Strategic Key Account Leader: Growth & Profitability

Higher Recruitment, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Higher Recruitment, Inc. in Chicago seeks a results-driven Key Account Manager to lead strategic growth for a major client, defend existing business, and expand share of wallet.

You will collaborate across Sales Leadership, R&D, Marketing, and Field Service to deliver customer-focused solutions while managing pricing, profitability, and forecasting. This role requires up to 60% travel and strong stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of sales or technical experience (packaging industry preferred).
• Proven track record of driving profitable sales growth.
• Experience with pricing strategy and commercial negotiations.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including P&L understanding.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, complex environment.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Willingness to travel up to 60%.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage a key account with full responsibility for revenue growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Execute account strategies to defend existing business and expand share of wallet.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the account.
• Support negotiations for new opportunities while protecting company interests.
• Deliver profitable year-over-year growth.
• Drive forecast accuracy and maintain pipeline management within CRM.
• Lead account planning, churn management, and profitability initiatives.
• Ensure contractual compliance including inventory, service, and quality KPIs.
• Manage accounts receivable in partnership with the credit team.

Skills

Sales experience

Pricing strategy

P&L understanding

Project management

Stakeholder management

Travel 60%

Job description

Higher Recruitment, Inc. in Chicago seeks a results-driven Key Account Manager to lead strategic growth for a major client, defend existing business, and expand share of wallet.

You will collaborate across Sales Leadership, R&D, Marketing, and Field Service to deliver customer-focused solutions while managing pricing, profitability, and forecasting. This role requires up to 60% travel and strong stakeholder management.