Job Description
The Strategic Account Activation Lead serves as a professional sales leader building and maintaining profitable relationships with assigned strategic accounts, specifically group purchasing organizations (GPOs) and corporate accounts within the Animal Health Area. The role focuses on building strong relationships with strategic account stakeholders at regional and field levels to understand their business models and partnership opportunities while translating strategy into sales results across a 10-15 state region including MO, KS, AR, OK, TX, MS, LA, AL.
Strategic Responsibilities (10%)
Execute sales strategies within assigned accounts and communicate delivered strategies to our company's Animal Health Sales leaders
Identify marketing opportunities across teams for partnership and shepherd the opportunities to completion
Develop and clearly articulate the value of our full partnership with strategic account decision makers to elevate mutually beneficial outcomes
Demonstrate professional and advanced presentation skills focused on providing solutions for the customer
Utilize “other centered selling” and develop business planning capabilities to maximize sales performance within the assigned geography
Operational Responsibilities (70%)
Align with Area teams to build synergies between Animal Health and strategic account field level management (Regional Director and Medical Directors)
Act as a “connector” in aligning the strategic account hierarchy with Animal Health resources (marketing, professional services, etc.)
Work cross‑functionally with corporate account managers to execute tactical plans within influential regional strategic accounts
Deliver on key performance measures of primary assigned strategic accounts through collaboration with internal departments
Regularly document all key account activities, including sales trends, performance metrics, risks, and opportunities
Communicate product relevance to regional decision makers to drive Animal Health product recommendations at clinic level; customize discussions based on aligned goals
Input and utilize call notes in MAXX (Salesforce)
Attend Strategic Account Area & National Meetings and Animal Health Area/Regional leadership meetings
Conduct quarterly business reviews to ensure accounts understand the value of the MAH relationship and their performance relative to growth expectations
Troubleshoot and resolve any account issues, championing resolution
Deliver consistent messaging that supports Animal Health’s strategic priorities
Use analytics and insights to enhance decision‑making and tactical execution
Leadership Responsibilities (20%)
Lead identification of key account management timelines for critical leadership discussions, quarterly reviews, and presentations
Take the lead on issues to understand how all scenarios and groups work together across organizations; advocate for aligned priorities and goals
Partner, communicate, and facilitate collaborative interactions with peer organizations to align tactics and long‑term strategies
Ensure plans/actions/decisions do not negatively impact other species or business units
Share best practices and organizational learnings with the Marketing organization and company‑wide where appropriate
Lead without authority, driving key strategic imperatives with Area RM teams and TMs
Background & Education
High School diploma and 15 years of experience in sales/account management within the Animal Health industry, or
Bachelor’s degree in business, animal science, or related field and 10 years of sales/account management experience
Demonstrated experience within the U.S. animal health industry landscape
Required Skills & Abilities
Results oriented and able to work independently with little direct supervision
Forward‑thinking problem solver
Superior organizational, analytical, and time‑management skills
Collaborative across all species, coordinating activities and leveraging resources to identify opportunities and resolve customer issues
Understanding of business contribution and willingness to adopt changes to current processes
Expertise in identifying unmet and evolving customer needs and delivering customer‑centric solutions
Proven ability to build sustainable partnerships with customers using business insights
Skilled in developing and implementing accurate business plans
Excellent oral, written, and presentation communication skills
Strong understanding of financial and business metrics
Strong selling and negotiation skills
Sound decision‑making and innovative thinking
Residence within or near the geographic area
Required Skills
Account Management
Corporate Account Management
Corporate Account Sales
Industry Knowledge
Key Account Management
Key Account Strategy
Leadership
Results‑Oriented
Sales
Sales Leadership
Strategic Account Sales
Preferred Skills
Relationship Building
Sales Performance
Sales Results
Strategic Selling
Equal Employment Opportunity
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit the EEOC resources.
Salary and Benefits
Salary range: $156,900.00 – $247,000.00. Successful candidates will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive where applicable. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
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Strategic Account Activation Lead - SOUTH
Merck & Co. · Kansas City, MO, USA ·
- Pay:
- $156,900-$247,000/yr
- Job type:
- Contract