Key Accounts Executive

MSC Industrial Supply Co.; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MSC Industrial Supply Co. is seeking a Key Accounts Executive to drive sales growth by expanding relationships with existing customers and identifying cross-sell opportunities within designated territories including DeKalb and nearby towns.

This role emphasizes account management, VMI services, on-site support, and collaboration with internal teams to deliver tailored solutions, retain clients, and maximize revenue across $25K–$250K portfolios.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 2–4 year college degree preferred.
• 2–3 years of outside direct sales/service experience preferred but not required.
• Industry experience (e.g., fasteners, chemicals, industrial maintenance supplies, electrical, food processing, manufacturing) preferred.
• Strong technical aptitude with ability to read and analyze technical materials.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve problems, develop action plans, and drive results.
• Excellent communication, presentation, listening, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email; able to adapt to PC-based order systems and handheld scanning devices.
• Strong organizational, time management, and basic math skills.
• High degree of integrity and ability to build long-term customer relationships.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and insurance as required by state law.
• Ability to work from a home office with personal computer and internet access.

Responsibilities

• Build and strengthen relationships with customers at functional and executive levels to ensure retention, satisfaction, and alignment with current and future needs.
• Develop and execute strategies to deepen penetration within accounts, expand revenue opportunities, and achieve sales and retention targets.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by delivering tailored, value-driven solutions that address customer priorities.
• Lead the implementation of major company programs and initiatives within assigned accounts.
• Process orders, scan and verify incoming shipments, stock inventory, and manage returns to ensure accuracy and smooth daily operations.
• Leverage CRM and account management systems to track sales activity, analyze trends, and ensure accurate forecasting and reporting.
• Partner with internal teams to deliver operational excellence and exceed customer expectations through strong service orientation and follow-up.
• Drive the setup and optimization of vending and VMI services at new or existing account locations.
• Collaborate with sales management to design competitive pricing strategies for non-contract customers.
• Monitor market trends, competitors, and emerging technologies to provide customers with forward-looking solutions.
• Prepare and submit timely, accurate sales reports that ensure alignment with management expectations.
• Secures and submits customer orders for processing utilizing ordering technology.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability that reflects company values.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and initiatives to support broader organizational goals.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Problem solving

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

2–4 year college degree preferred

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Email

PC-based order systems

Handheld scanning devices

Job description

BUILD A BETTER CAREER WITH MSC
Serving customers and our community starts with the best people doing their best work. That is precisely what we have created at MSC Industrial Supply Co. We are a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), products and services. We offer more than 2 million products and have over 80 years of experience across dozens of industries. We aim to execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise for all our stakeholders, including our associates.

BUILD A BETTER CAREER WITH MSC
Serving customers and our community starts with the best people doing their best work. That is precisely what we have created at MSC Industrial Supply Co. We are a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), products and services. We offer more than 2 million products and have over 80 years of experience across dozens of industries. We aim to execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise for all our stakeholders, including our associates.
Requisition ID :21131
Employment Type :Full Time
Job Category :Sales
Work Location :DeKalb and surrounding areas
Territory covers Huntley, Hampshire, DeKalb and Morris areas in Illinois.
Brief Position Summary
The Key Accounts Executive is responsible for driving sales growth by expanding relationships with existing customers and identifying cross-sell and upsell opportunities within key account locations. Managing portfolios with potential revenues ranging from $25K to $250K, the role emphasizes exceptional account management, collaboration, and execution of strategic sales strategies to acquire, develop, and retain clients in designated territories. Responsibilities include expanding sales through new account acquisition, deepening product penetration with a focus on VMI accounts, and delivering on-site service and comprehensive account management to maximize customer retention and sustainable growth.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Build and strengthen relationships with customers at both functional and executive levels to ensure retention, satisfaction, and alignment with current and future needs.
• Develop and execute strategies to deepen penetration within accounts, expand revenue opportunities, and achieve sales and retention targets.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by delivering tailored, value-driven solutions that address customer priorities.
• Lead the implementation of major company programs and initiatives within assigned accounts.
• Process orders, scan and verify incoming shipments, stock inventory, and manage returns to ensure accuracy and smooth daily operations.
• Leverage CRM and account management systems to track sales activity, analyze trends, and ensure accurate forecasting and reporting.
• Partner with internal teams to deliver operational excellence and exceed customer expectations through strong service orientation and follow-up.
• Drive the setup and optimization of vending and VMI services at new or existing account locations.
• Collaborate with sales management to design competitive pricing strategies for non-contract customers.
• Monitor market trends, competitors, and emerging technologies to provide customers with forward-looking solutions.
• Prepare and submit timely, accurate sales reports that ensure alignment with management expectations.
• Secures and submits customer orders for processing utilizing ordering technology.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability that reflects company values.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and initiatives to support broader organizational goals.

Qualifications

What You Need:

• High school diploma or GED required; 2–4 year college degree preferred.
• 2–3 years of outside direct sales/service experience preferred but not required.
• Industry experience (e.g., fasteners, chemicals, industrial maintenance supplies, electrical, food processing, manufacturing) preferred.
• Strong technical aptitude with ability to read and analyze technical materials.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve problems, develop action plans, and drive results.
• Excellent communication, presentation, listening, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email; able to adapt to PC-based order systems and handheld scanning devices.
• Strong organizational, time management, and basic math skills.
• High degree of integrity and ability to build long-term customer relationships.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and insurance as required by state law.
• Ability to work from a home office with personal computer and internet access.

Bonus Points If You Have

• Industrial or manufacturing segment experience preferred

Other Requirements

• A valid driver's license may be required.
• Capable of driving up to several hours per day to customer location(s) within an assigned territory or region is required
• Job requires visitation of customer sites, which have varying environments/conditions, layouts, and accessibility.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks (walking, bending, standing for long periods).
• Willingness to comply with customer safety and PPE protocols.

This position may require access to International Traffic in Arms Regulations Information (“ITAR”) and/or Controlled Unclassified Information (“CUI”)

• INDICATES ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully an associate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed