Key Account Manager-Remote

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Key Account Manager - Remote

🔹 Company: Intertek US

🔹 Location: Arlington Heights, Illinois, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Sales & Business Development

🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote (20-25% travel)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Serving as the liaison between customers and Intertek global operations
• Driving revenue growth and generating opportunities within the global key account initiatives
• Providing technical regulatory support and creative ATIC solutions
• Managing customer interactions and on-site staff (where applicable)
• Traveling domestically and internationally to meet with clients and vendors (20-25%)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of customer service, sales, and technical expertise. The ideal candidate will have experience in account management, customer service, and preferably in the toy, retail, or hardline product safety industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Serve as the liaison between customers and Intertek global operations to ensure correct understanding and consistent execution of customer’s requirements according to specified processes and protocols

✅ Manage or supervise activities of customer on-site staff (Account Coordinator) where applicable

✅ Document and communicate client requirements and work instructions to Intertek global network of labs and offices

✅ Provide creative and innovative ATIC solutions to support client business strategies and develop a strategic partnership between self, Intertek, and customer

✅ Drive and generate opportunities for revenue growth within consistent with Intertek global key account initiatives and strategies

✅ Perform random review of test reports to ensure consistency and accuracy, which are reported to management and lab network

✅ Keep current on relevant product regulatory, safety, and quality performance requirements; communicate and consult with customer on relevant information

✅ Provide technical regulatory support; directly or facilitating through Intertek network of experts

✅ Participate and consult with customer in routine quality and safety meetings with QA engineers and other stakeholders

✅ Provide oversight, accurate status, and reporting of project milestones to client team members

✅ Expedite projects as needed to ensure turnaround times and performance metrics are met

✅ Create and deliver client presentations for quarterly business review meetings

✅ Prepare sales reports, forecasts, and provide regular account status updates through established CRM system, including the development of account-based strategies (Strategic Account Plan)

✅ Organize or host seminar/webinar to provide training to the client and vendors on both process and technical related topics, which may include periodic travel to overseas countries to meet with vendors or overseas client sourcing offices

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills to manage customer interactions, drive sales, and coordinate with global operations.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a related area or equivalent in education, experience, and/or training

Experience: 2-4 years of directly related experience with direct customer interaction

Required Skills:

• Managerial or supervisor level experience
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills; detail-oriented with proactive and positive attitude
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; superior presentation skills
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Proficiency in MS Office; ability to create spreadsheets, tables, and graphs, queries, extrapolate, and summarize meaningful data
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment with shifting priorities
• Physical dexterity/mobility to travel via car, airplane, and perform all functions inherent to the position

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in toy, retail, or hardline product safety

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a combination of sales, customer service, and technical experience, with a preference for industry-specific knowledge.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $73,000 - $85,000 plus sales incentives. Individual compensation packages are based on a variety of factors unique to each candidate including skill set, experience, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Disability
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous vacation / sick time (PTO)
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: Full-time hours, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm local time

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the job title, experience level, and location. The final compensation package will be determined based on the individual candidate's qualifications and other job-related factors.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Intertek is a world leader in the Quality Assurance market, providing testing, inspection, and certification services to various industries worldwide. They specialize in building and construction, as well as other sectors such as automotive, energy, and food.

Company Size: Intertek has 1,001-5,000 employees globally, with a significant presence in the United States. This size allows for ample opportunities for career growth and collaboration with diverse teams.

Founded: Intertek was founded in 1961 and has since grown into a publicly-traded company with a strong global network of operations and subject matter experts.

Company Description:

• Intertek offers a proven, high-quality business model and a global network of customer-focused operations
• The company values passion, pace, and precision in their work, aiming to exceed customer expectations and engage employees in their professional growth
• Intertek is committed to total quality assurance, bringing quality, safety, and sustainability to life for their clients

Company Specialties:

• Construction Materials Testing & Engineering
• Environmental Consulting
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Industrial Hygiene/Asbestos/Lead Paint/Mold
• Specialty Engineering & Testing
• Non-Destructive Examination
• Facilities & Roof Consulting
• Civil Engineering

Company Website: http://www.intertek.com/building/

ASSUMPTION: Intertek's focus on quality assurance and customer satisfaction makes it an attractive employer for individuals seeking a career in a growth-oriented, global organization.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level career stage, requiring a combination of sales, customer service, and technical experience. It offers opportunities for growth within the global key account management team.

Reporting Structure: The Key Account Manager reports directly to the Global Key Account Director and works closely with the global operations team to ensure customer requirements are met.

