Key Account Manager Business Development - Atlanta, GA

RS Americas; Suwanee (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading distributor in Suwanee, Georgia, is seeking a Key Account Manager focused on business development. This role involves achieving growth within high-potential accounts by building strong relationships and identifying market opportunities. Key responsibilities include developing strategic business plans, conducting competitor analysis, and collaborating with internal teams. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in business development within the industrial B2B industry and possess strong negotiation skills. This position offers a chance to drive significant impact and growth for the company.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of previous experience in business development for a distributor.
• 5+ years of previous experience working within industrial B2B industry.

Responsibilities

• Identify market opportunities within the assigned market.
• Create strategic business plans aligned with company goals.
• Establish relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Analyze competitors for differentiation strategies.
• Provide sales forecasts and account performance reports.
• Negotiate contracts for profitable deals.
• Collaborate with internal teams to meet client needs.
• Develop strong supplier partnerships.
• Adopt a solution selling mindset focusing on client needs.
• Engage in continuous learning about products and services.

Skills

New business skills

Effective communication

Strong negotiation skills

Strategic thinking

B2B market experience

Problem-solving

Sales forecasting

Networking

Customer relationship management

Adaptability

Analytical skills

Sales tools proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Salesforce.com or equivalent

Job description

About RS Group

Across the industrial design, manufacturing and maintenance worlds, we’re the digital destination for product and service solutions to help our customers with the maintenance, repair and operation of their businesses. We provide global access to an unrivalled range of over 750,000 stocked industrial products. Each day our team of experts deliver solutions to resolve our customer’s challenges across design, procurement, inventory and maintenance. We consistently strive to deliver the best possible service to all of our customers and challenge ourselves to provide a seamless procurement experience.

We are one team. We deliver brilliantly. We do the right thing. We make every day better. These are our values. They unite our c.9,000 global colleagues and differentiate us from our competition. They are a mix of how we work today and how we must step up for the future. Most importantly, it is one set of values shaped by our people, for our people.

Together, we can make great things happen. Aim for amazing and beyond.

About The Role

Role Purpose

The Key Account Manager focused on Business Development (KAM-BD) is responsible for achieving outsized growth within their assigned account base. These customers consist mainly of high potential customers which currently have a lower share of wallet purchase history with RS. The KAM-BD must build and maintain strong relationships with the customer and will be the main point of contact for higher potential customer opportunities, working closely with an assigned inside sales support team.

Responsibilities

• Identify Market Opportunities: Stay updated on industry trends and identify potential growth areas and emerging markets within the assigned market
• Develop Strategic Business Plans: Create actionable plans to capitalize on identified opportunities, aligning with company goals
• Build and Maintain Relationships: Establish and nurture relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers within the high potential accounts
• Conduct Competitor Analysis: Analyze competitors to understand their strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies to differentiate the company
• Sales Forecasting and Reporting: Provide accurate sales forecasts and regular reports on account performance and market conditions
• Negotiate Contracts: Negotiate terms and conditions with clients to secure profitable deals while maintaining strong relationships
• Collaborate with Internal Teams: Work closely with the inside sales, customer service, technical solutions and other teams to ensure client needs are met and opportunities are maximized
• Develop Strong Supplier Partnerships: Work closely with key suppliers to provide products and services that deliver great solutions to solve customer needs
• Adopt a Solution Selling Mindset: Focus on understanding the client's unique challenges and needs, then tailor your sales approach to offer customized solutions that address those specific issues, rather than just pushing products or services.
• Engage in Continuous Learning and Development: Stay informed about new products, services, and market conditions to provide the best solutions to clients.

How I Make a Difference In This Role

The Key Account Manager focused on Business Development drives company growth by identifying and engaging high potential accounts. They build strong relationships, understand client needs, and offer tailored product and service based solutions. Key tasks include market research, competitor analysis, contract negotiation, collaboration with internal teams and accurate sales forecasts. They focus on customer growth and retention through upselling and cross‑selling. Continuous learning is essential to stay updated on market trends and new products. Their proactive, strategic approach ensures long‑term success and competitiveness for the company.

Org Structure

Reports to a Field Sales Manager. Member of a field sales team. Works closely with the inside sales team.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Skills & Experience

• New business skill to grow high potential customers
• Effective communication with customers, suppliers, and employees
• Strong negotiation skills to help win profitable business
• Strategic thinking to develop long‑term account plans
• B2B market experience and expertise within an industrial product category
• Problem‑solving to address client challenges with innovative solutions
• Sales forecasting to predict sales trends and provide accurate reports
• Networking to build and maintain a robust network of industry contacts
• Customer relationship management to foster and maintain strong client relationships
• Adaptability with the skills to adjust strategies based on market changes and client needs
• Analytical skills to analyze data to make informed business decisions
• Sales tools including CRM systems like Salesforce.com or equivalent

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience within the industrial automation and supply industry

Essential Qualifications (Must Be Evidenced At Offer Stage)

• 5+ years of previous experience in business development for a distributor
• 5+ years of previous experience working within industrial B2B industry
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Equal Employment Opportunity

RS Americas is an equal opportunity employer and maintains policies and practices that are designed to prevent and prohibit unlawful discrimination against any qualified employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other unlawful classification to the extent protected by law. This policy of non‑discrimination applies to all employment practices, including hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, training and termination. Employees who engage in unlawful discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.