Key Accounts Executive

MSC Industrial Direct Co.,Inc.; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 38,724 - 60,852; Full time

Job summary

MSC Industrial Direct Co.,Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Key Accounts Executive to drive sales growth across DeKalb and surrounding areas in Illinois.

You will expand relationships, identify cross-sell opportunities, and manage accounts with revenues up to the $250K range, delivering on-site service and comprehensive account management. The role emphasizes customer retention, CRM-driven forecasting, and collaboration with internal teams to optimize pricing, service, and program

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of outside direct sales/service experience preferred but not required.
• 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.

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.
• Secure and submit 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

Outside sales experience

Technical aptitude

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

2–4 year college degree preferred

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Email

Job description

Key Accounts Executive

Employment Type: Full Time

Job Category: Sales

Work Location: DeKalb and surrounding areas

Territory covers: Huntley, Hampshire, DeKalb and Morris areas in Illinois.

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.
• Secure and submit 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.

Job Physical and Site Requirements

• 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 are representative of knowledge, experience level and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Compensation

Starting at $38,724 - $60,852 plus commission, depending on candidate location and experience.

The salary range represented is based on similar roles in comparable industries, and the cost of labor in respective cities. Actual compensation is based on the candidate's relevant experience, education requirements and peer pay equity. The Company reserves the right to modify the range as market conditions change.

Eligibility

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. MSC cannot sponsor employment visas for this position at this time.

Benefits

Alongside competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive benefits program to support you and your family's health, well‑being and financial future. We offer dynamic healthcare plans, generous 401(k) and stock purchasing programs, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and paid time away for holidays, vacations, and illness.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

At MSC, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and our associates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any category protected by applicable law. Accommodation requests can be made at any stage of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements known.

Please note that MSC uses electronic monitoring and system logs in its workplace, including monitoring of Company‑provided systems and collaboration tools, as permitted by applicable law.