Key Account Manager - Account Growth & New Business Development

At KI Industries, Inc., an employee-owned (ESOP) manufacturer of decorative plastic injection-molded and die-cast components, we believe culture and performance go hand in hand. Our workplace is built on ownership, trust, respect and accountability-where employees are empowered to do meaningful work and win together.

Being named Plastics News Best Places to Work nine years in a row isn't luck-it's the result of how we show up for our people and our customers.

The Opportunity

The Key Account Manager is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of strategic customer accounts while actively identifying and developing new business opportunities.

This role combines strong relationship management ("farmer") with proactive prospecting and market expansion ("hunter"). The ideal candidate will drive revenue growth, protect existing business, and build a robust pipeline aligned with company growth targets.

What You'll Do

Account Management & Growth

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.

New Business Development

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.

Strategic & Commercial Leadership

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.

Location:

When not traveling, this position follows a hybrid schedule: four days per week at our Berkeley Illinois home office and one day working remotely.

What We're Looking For

Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.

7+ years of experience in B2B sales, account management, or business development.

Experience in manufacturing, automotive, appliance, plastics, or other engineered products strongly preferred.

Proven track record of growing existing accounts, winning new business, prospecting and establishing new accounts.

Strong negotiation, presentation, and commercial acumen.

Experience managing complex, long-cycle sales and cross-functional teams.

Excellent communication skills in English; additional languages a plus.

20-30% travel required.

What We Offer

Base salary starting at $100,000, with flexibility based on experience, plus uncapped commission and significant total earning potential

A high-impact position with meaningful influence on company growth

The autonomy and resources to build and grow your own book of business

Employee ownership through our ESOP-your contributions help build long-term value

Comprehensive health, retirement, and paid-time-off benefits

A people-first culture where employee engagement is more than a buzzword

Company-sponsored wellness, recognition, and culture-building activities

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

KI Industries, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact humanresources@kiindustries.com.

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Key Account Manager