
Account Manager
KSM Electronics Inc., Warrenville, IL, United States
Position Summary
The Account Manager serves as the primary point of contact for customers within a wire harness and cable assembly manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for managing customer relationships, driving revenue growth, and ensuring the successful execution of customer programs from quotation through production and delivery. The Account Manager collaborates cross-functionally to align customer requirements with manufacturing capabilities, ensuring high levels of quality, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction.
***Please note that, due to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) requirements, this position is limited to U.S. persons, defined as U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders).***
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary liaison between customers and internal teams, providing responsive, front-line customer support to clients, colleagues, and leadership.
- Manage customer orders, including new orders, revisions, and contract changes, ensuring accuracy and alignment with specifications and delivery requirements.
- Develop and maintain strong customer relationships by proactively addressing concerns, resolving issues, and ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams—including engineering, production, quality, materials, and supply chain—to align customer expectations with manufacturing capabilities.
- Support quoting activities, including pricing, lead times, minimum order quantities, and NCNR (Non-Cancelable, Non-Returnable) terms.
- Assist in developing detailed Statements of Work (SOWs) to define scope, deliverables, and customer expectations.
- Identify, develop, negotiate, and close sales opportunities within existing accounts and new prospects.
- Execute sales strategies by identifying customer needs and recommending appropriate wire harness, cable assembly, and related service solutions.
- Drive business growth through multiple sales techniques, including cold calling, in-person meetings, and collaboration with vendors and manufacturing partners.
- Develop a strong understanding of customer operations, including buying cycles, application requirements, and long-term business needs.
- Establish and maintain relationships with key decision-makers and influencers across customer organizations.
- Communicate product lifecycle updates, including part and component end-of-life (EOL) strategies, in collaboration with procurement.
- Drive account profitability and revenue growth in partnership with the inside sales team, ensuring timely and accurate quoting and order processing.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure accurate project scoping, manufacturability, and cost alignment.
- Partner with accounting to resolve past-due invoices and support effective collections management.
- Maintain accurate sales pipelines and forecasts using internal CRM/ERP systems.
- Prepare and deliver professional proposals, quotes, and sales presentations.
- Collaborate with Account Managers and internal stakeholders to review account performance, identify trends, and coordinate sales strategies on a regular basis.
- Meet or exceed annual revenue and margin targets, supporting quarterly sales and billing objectives.
- Build collaborative relationships across all organizational levels to support operational and customer success.
Education / Experience
- Associate degree or Technical School certification required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a sales role within a manufacturing environment or equivalent applicable experience.
- Direct experience managing key accounts and maintaining long-term customer relationships.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, including electronics manufacturing and distribution concepts.
- Experience with CRM and ERP systems to manage customer data, sales activities, and order processing.
- Experience supporting or developing service-based engagements and Statements of Work (SOWs).
- Strong business acumen with the ability to manage and accelerate the sales cycle.
- Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical and logistical challenges.
- Proven business development skills with the ability to effectively communicate KSM’s value proposition and services approach.
- Ability to develop, position, and execute high-quality sales campaigns within existing accounts and new prospects.
- Strong verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
- Ability to travel up to 2% annually.
Preferred Competencies
- Knowledge of IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards and wire harness/cable assembly manufacturing processes.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
- Results-driven with strong organizational and time management skills.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to quality, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.