Strategic Key Accounts Lead — Growth & Profitability

Higher Recruitment, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Higher Recruitment, Inc. seeks a results-driven Key Account Manager to drive growth and profitability within a major client. You will own the account strategy, manage pricing and negotiations, and partner with Sales, R&D, Marketing, and Field Service to deliver customer-focused solutions.

Travel up to 60% and leadership in forecasting, pipeline management, and account planning will be expected to ensure long-term value and revenue expansion.

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 and participate in negotiations for new opportunities while protecting company interests.
• Deliver profitable year-over-year growth.
• Manage pricing, margin performance, and overall account profitability.
• Drive forecast accuracy and maintain strong pipeline management within CRM.
• Lead account planning, churn management, and profitability improvement initiatives.
• Ensure contractual compliance, including inventory, service, and quality KPIs.
• Manage accounts receivable in partnership with the credit team.
• Partner with Sales Leadership, R&D, Marketing, Field Service, and Strategic Marketing to support customer initiatives.
• Coordinate validation and customer trials.
• Support commercialization and onboarding of new business.
• Align internal teams to deliver customer-focused solutions.
• Report monthly sales and marketing performance to business leadership.
• Communicate progress against strategic objectives.
• Maintain disciplined account planning and reporting processes.

Skills

Sales experience

Profit growth

Pricing strategy

Negotiations

P&L understanding

Fast-paced environment

Project management

Stakeholder management

Travel readiness

Job description

Higher Recruitment, Inc. seeks a results-driven Key Account Manager to drive growth and profitability within a major client. You will own the account strategy, manage pricing and negotiations, and partner with Sales, R&D, Marketing, and Field Service to deliver customer-focused solutions.

Travel up to 60% and leadership in forecasting, pipeline management, and account planning will be expected to ensure long-term value and revenue expansion.