Strategic Growth Manager: Key Accounts & New Business

KI Industries, Inc.; Berkeley (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP ownership

Health benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

KI Industries, Inc. is seeking a Strategic Account Manager to manage and grow a portfolio of strategic accounts while proactively pursuing new business opportunities. You will blend farmer and hunter skills to drive revenue growth, protect existing business, and build a robust pipeline.

The role requires 5+ years in B2B sales or business development, strong negotiation and communication, and willingness to travel 20–30%. Hybrid work from our Berkeley, IL office with remote days.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in B2B sales, account management, or business development.
• Experience in manufacturing, automotive, appliance, plastics, or other engineered products sales strongly preferred.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication skills; Spanish bilingual plus.
• 20-30% travel required.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage a portfolio of key strategic accounts, acting as the primary commercial contact.
• Develop account plans to grow revenue, margin, and long-term partnerships.
• Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities within existing customers.
• Lead pricing, commercial negotiations, and contract discussions.
• Coordinate internally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Finance to ensure customer satisfaction and successful program launches.
• Monitor customer performance, forecast demand, and manage risks related to retention and profitability.
• Proactively identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities in target markets and customer segments.
• Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline aligned with annual and long-term growth targets.
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes, including commercial strategy, pricing, and proposal development.
• Develop market intelligence on competitors, industry trends, and customer needs.
• Represent the company at customer meetings, trade shows, and industry events.
• Support annual budgeting, sales forecasting, and strategic planning processes.
• Drive execution of business development strategy in alignment with company goals.
• Track KPIs related to revenue growth, pipeline health, win rate, and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Negotiation

Presentation

Commercial acumen

Communication

Spanish language

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

KI Industries, Inc. is seeking a Strategic Account Manager to manage and grow a portfolio of strategic accounts while proactively pursuing new business opportunities. You will blend farmer and hunter skills to drive revenue growth, protect existing business, and build a robust pipeline.

The role requires 5+ years in B2B sales or business development, strong negotiation and communication, and willingness to travel 20–30%. Hybrid work from our Berkeley, IL office with remote days.