Strategic Account Manager

Location: Crestwood, IL

As a key member of the Applied Strategic Accounts team, you will drive growth with Applied’s contract accounts, specifically within the Procure Analytics team. This position offers location flexibility, with candidates ideally residing near a major airport. The ideal candidate will apply strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills to build and expand our business in target sectors by developing existing accounts and securing new business to meet or exceed established goals.

Plan, implement, and manage strategic account agreements and programs using advanced selling and negotiation skills.

Assist with requests for quotes (RFQs) received directly from customers and from service centers.

Research, evaluate, develop, and establish strategic account agreements; collect data from service centers and regional personnel to analyze potential; and work with customers to assess feasibility, opportunities, and benefits.

Identify and execute margin improvement opportunities within contracted accounts to positively impact both acquisition and rebated margins.

Identify, execute, and document cost savings (documented value add, or DVA) across your customer base.

Generate, document, and manage value-added ROI for your customers.

Create and deliver presentations to current and prospective strategic accounts, and prepare reports as requested by customers or management.

Act as a liaison between service centers and customers: assist service centers and regional and area management in selling the value of agreements to local customer facilities; keep customers informed of developments; resolve complaints by working with corporate, service center, and customer personnel to correct problems and meet the needs of targeted customers; and guide service centers on returns and pricing.

Maintain relationships with existing strategic accounts, ensuring the terms of each agreement are supported and adhered to.

Position Requirements

• 5+ years of experience selling industrial components, value-added services, and solutions, with proven metrics and results
• Proficiency in Excel, including macros, charts, and pivot tables
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proper English grammar
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or an equivalent field
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

National account experience

Experience managing a P&L

Experience presenting to executive-level personnel

Desirable Characteristics

Strong negotiation skills

Tenacity and confidence

Ability to learn and apply new information quickly

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple competing priorities

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

Additional Locations: Long Beach, CA, Nashville, TN, Lithia Springs, GA, Charlotte, NC, Fort Worth, TX