Work Arrangement: This role is remote, with approximately 20-25% travel required for domestic and international meetings with clients and vendors.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanding the global key account portfolio
• Developing strategic partnerships with clients
• Advancing to a senior-level role within the global key account management team

ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement and global focus of this role provide ample opportunities for career growth and professional development within Intertek's global network.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote, with occasional travel required

Office Location(s): Arlington Heights, Illinois, United States (with travel to client and vendor locations)

Geographic Context:

• Arlington Heights is a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, with a population of approximately 75,000 people
• The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to Chicago's amenities and cultural attractions
• Intertek's headquarters are located in Arlington Heights, providing opportunities for collaboration with other departments and teams

Work Schedule: Full-time hours, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm local time, with flexible scheduling for travel as needed

ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement and occasional travel requirements offer a flexible work-life balance, with opportunities for professional growth and development within Intertek's global network.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-depth interview with the Global Key Account Director and/or other members of the global operations team
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales and customer service skills
• Technical knowledge and industry-specific experience
• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and time management skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Intertek's values

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant sales, customer service, and technical experience in your resume and cover letter
• Tailor your application to demonstrate your understanding of Intertek's business and the role's requirements
• Prepare for behavioral-based interview questions that focus on your sales, customer service, and problem-solving skills

ATS Keywords: Account Management, Sales, Customer Service, Technical Support, Global Operations, Key Account, Strategic Partnerships, Revenue Growth, Travel, Remote Work

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's sales, customer service, and technical skills, as well as their cultural fit with Intertek's values and work environment.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with the mentioned tools and technologies, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to new platforms as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion: Intertek values employees who are passionate about their work and committed to delivering exceptional results
• Pace: The company encourages a fast-paced, agile work environment that embraces change and continuous improvement
• Precision: Intertek is dedicated to delivering high-quality, accurate, and reliable services to its clients

Work Style:

• Collaborative: Intertek fosters a team-oriented work environment that encourages cross-functional collaboration and knowledge-sharing
• Global: The company operates on a global scale, offering opportunities for international travel and exposure to diverse cultures and markets
• Customer-focused: Intertek prioritizes customer satisfaction and builds strong, long-lasting relationships with its clients

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate passion for your work, and how have you applied this in previous roles?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a fast-paced, changing environment, and how did you succeed?
• How do you ensure the accuracy and precision of your work, particularly when managing multiple projects or clients?

ASSUMPTION: Intertek values employees who align with their core values and work style, and who are committed to delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced, global work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple client relationships and priorities simultaneously
• Balancing sales and customer service responsibilities while maintaining technical expertise
• Adapting to a remote work environment and occasional travel requirements
• Keeping up with global operations and regulatory changes within the industry

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and time management skills, as well as the ability to adapt to a fast-paced, global work environment with occasional travel requirements.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Key Account Manager vs. Account Executive: While both roles focus on customer relationships and sales, the Key Account Manager role requires more strategic planning, technical support, and global operations management
• Industry-specific context: The toy, retail, or hardline product safety industry has unique regulatory and quality assurance requirements that may impact the role's responsibilities and priorities
• Career path comparison: The Key Account Manager role offers opportunities for growth within the global key account management team, with potential advancement to senior-level positions

ASSUMPTION: The Key Account Manager role at Intertek is unique in its focus on global operations, technical support, and strategic partnerships, offering a distinct career path within the company's global network.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a strategic account plan for a global key account, including revenue growth targets, market expansion opportunities, and customer-specific solutions
• Managing a cross-functional team to execute a large-scale product safety testing project for a major retail client, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and meeting project milestones
• Facilitating a training seminar for a vendor on process and technical-related topics, covering relevant product regulatory, safety, and quality performance requirements

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed above are representative of the types of initiatives the Key Account Manager may be responsible for, requiring a combination of sales, customer service, technical, and project management skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the global key account portfolio and the opportunities for growth within the region?
• How does the global operations team support the Key Account Manager in executing customer requirements and driving revenue growth?
• What are the most challenging aspects of the remote work arrangement, and how does the company support employees in managing these challenges?
• How does Intertek foster career growth and development within the global key account management team?
• What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, and how do you see these qualities manifesting in the day-to-day responsibilities?

ASSUMPTION: The interview questions listed above are designed to provide insight into the role's responsibilities, work environment, and career growth opportunities, as well as the company's expectations for the ideal candidate.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant sales, customer service, and technical experience, as well as your understanding of the role's requirements and Intertek's business
• Prepare for the interview by researching Intertek's business, industry trends, and the role's responsibilities, as well as practicing your presentation and communication skills
• If applicable, gather examples of your past projects, achievements, and client testimonials to demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the role
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.