Key Account Manager

Sterling Specialty Chemicals; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Specialty Chemicals is seeking a senior sales professional to manage strategic accounts in the Energy markets from Denver. You will drive territory and account-level strategies, pursue new business, and lead pricing negotiations to maximize revenue and profitability.

You will build relationships across operations, technical, and executive levels, monitor pipeline health, and deliver forecasts and strategic plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree as listed or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in sales, account management, or business development in specialty chemicals.
• Proven track record of managing multimillion-dollar accounts and closing technical sales.
• Experience with polyacrylamide chemistries and treatment program design is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of strategic accounts within the Energy markets.
• Execute territory and account-level sales strategies aligned with Sterling’s revenue and margin goals.
• Identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities through market research, networking, and direct outreach.
• Lead pricing negotiations, proposals, and contracts with focus on long-term customer value and profitability.
• Build deep relationships with customer stakeholders at multiple levels—operations, technical, and executive.
• Monitor and report on account performance, pipeline health, and customer satisfaction.
• Prepare and present sales forecasts, quarterly business reviews, and strategic account plans.

Skills

Strategic account management

Sales leadership

Negotiation

Market research

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Business

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

I'm looking for roles in Denver, San Antonio, and Northeast US.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and grow a portfolio of strategic accounts within the Energy markets.
• Execute territory and account-level sales strategies aligned with Sterling’s revenue and margin goals.
• Identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities through market research, networking, and direct outreach.
• Lead pricing negotiations, proposals, and contracts with a focus on long-term customer value and profitability.
• Build deep relationships with customer stakeholders at multiple levels—operations, technical, and executive.
• Monitor and report on account performance, pipeline health, and customer satisfaction.
• Prepare and present sales forecasts, quarterly business reviews, and strategic account plans.

Technical & Solution Delivery

• Collaborate closely with technical and product development teams to deliver fit-for-purpose chemical programs.
• Support customer onboarding, field trials, performance optimization, and issue resolution.
• Promote sustainable, efficient, and safe chemical solutions that align with operational KPIs and environmental targets.

Strategic & Business Development

• Contribute to Sterling’s North American go-to-market strategy and commercial roadmap.
• Track competitive dynamics, market trends, and technology shifts to shape proactive commercial strategies.
• Identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities across the broader Sterling product portfolio.
• Stay informed on relevant U.S. regulations, industry certifications, and customer compliance standards.

Operational Excellence & Collaboration

• Maintain accurate sales activity and opportunity tracking in SAP and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Work cross-functionally with R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Technical Services to ensure aligned execution.
• Represent Sterling at industry conferences, customer events, trade shows, and internal sales meetings.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Business; equivalent industry experience also considered.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in sales, account management, or business development in specialty chemicals, industrial water treatment, F&B, or mining.
• Proven track record of managing complex, multimillion-dollar accounts and closing technical sales.
• Experience with polyacrylamide chemistries and treatment program design is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in SAP, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills.
• Self-motivated, accountable, and able to navigate a matrixed, fast-moving organization.
• Be directly responsible for driving revenue and shaping Sterling’s regional commercial success.
• Influence go-to-market decisions through real-time customer and market insights.
• Grow into senior commercial, strategic accounts, or leadership roles as part of Sterling’s long-term talent strategy.