Strategic Accounts Manager-North America

Griswold Industries dba Cla-Val • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, this role involves managing specific OEM accounts, plumbing, and fire distributors and contractors, while collaborating with the team to develop the specialty products strategy. The position focuses on expanding existing customer accounts and providing high-level administrative, technical, and project management support to the sales organization. Significant travel on company business is expected, up to 50%.

Requirements

• 2 – 7+ years of experience in inside sales, business development, outside sales and/or Sales Management in a technical, industrial, mechanical, waterworks, or related industries is highly preferred.
• Considerable training in company products and applications.
• Bachelor's degree (Business, Engineering, Marketing, or related field), or equivalent experience may be substituted.
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and written.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with CRM/ERP systems.
• Able to analyze market and determine customer product needs.
• Able to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and blueprints.
• Solid understanding of wholesale distribution channels and nuances.
• Ability to learn technical product lines (hydraulic valves & controls).
• Ability to interact calmly, confidently, and professionally in a networking environment.
• Able to plan, schedule, organize, and prioritize work with limited oversight.
• Able to establish and maintain effective relationships with sales, office, and warehouse staff and management, engineers, distributors, end users, contractors, and governmental representatives.
• Must currently reside within Sales Territory.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Have and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Consent to enrollment in the company Driver Monitoring Program.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a technical, industrial, mechanical, waterworks, or related industries is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage customer inquiries via phone and digital channels with timely, accurate responses.
• Prepare quotes, maintain customer records, and evaluate purchase orders.
• Coordinate with headquarters to ensure accurate specifications, pricing, and order fulfillment.
• Support warranty claims, returns, and service requests by collaborating with factory teams.
• Evaluate existing customer needs and pursue new customers by introducing new products, updates, and value-added services.
• Pursue new customers and markets through cold calls, warm calls, virtual meetings.
• Assist in developing and organizing pricing structures, incentives, and proposals.
• Partner with engineering and product specialists to review technical documents, specifications, and drawings for customer-specific solutions and guide product selection.
• Prepare materials for high-stake executive meetings, industry events, and customer briefings.
• Deliver clear, compelling sales presentations and trainings tailored to audience needs and technical understanding levels.
• Exemplify basic, sound sales techniques, including fact finding through insightful questioning, active listening, and relationship building by showing genuine interest in people and understanding of their business.
• Represent company at industry events/conferences where active networking is mandatory.
• Proactively plan and execute sales trips/visits with up to a 3-month outlook.
• Maintain a sales pipeline and forecasting documentation.
• Develop proficiency in selecting hydraulic-operated automatic control valves and electronic controls.
• Train industry professionals on product selection.
• Review technical documents, specifications, and drawings to guide product selection.
• Partner with engineering and product specialists for customer-specific solutions.
• Fully comply with company rules, policies, procedures, and safety guidelines to ensure safe and effective operations.
• Maintain regular punctuality, attendance, and absence reporting in conformance with company policies.

Benefits

• Pre-employment substance abuse and physical screening
• Verification of documents pertaining to your right to work in the United States using E-VERIFY
• Completion of required employment documents

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level