Sourcing Account Specialist

*GREAT LAKES INDUSTRIAL*; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Lakes Industrial is seeking a Sourcing Account Specialist based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. This role is pivotal, serving as a key liaison between our customers and internal teams to ensure exceptional service and problem resolution. We are looking for someone who is passionate about customer experience and can effectively manage multiple priorities to support customer growth.

The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor’s degree, have strong project management skills, and be proficient in CRM tools and Microsoft Office. Join us in delivering innovative solutions while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience also considered.
• Basic understanding of project management, customer experience, & vendor relations.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel and Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison for critical customer conversations.
• Support and execute customer growth initiatives.
• Lead and coordinate recovery plans to mitigate risk.
• Implement GLI's procurement and pricing strategies.
• Monitor client health metrics and proactively address churn risks.

Skills

Customer experience

Project management

Vendor relations

Communication skills

Organization skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM platforms

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Great Lakes Industrial

YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS

Description

• Title: Sourcing Account Specialist
• Location: Chicago - 1001 Commerce Ct, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
• Job type: Full Time/Salary
• Travel: <5%
• Annual Pay: $60,000-65,000
• Reports to: Customer Success Manager, Tony Volk

Great Lakes Industrial (GLI) is a leader in the Industrial manufacturing & distribution sector, specializing in innovative engineered solutions and products. With a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we are driven by a passion for operational excellence. As we continue to expand, we seek skilled and motivated Sourcing Account Specialists to join our dynamic team.

A Sourcing Account Specialist serves as a key liaison between customers and the internal cross‑functional teams, ensuring strong customer relationships, rapid issue resolution, and long‑term account success.

Success in this role is defined by the ability to turn challenges into opportunities, maintain customer trust during critical moments, and help clients realize the value of our partnership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Serve as the primary liaison for critical customer conversations, including service failures, line‑down situations, missed deliverables, or churn threats.
• Support and execute customer growth initiatives, including support on quoting, upselling opportunities, and alignment with sales teams to convert pipeline to orders.
• Acquire a sound understanding of GLI’s product & service offerings and the ability to translate that into success for our customers.
• Lead and coordinate recovery plans to mitigate risk & restore trust in pressure situations.
• Implement GLI's procurement, operations, and pricing strategies for new and existing customers to increase profitability.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts, providing feedback to optimize internal processes and customer experiences.
• Monitor client health metrics and proactively address churn risks through early interventions and relationship-building.
• Support new product launches and major changes by aligning expectations, coordinating resources, procuring materials, and ensuring smooth delivery to clients.

Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competencies

A Sourcing Account Specialist must have a passion for creating a remarkable customer experience while identifying opportunities to develop cost‑effective solutions for GLI and our customers. He/she must be able to multitask and change gears quickly and effectively. As GLI is looking to advance and grow, the Sourcing Account Specialist must also be able to adapt to new requirements and see change as a challenge/growth opportunity, not just a requirement.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience also considered
• Experience: Basic understanding of project management, customer experience, & vendor relations
• Computer Skills: Proficiency with CRM platforms and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel and Outlook)
• Certificates & Licenses: N/A

Other Skills, Attributes, and Abilities

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for an effective interface with all internal and external contacts
• Exceptional organization & prioritization skills, process & detail oriented, and multitasking skills
• Effective time‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• High level of integrity, respect, and humility
• Lifelong learners who are willing to share their knowledge and experience for the betterment of the team, company, and community