Key Accounts Executive- Chicago

BUILD A BETTER CAREER WITH MSC

Serving customers and our community starts with the best people doing their best work. That is precisely what we have created at MSC Industrial Supply Co. We are a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products and services. We offer more than 2 million products and have over 80 years of experience across dozens of industries. We aim to execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise for all our stakeholders, including our associates.

Requisition ID :19425

Employment Type : Full Time

Job Category : Sales

Work Location : Chicago, IL

BRIEF POSITION SUMMARY:

The Key Accounts Executive is responsible for driving sales growth by expanding relationships with existing customers and identifying cross-sell and upsell opportunities within key account locations. Managing portfolios with potential revenues ranging from $25K to $250K, the role emphasizes exceptional account management, collaboration, and execution of strategic sales strategies to acquire, develop, and retain clients in designated territories. Responsibilities include expanding sales through new account acquisition, deepening product penetration with a focus on VMI accounts, and delivering on‑site service and comprehensive account management to maximize customer retention and sustainable growth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and strengthen relationships with customers at both functional and executive levels to ensure retention, satisfaction, and alignment with current and future needs.
• Develop and execute strategies to deepen penetration within accounts, expand revenue opportunities, and achieve sales and retention targets.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by delivering tailored, value‑driven solutions that address customer priorities.
• Lead the implementation of major company programs and initiatives within assigned accounts.
• Process orders, scan and verify incoming shipments, stock inventory, and manage returns to ensure accuracy and smooth daily operations.
• Leverage CRM and account management systems to track sales activity, analyze trends, and ensure accurate forecasting and reporting.
• Partner with internal teams to deliver operational excellence and exceed customer expectations through strong service orientation and follow‑up.
• Drive the setup and optimization of vending and VMI services at new or existing account locations.
• Collaborate with sales management to design competitive pricing strategies for non‑contract customers.
• Monitor market trends, competitors, and emerging technologies to provide customers with forward‑looking solutions.
• Prepare and submit timely, accurate sales reports that ensure alignment with management expectations.
• Secures and submits customer orders for processing utilizing ordering technology.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability that reflects company values.
• Participate in cross‑functional projects and initiatives to support broader organizational goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

What You Need:

• High school diploma or GED required; 2–4 year college degree preferred.
• 2–3 years of outside direct sales/service experience preferred but not required.
• Industry experience (e.g., fasteners, chemicals, industrial maintenance supplies, electrical, food processing, manufacturing) preferred.
• Strong technical aptitude with ability to read and analyze technical materials.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve problems, develop action plans, and drive results.
• Excellent communication, presentation, listening, and relationship‑building skills.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email; able to adapt to PC‑based order systems and handheld scanning devices.
• Strong organizational, time management, and basic math skills.
• High degree of integrity and ability to build long‑term customer relationships.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and insurance as required by state law.
• Ability to work from a home office with personal computer and internet access.

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Industrial or manufacturing segment experience preferred.

Other Requirements:

• A valid driver's license may be required.
• Capable of driving up to several hours per day to customer location(s) within an assigned territory or region is required.
• Job requires visitation of customer sites, which have varying environments/conditions, layouts, and accessibility.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks (walking, bending, standing for long periods).
• Willingness to comply with customer safety and PPE protocols.
• This position may require access to International Traffic in Arms Regulations Information (ITAR) and/or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

*INDICATES ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully an associate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of knowledge, experience level and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Compensation starting at $70,980–$111,540/year and up, dependent on experience (Base + Commissions included).

The salary range represented is based on similar roles in comparable industries, and the cost of labor in respective cities. Actual compensation is based on the candidate’s relevant experience, education requirements and peer pay equity. The Company reserves the right to modify the range as market conditions change.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position at this time.

This job posting will remain open for a minimum of 7 business days from the original posting date or longer as needed to fill the position.

WHY MSC?

People. Collaboration. Insight. That's how you build something that works. Built on a foundation of trust, MSC works side by side with our customers to help them drive business results. With more than one million product offerings and 80+ years of experience across industries, MSC strives to help our customers achieve greater productivity, profitability, and growth through inventory management and other innovative supply chain solutions. We care about our associates and have programs in place to help our 6,500+ team members achieve their potential.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Our associates are our top priority and investing in their well‑being is one way we execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise. Alongside competitive pay, we have a comprehensive benefits program to support you and your family’s health, well‑being and financial future. We offer dynamic healthcare plans, generous 401K and stock purchasing programs, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and paid time away for holidays, vacations, and illness. Visit our page for a better look at our extensive benefits: Your Future Benefits.

You will also have the opportunity to join our Associate Inclusion Circles: Women, Pride, Black, Generational, Veterans, HOLA, and Able. These circles are open to all associates and are designed to promote awareness, collaboration, and respect.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

At MSC, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and our associates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any category protected by applicable law. Accommodation requests can be made at any stage of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements known.