meet client hiring needs.
• Negotiate, close, and meet sales KPIs and revenue targets.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure exceptional client delivery.

Skills

Outside sales

Relationship building

Prospecting

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Account Executive – Manufacturing & Industrial

Location: Westchester, IL

Base Salary: $70,000–$90,000 annually

Expected Total Compensation: $100,000+ (Uncapped Commission)

Schedule: 100% On-Site (Hybrid Opportunity in the Future)

Join an Award-Winning Team!

Sterling Engineering has been recognized among the top 2% of staffing companies nationwide for client and employee satisfaction for over seven consecutive years. We've also earned recognition for internal employee satisfaction, making Sterling an exceptional place to build your career.

We're looking for a driven, relationship-focused Account Executive to help expand our Manufacturing & Industrial business. If you're competitive, enjoy opening doors, and thrive on building relationships that turn into long-term partnerships, we'd love to connect!

WHAT ROLE WILL YOU PLAY?

As an Account Executive, you'll play a key role in the continued growth of Sterling's Commercial Division, focusing on building relationships with manufacturing and industrial companies. You'll partner with leadership and our recruiting teams to identify new business opportunities, develop strategic accounts, and deliver staffing solutions that help manufacturers meet their workforce needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys the hunt, wants ownership of their territory, and is motivated by unlimited earning potential.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Drive New Business: Identify, prospect, and develop new business opportunities within manufacturing and industrial markets.
• Build Strategic Relationships: Connect with decision-makers across manufacturing operations, engineering, production, maintenance, supply chain, and human resources.
• Develop Target Accounts: Build prospect lists, execute sales strategies, and identify opportunities to expand Sterling's market presence.
• Lead Business Development Activities: Generate opportunities through cold calling, networking, LinkedIn, referrals, onsite visits, and industry events.
• Deliver Staffing Solutions: Partner with recruiting teams to understand client hiring needs and provide tailored contract, contract-to-hire, and direct-hire staffing solutions.
• Grow Existing Accounts: Build long-term client partnerships, identify additional hiring needs, and expand business through referrals and relationship development.
• Negotiate & Close: Present staffing solutions, negotiate agreements, and close new business opportunities.
• Meet Performance Goals: Consistently achieve or exceed established sales KPIs and revenue objectives.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with recruiting and leadership to ensure successful client delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Stay Ahead of the Market: Develop an understanding of manufacturing trends, workforce challenges, and opportunities within the industrial sector.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 2+ years of previous business development, account management, or outside sales experience preferred.
• Experience selling into manufacturing or industrial environments strongly preferred.
• Background in staffing, recruiting, engineering services, or technical sales is a plus.
• Experience developing relationships with manufacturing leaders, plant managers, operations managers, engineering managers, and HR professionals.
• Strong prospecting, relationship-building, negotiation, and closing skills.
• Ability to understand technical concepts, manufacturing processes, and customer workforce requirements.
• Self-motivated, competitive, and comfortable working in a goal-driven sales environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel locally for customer meetings, networking events, and business development opportunities.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.

Industry experience in the following areas is a plus:

• Industrial Manufacturing
• Automotive & Transportation
• Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing
• Metal Fabrication & Machining
• Packaging & Consumer Products
• Electrical & Electronic Manufacturing
• Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

WHY STERLING ENGINEERING?

At Sterling, you'll have the opportunity to grow your career with an established, award-winning staffing organization while developing your own portfolio of manufacturing and industrial clients. You'll benefit from a collaborative team, experienced recruiting support, competitive compensation, and uncapped commission potential. If you're motivated by building relationships, winning new business, and making an impact, we want to hear from you!

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.