Title
Strategic Account Manager
Department
Business Development
Reports to
Vice President, Business Development
SEE YOUR CAREER THROUGH A NEW LENS WITH RPO!
RPO is a global leader in precision optical components, assemblies, and electro-optical systems. RPO specializes in a full spectrum of products & services including - Design and Engineering, Visible and Infrared Components, Glass and Plastic Molded Aspheres, Thin Film Coating, Optical Assembly and Electro-Optical Systems Integration. As one of the fastest growing companies in Rochester, RPO offers exciting career paths to work on market-leading programs.
Job Summary:
Rochester Precision Optics (RPO) is seeking a results-driven, relationship-oriented Strategic Account Manager to accelerate sales growth across both defense and commercial markets. As a key member of our business development team, this individual will manage day-to-day customer service and transactional sales while also cultivating long-term partnerships by recognizing customer needs, uncovering growth potential within existing accounts, and coordinating internal teams to deliver lasting solutions. This role is also integral to the strategic growth of RPO's catalog business by aligning e-commerce, inside sales, and operations to expand customer reach, improve responsiveness, and strengthen RPO's overall market footprint.
You Will:
Act as the company representative for assigned customers, managing relationships, products, services, deliverables and communications.
Develop strong, long-term client relationships and strategic account plans (targets, whitespace, product adoption, pricing strategy).
Manage, resolve and communicate customer issues including delivery status, credit issues, reschedules, expedites, etc.
Collaborate across the organization (Business Development, Inside Sales, Engineering, Program Management, Operations, Supply Chain) to execute quotes and respond swiftly to customer inquiries-ensuring the catalog-/standard-product workflow is efficient and accurate.
Attend production and sales meetings, conference calls with customers and BD team to report status, opportunities and risks.
Review and manage all incoming orders and acknowledgements for accuracy, specification, timing, and alignment with catalog SKUs.
Take ownership of ERP system (Epicor) and CRM (HubSpot) data for the BD team-ensure data integrity, training, and reliable usage.
Manage incoming customer inquiries from the website, trade shows and direct outreach; spearhead the initial vetting and distribution of new catalog opportunities into the CRM.
Partner with e-commerce/marketing to optimize online conversion, promotions, landing pages and catalog user experience; drive cross-sell/upsell of standard product lines.
Forecast monthly/quarterly revenue, units and margin for assigned accounts; maintain pipeline hygiene and apply price-to-win logic for volume / standard orders.
Regularly conduct QBRs with strategic catalog accounts; track SLAs (lead time, on-time-delivery, RMA rate) and drive corrective actions internally.
Map and influence customer product roadmaps (e.g., transition from legacy to next-gen standard optics) to lock in catalog wins and ensure product lifecycle management.
You Have:
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field preferred; 7+ years of relevant experience in lieu of degree considered.
5-7 years of proven B2B sales success in a high-impact role, ideally within manufacturing or optics.
Minimum 3 years' experience in project management, sales support or customer service.
Industry & Technical Knowledge:
Familiarity with manufacturing environments and ability to communicate at a technical level; optics experience is strongly preferred.
Advanced understanding of global account management principles and intermediate knowledge of business contract structure.
Sales & Account Management Skills:
Demonstrated ability to manage transactional sales while cultivating long-term strategic partnerships.
Experience supporting business development efforts and driving growth within existing accounts.
Proficient in strategic planning, data analysis, and KPI-driven performance management.
Communication & Relationship Building
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for presenting, negotiating, and cross-functional collaboration.
Proven ability to build trust-based relationships with demanding clients, partners, and internal teams.
Organizational & Problem-Solving Abilities:
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proactive, adaptable and creative approach to solving customer challenges and uncovering growth opportunities.
Technology Proficiency:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and CRM Platforms (HubSpot)
Experience working with ERP systems to manage client data, order processing, and cross-functional collaboration; Epicor preferred.
Ability to learn quickly and understand complex product offerings and translate them into customer solutions.
You Are:
Results-Oriented: Motivated, hard-working and ready to level up.
Curious: You never stop learning and have an insatiable desire to gain new skills and knowledge.
Process Oriented: Well organized, demonstrating attention to detail.
Analytical: Possess a "If there's a problem, I'll find a solution" attitude.
Accountable: Demanding the highest quality from yourself and team members.
Detail-Oriented: Have excellent time management and organizational skills.
A Team Player: Reliable, collaborative, flexible with a positive 'get things done' attitude.
A U.S. Person: Compliant with ITAR, EAR and other laws and regulations as defined: "U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents ("Green Card" holders), persons granted refugee status or asylum status in the United States, or temporary residents granted amnesty."
You Will Enjoy:
Growth: The opportunity to learn and advance your career, internal training and advancement opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement Program.
Wealth: Competitive compensation package linked to your experience and performance, a 401(k) with company match, company contributions to medical savings plans.
Wellness: Health, Dental, Vision Insurance. Company provided Life Insurance and Disability Insurance.
Balance: 11 paid holidays, generous paid vacation and sick time
Culture: an energetic, value-driven team where you will experience the reward of meaningful work!
Environment & Physical Demands:
Please note: This is an in-office role based at our West Henrietta, NY headquarters. Remote work is not available for this position.
Professional office environment with routine use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, filing cabinets and fax machine; noise level typical of a standard office environment
Prolonged sitting, computer and telephone use, as well as standing, filing, bending, reaching and lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds
Exposure to manufacturing plant floor requiring the use of personal protective equipment (ear plugs, safety glasses, etc.)
Occasional travel required for customer and program meetings/coordination.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer:
This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Rochester Precision Optics is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our business and our people.
EOE/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Vet
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
