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Key Account Mgr - Prin

American Electric Power
Full-time
On-site
San Benito, Texas, United States
πŸ’Ό Account Management

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Key Account Manager - Principal

πŸ”Ή Company: American Electric Power

πŸ”Ή Location: San Benito, TX (Telecommute)

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Utilities

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: June 2, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 8+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site (with relocation offered)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Managing and growing large commercial & industrial managed account customers
  • Developing and implementing strategic programs and offerings
  • Building and maintaining executive-level relationships
  • Collaborating cross-functionally with various departments
  • Promoting energy efficiency and demand response programs

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset with a focus on economic and business development, as well as exceptional customer experience.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Establish and maintain high-level relationships with key decision-makers within assigned customer organizations

βœ… Act as the primary point of contact for customer interactions, identifying critical issues and overseeing action plans for resolution

βœ… Proactively manage the development and successful implementation of strategic programs and offerings

βœ… Collaborate with various departments within the operating company and corporate national account organization to meet established goals and objectives

βœ… Execute strategies to market a diverse range of products and services to operating company customers across identified industry segments

βœ… Promote and support the operating company's energy efficiency and demand response programs across the system for assigned key accounts

βœ… Advocate for and support energy conversion initiatives with assigned key accounts

ASSUMPTION: This role involves frequent travel and working late into the evenings as needed.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, Communications, or another related field

Experience: 8+ years of experience in customer account management, business or economic development. Utility industry experience preferred.

Required Skills:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to build strategic internal and external relationships
  • Strong initiative to manage resources, projects, and issues across business units
  • Demonstrated successful leadership

Preferred Skills:

  • Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., PE, CEM, PMP, MBA, JD)

ASSUMPTION: The required experience level for this role is higher than the typical entry-level position in this field.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,081 - $106,352 USD per year

Benefits:

  • Relocation offered
  • Competitive benefits package (details not specified)

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime and travel

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job posting and may not include additional compensation such as bonuses or incentives.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Utilities. American Electric Power (AEP) is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, providing electricity to over 5.6 million customers in 11 states.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large corporation, AEP offers extensive resources and opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: AEP was founded in 1906 and has a rich history of providing reliable and affordable power to its customers.

Company Description:

  • AEP is committed to improving its customers' lives with reliable, affordable power
  • The company is investing $54 billion from 2025 through 2029 to enhance service for customers and support the growing energy needs of its communities
  • AEP's family of companies includes various subsidiaries serving different regions and customer bases

Company Specialties:

  • Electricity generation, transmission, and distribution
  • Energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions
  • Economic development and community engagement

Company Website: AEP.com

ASSUMPTION: AEP's extensive experience and resources in the utility industry make it an attractive employer for professionals seeking a stable and challenging career in the energy sector.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the principal level, indicating a high level of experience and responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The key account manager will report directly to the leadership of the operating company and collaborate with various departments across the organization.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with relocation offered. Occasional travel and late evenings may be required.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential advancement to senior or executive-level positions within the company
  • Expanding responsibilities and influence within the assigned customer base
  • Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives

ASSUMPTION: The growth opportunities for this role are significant, given AEP's size and the strategic nature of the position.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: AEP's offices are typically corporate or regional headquarters, with a professional and collaborative work environment.

Office Location(s): San Benito, TX (with potential for relocation)

Geographic Context:

  • San Benito is a small city in southern Texas, with a population of approximately 25,000
  • The area has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers
  • San Benito is located near the Gulf of Mexico, offering access to coastal activities and attractions

Work Schedule: The work schedule is primarily Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime and travel as needed.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment for this role is likely to be dynamic and fast-paced, given the strategic nature of the position and the need to manage multiple customer accounts.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
  • In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other stakeholders
  • Background check and reference check
  • Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Relationship-building and networking abilities
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving
  • Industry knowledge and understanding of utility operations

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the utility industry and AEP's business
  • Prepare examples of your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities

ATS Keywords: Customer Account Management, Business Development, Contract Negotiation, Strategic Program Development, Relationship Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Marketing Strategies, Leadership Engagement, Energy Efficiency, Demand Response Programs, Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Political Acumen, Project Management, Customer Service, Problem Solving

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, given the high level of experience required and the strategic nature of the position.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

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

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are likely to be standard for the industry and may include specialized software for utility operations and customer management.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Safety
  • Integrity
  • Respect
  • Excellence
  • Sustainability

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Results-driven and focused on delivering value to customers
  • Adaptable and responsive to changing market conditions

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment?
  • Are you comfortable building and maintaining relationships with executive-level decision-makers?
  • Do you have a strategic mindset and the ability to develop and implement strategic programs and offerings?

ASSUMPTION: AEP's company culture is likely to be professional, collaborative, and focused on delivering value to customers and stakeholders.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple large commercial and industrial managed account customers simultaneously
  • Balancing the need for customer retention and expansion with the need for operational efficiency
  • Navigating a large and complex organization to achieve stated goals and objectives
  • Adapting to changes in the energy market and regulatory environment

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges for this role are significant, given the strategic nature of the position and the need to manage multiple large customer accounts.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to other key account manager positions in the utility industry, but may have a higher level of responsibility and strategic focus
  • The utility industry is highly regulated and subject to frequent changes in market conditions and regulatory requirements
  • Career paths in the utility industry may include advancement to senior or executive-level positions within the company or related organizations

ASSUMPTION: This role is likely to be similar to other key account manager positions in the utility industry, but may have a higher level of responsibility and strategic focus due to the principal level of the position.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and implementing a strategic plan to retain and expand a large commercial customer's business
  • Negotiating a complex contract with a key industrial customer to meet both parties' needs and objectives
  • Collaborating with various departments within the operating company to address a critical issue affecting an assigned key account

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects for this role are likely to be strategic in nature and require a high level of collaboration and communication with various stakeholders.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the typical customer base for this role and the key challenges they face?
  • How does this role collaborate with other departments within the operating company and the corporate national account organization?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does AEP support the growth and development of its employees in this role?
  • What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how are they measured and tracked?

ASSUMPTION: The key questions to ask during the interview for this role are likely to focus on the strategic nature of the position, the customer base, and the opportunities for growth and development within the company.

πŸ“Œ 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 experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare examples of your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the position

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