Key Account Manager

Habasit

About the Role

The Key Account Manager (Sales Engineer) is responsible for developing strategic partnerships with key customers by combining engineering expertise with consultative sales leadership. This position serves as the primary advisor for assigned accounts, driving sales of products that improve customer manufacturing processes, increase operational efficiency, and optimize application performance through Habasit's engineered solutions. The Key Account Manager works closely with Engineering, Product Management, Technical Services, and Operations to design application-specific solutions, support complex projects, and drive sustainable business growth through innovation and value-based selling.

Habasit will provide technical and commercial onboarding training at our facilities in Suwanee, GA. (4-6 weeks)

Candidate location & Territory - SC, NC, VA

Key Responsibilities

• Sales & Engineering Support

• Develop a strong understanding of assigned customers, their equipment, manufacturing processes, and business needs.

• Recommend Habasit conveying and power transmission products that address customer applications and improve productivity, reliability, and operating performance.

• Conduct customer visits, application reviews, product demonstrations, troubleshooting, and basic process assessments.

• Identify opportunities for product replacements, upgrades, improvements, and competitive conversions.

• Support product installation, commissioning, start-up, and implementation activities as needed.

• Work with Technical Services and Engineering to address customer application requirements and develop appropriate solutions.

• Develop new business within existing accounts and identify opportunities with new customers.

• Strategic Account Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with engineering, maintenance, operations, purchasing, and other key customer contacts.

• Support account plans focused on customer retention, growth, and long-term partnership.

• Identify opportunities related to new equipment, production lines, process improvements, automation, and capital investments.

• Prepare quotations and support pricing and commercial discussions in accordance with company guidelines.

• Maintain an accurate opportunity pipeline and customer information using CRM tools, including Sugar CRM.

• Follow up on customer opportunities and ensure appropriate internal resources are engaged.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with Product Management to identify customer needs and recommend appropriate products and solutions.

• Partner with Customer Care, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Operations, Engineering, and Technical Services to support customer requirements.

• Communicate customer feedback, product requirements, competitive information, and market trends to appropriate internal teams.

• Participate in customer problem-solving, failure analysis, continuous improvement, and Voice of Customer activities.

• Industry & Technical Leadership

• Remain current on conveyor technology, polymer materials, power transmission systems, manufacturing processes, and emerging automation technologies.

• Represent Habasit during seminars, customer training sessions, trade shows, and industry conferences.

• Deliver technical presentations and educational workshops for customers, distributors, and internal teams.

• Promote industry best practices, innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement throughout customer engagements.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Technical Aptitude
• Strong technical aptitude with basic understanding of mechanical systems, manufacturing processes, and industrial equipment.
• Ability to understand and interpret basic engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Customer Focus
• Strong customer service mindset.
• Ability to understand complex problems and develop practical solutions.
• Communication & Presentation
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to explain technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Problem Solving & Organization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Software & Tools
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with CRM tools, including Sugar CRM.
• Work Style
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams.

Qualifications

• Education
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant experience may be considered.
• Preferred: Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering discipline.
• Experience
• Preferred: Experience in technical sales or application engineering.
• Preferred: Experience with conveyor systems, power transmission, industrial automation, or engineered products.
• Preferred: Experience working with manufacturing customers.
• Preferred: Experience with CRM systems and structured sales processes.
• Preferred: Exposure to complex sales cycles and multiple customer stakeholders.
• Up to 4 years of experience in technical sales, application engineering, manufacturing, industrial products, conveyor systems, power transmission, or a related field.
• Experience working with OEMs, manufacturers, distributors, or industrial end users preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop customer relationships and identify sales opportunities.
• Experience working with technical products or industrial applications preferred.
• Other
• Required to safely operate a motor vehicle in varied conditions.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment with frequent exposure to manufacturing settings and customer facilities. The role may include exposure to forklift traffic, equipment noise, and production processes.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for handling product samples and presentations.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally (up to 40 lbs. in some assignments).

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Evening and weekend work may be required to meet customer demands, project deadlines, or trade show schedules.

Travel

Extensive travel (up to 50%) is expected, including overnight stays for customer visits, trade shows, training, and business meetings.