Technical Sales Account Manager

Kowa American Corporation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Kowa American Corporation is seeking a Technical Sales Account Manager to expand sales and cultivate customer relationships in the Midwest. Ideal candidates will have a background in chemical sales, strong communication skills, and a successful track record in meeting sales goals. This position requires about 40% travel to client sites, emphasizing relationship-building and technical expertise in product offerings.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Vacation, Sick Leave, and Paid Holidays

Education Assistance

Qualifications

• 5-10 years experience in CASE additives sales.
• Experience with customer relationship management.
• Proven success in meeting sales goals.

Responsibilities

• Grow sales and increase profitability in the Midwest territory.
• Prepare and conduct sales presentations.
• Understand customer needs to recommend products.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical ability

Communication

Negotiation

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or polymer science

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Kowa Company, Ltd is a global enterprise founded in 1894 and is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. Revenues for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, were approximately ~USD 5 billion. Globally, the company has over 7,800 employees. Kowa American Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kowa Company, Ltd and is headquartered in New York, NY.

About the job

The Technical Sales Account Manager will grow sales and increase company profits by cultivating current customers and recruiting new customers. The Technical Sales Manager will increase profitability by promoting products, providing technical support and conducting sales calls on new and repeat customers in the Midwest territory.

Your Role

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Work location is Midwest with travel to customers approximately 40% of work week. Sales territories would include accounts in WI, IL, MI, IN, OH, KY, PA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate with management in updating territory plan and set sales goals
• Determine sales potential for new and existing customers through inquiry, observation or periodical research
• Prepare and conduct sales presentations of products to new and existing customers
• Determine customer requirements and expectations in order to recommend specific products
• Understanding of EPA and EU/Reach Regulatory Requirements
• Discuss for improving sales activities and performance with counter parts in Japan office and subsidiaries all over the world
• Increase business and account base by finding and qualifying new business accounts using sales techniques to cross sell and up-sell
• Maintain and improve customer relationships and satisfaction
• Learn and apply new product knowledge to enhance sales and personal professionalism
• Assist clients with special requests and problems (supply information, resolve complaints, etc.)
• Gather competitive information and other market information regularly while interacting cooperatively with other members of the distribution team
• Negotiate and establish pricing and terms according to company’s requirements for customer and transaction profitability
• Prepare and present quotations
• Communicate to our purchasing department unexpected increases or decreases in demand for products
• Remain current with changes in local codes and consumer preferences
• Follow company policies and procedures
• Remain current on product and industry knowledge by attending sales meetings, vendor training, trade shows, or reading trade journals
• Practice honesty and integrity in customer and vendor relations
• Utilize any kind of digital tools for marketing and sales activities
• Maintain technical and computer capability to effectively use contact management, distribution and office software
• Present a professional image at all times to customers and vendors
• Participate in trade association functions
• Participate and be active in local industry organizations
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Demonstrated success meeting sales goals and growing sales
• Demonstrated understanding and application of effective selling strategies and techniques to a wide range of companies (from Fortune 500 to smaller clients)
• Delivers superior customer service
• Effective listening, communication (verbal and written), and negotiation skills
• Motivated self-starter, comfortable in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated integrity and ethical standards
• Experience monitoring the marketplace to identify business opportunities
• Problem-solving and analytical ability
• Team player who works productively with a wide range of people
• Strong project management and multi-tasking skills
• Technical expertise to understand and sell company products
• Manages time effectively and adapts quickly to changing priorities
• Able to perform business math (basic algebra, compute rate, ratio, etc.)
• Superior organizational skills
• Superior presentation/public speaking skills
• Knowledge of digital skills, tools, and software, including Microsoft Office Suite and other distribution software

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in chemical engineering, chemistry, or polymer science from a four-year college or university.
• At least 5–10 years of experience as a chemist/formulator/polymer chemist/technical application in CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants, and/or inks).
• At least 5 years of experience in sales and/or marketing positions in packaging, polymer, plastic, coatings, or chemical industries.
• Proven track record of success in leading teams and growth initiatives.
• Experience working in a global team and matrix organization is a plus.
• Experience and success in “pull-through” sales is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

KOWA is committed to investing in our employees—the driving force behind our mission and success—by offering a comprehensive suite of competitive compensation and benefits. We prioritize work-life balance, ensuring you not only thrive in your career but also have the support, time, and resources to lead a happy, healthy life.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Insurance options for Employee Assistance Programs, Basic Life Insurance, Short/Long Term Disability, and more.
• 401(k) with a company match
• Vacation, Sick Leave, and Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Associate

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Sales and Business Development

• Industries

  Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Kowa American Corporation by 2x

Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Disability insurance

Tuition assistance

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