Account Manager

Vortex Freight; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly bonus

Phone allowance

Car allowance

Job summary

Vortex Freight Systems is seeking an Account Manager to maintain and grow a portfolio of house accounts across North America. The role is fully remote with required 60% travel to meet customers, and you must have a vehicle.

You will collaborate with Business Development, Customer Service, Operations and Finance to expand service offerings, improve retention, and ensure on-time communication and satisfaction for key clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• 1+ years of experience in materials, materials planning, logistics, or purchasing.
• Proven record of maintaining and expanding B2B relationships.
• Experience with Mexican customs and international trade regulations is highly preferred.
• Automotive experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Grow existing house accounts by identifying opportunities for expedited services, new lanes, and partial loads.
• Maintain monthly calls and a base of 20+ face-to-face meetings per month for relationship upkeep.
• Collaborate with CSD, Operations, and Finance to ensure seamless service delivery and pricing strategies.
• Travel to meet customers (60% travel) and conduct in-person visits regularly.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Networking

Presentation skills

Microsoft Office

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Travel readiness

EDI systems knowledge

Customer relationship management

Quoting/pricing understanding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration / International Trade / Logistics / Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

MS Office Suite

EDI systems

Performance reporting tools

Job description

Company Overview

Vortex Freight Systems (www.vortexfreight.com) is a growing 3PL company that delivers custom logistics and transportation solutions throughout North America. With a strong focus on service, innovation, and operational excellence, we are expanding our team to continue delivering top‑tier logistics solutions.

Job Overview

The Account Management Department is dedicated to maintaining strong, long‑term relationships between Vortex Freight Systems and our customers by delivering fast, efficient, and strategic solutions that align operational capabilities with evolving client needs.

The Account Manager is responsible for the overall satisfaction of the accounts including growth and retention. This includes identifying new business opportunities, strengthening client relationships, resolving issues efficiently, and ensuring seamless communication between customers and Vortex’s internal teams.

This position is fully remote and I am seeking individuals located in Location: Michigan (Detroit area), Indiana (Indianapolis) or Illinois (Chicago) and will require 60% travel to meet with customers as part of the role. This position will be Monday‑Friday 8:00-5:00 PM. You must have your own vehicle to meet with customers/clients.

Account Growth and Retention

• Work with the Business Development team to manage and grow existing house accounts by identifying opportunities for expedited services, new lanes, northbound freight, and partial loads.
• Ensure accounts receive full attention to foster long‑term loyalty and trust.
• Regularly identify threats (e.g., competitor activity, service issues) and collaborate with senior leadership to implement corrective actions.
• Schedule and conduct in‑person customer visits at least 3–4 times annually, with additional meetings as needed.
• Cultivate strong social and professional bonds with key decision‑makers.

Customer Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary liaison between customers and the Customer Service Department (CSD).
• Conduct monthly calls to all house accounts to assess needs and maintain presence.
• Maintain a minimum of 20 face‑to‑face meetings per month for account relationship upkeep.
• Develop a deep understanding of each client’s internal structure, including purchasing, logistics, and planning functions.

Account Administration

• Maintain an updated geographic directory for all accounts.
• Prepare and deliver On‑Time Performance (OTP) and Booking Compliance reports.
• Track expiration dates for all Long‑Term Agreements (LTAs) and initiate renewal processes proactively.
• Monitor route consistency; investigate and address service lapses.
• Manage claim resolutions and elevate persistent issues when necessary.
• Assist in collections for overdue accounts when required.
• Spend 50% of the time, or more, making in person visits with customers.

Cross‑Department Collaboration

• Maintain strong communication with CSD, Operations, and Finance to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Participate in operational meetings to share client feedback.
• Understand profit margins and quoting processes to support competitive pricing strategies.
• Working closely with sales team on Share of Wallet opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 1+ years of experience in materials, materials planning, logistics, or purchasing/procurement is a must.
• Proven record of accomplishment in maintaining and expanding B2B relationships.
• Experience with Mexican customs and international trade regulations is highly preferred.
• Automotive Experience is a plus.

Required Skills

• Reliable automobile to visit customers each week.
• Strong interpersonal, networking, and presentation skills.
• Ability to make prompt, informed decisions under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive, optimistic, and self‑motivated work ethic.
• Ability to travel as needed for client visits.
• Knowledge of freight forwarding, partial loads, and expedited freight services.
• An asset to have experience understanding of EDI systems and performance reporting.
• An asset having logistics and/or materials planning and purchasing for a manufacturing operation.

Performance Goals

• Maintain a 100% retention rate for assigned house accounts.
• Increase freight volume per account within Vortex’s service model.
• Position Vortex as the first choice for customer logistics needs.
• Maintain KPIs for all accounts.

Why Join Us?

• Offers a clear pathway to advance into Senior Account Manager roles and other management positions.
• Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward‑thinking team dedicated to optimizing logistics and operations.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the company.
• Supportive Culture: Work in a collaborative and supportive environment where your ideas and contributions are valued.
• Opportunity to grow with a fast‑growing logistics company.
• Collaborate closely with leaders across multiple departments and regions.
• Dynamic and collaborative team environment.
• Make a direct impact on the company’s growth and success
• Quarterly bonus plan. Account Managers are rewarded every quarter for maintaining and growing their book of business.
• We offer phone allowance and car allowance.