Key Account Specialist-India

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Key Account Specialist - India

🔹 Company: Kennametal, Inc.

🔹 Location: Belgaum, Karnataka, India

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Sales & Business Development

🔹 Date Posted: July 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing key accounts and driving revenue growth through customer acquisition and retention
• Developing and executing sales strategies to achieve revenue targets
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key customers and prospects
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure customer expectations are met
• Conducting regular market analysis to identify trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of sales, account management, and market analysis skills. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the industry and be able to build and maintain effective customer relationships.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue targets and growth in the assigned region

✅ Monitor and analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to identify opportunities for growth

✅ Conduct regular team meetings to review performance and provide feedback

✅ Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback to team members to enhance their skills and productivity

✅ Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key customers and prospects

✅ Address customer issues and concerns promptly, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and loyalty

✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure support to meet customer expectations

✅ Share market insights and customer feedback with internal teams to improve products and services

✅ Conduct regular market analysis to identify trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape

✅ Prepare sales reports, forecasts, and performance analysis for the management

✅ Manage customer accounts payable and ensure on-time collection

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, customer relationship management, and team leadership. The candidate should be comfortable with both sales targets and market analysis.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Engineer, Postgraduate degree in Business Preferred

Experience: An engineering graduate in Mechanical OR Industrial Production with min. 6 ~ 8 years of experience in Sales / Application, preferably in metal cutting products and working in a technical manufacturing environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven sales and account management experience
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to assess customer needs competently
• Computer literacy and proficiency in using sales tools
• Willingness to travel extensively
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the machinery manufacturing industry
• Fluency in English and local languages
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in sales and account management.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: INR 12,00,000 - 18,00,000 per annum (Estimated based on industry standards for a mid-level sales role in India)

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee discounts

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (with flexibility for travel and customer needs)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a mid-level sales role in India. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Kennametal operates in the machinery manufacturing industry, specializing in metalworking, aerospace tooling, and other related services. The company serves various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, energy, and construction.

Company Size: Kennametal is a large organization with over 10,000 employees globally. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Kennametal was founded in 1938 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry.

Company Description:

• Kennametal is a global industrial technology leader delivering productivity to customers through materials science, tooling, and wear-resistant solutions.
• The company serves customers across aerospace, earthworks, energy, general engineering, and transportation sectors.
• Kennametal is committed to innovation, sustainability, and responsible business practices.

Company Specialties:

• Metalworking
• Aerospace tooling
• Machining
• Drilling
• Mining
• Construction
• Ceramics
• Automotive tooling
• Carbide

Company Website: www.kennametal.com

ASSUMPTION: Kennametal's extensive experience and global presence provide a stable and supportive work environment for employees.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-level of the career ladder, offering opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Reporting Structure: The Key Account Specialist reports directly to the Sales Manager and works closely with cross-functional teams to meet customer needs.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role with a full-time work arrangement. The role requires extensive travel to meet with customers and attend industry events.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior sales role or management position
• Expansion into new markets or product lines
• Cross-functional projects and assignments

ASSUMPTION: The role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the company, particularly for individuals with strong sales and account management skills.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Kennametal's Belgaum office is a modern, professional workspace with a collaborative work environment.

Office Location(s): Belgaum, Karnataka, India

Geographic Context:

• Belgaum is located in the northern part of Karnataka, India, and is well-connected by road, rail, and air.
• The city offers a moderate climate, with warm summers and cool winters.
• Belgaum is known for its historical sites, cultural heritage, and educational institutions.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with flexibility for travel and customer needs.

ASSUMPTION: Belgaum offers a pleasant work environment with a good quality of life, and the office provides a supportive and collaborative work culture.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening
• On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final round interview with the sales team or other stakeholders
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales and account management skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Market analysis and strategic thinking
• Customer focus and problem-solving abilities

Application Tips:

• Highlight your sales and account management experience, particularly in the machinery manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrate your ability to assess customer needs and develop effective sales strategies.
• Showcase your market analysis skills and understanding of the competitive landscape.
• Prepare examples of successful customer relationships and sales achievements.

ATS Keywords: Sales strategies, customer acquisition, customer retention, market analysis, relationship management, team leadership, coaching, technical communication, problem-solving, presentation skills, administrative skills, cross-functional collaboration, customer satisfaction, revenue growth, performance analysis, travel willingness

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's sales and account management skills, as well as their ability to work effectively with customers and cross-functional teams.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Salesforce or other CRM platforms
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The role requires proficiency in using sales tools and data analysis software to track performance and make informed decisions.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Customer focus
• Innovation
• Performance excellence
• Collaboration

Work Style:

• Results-driven and goal-oriented
• Strong customer focus and commitment to customer satisfaction
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to changing market conditions

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of achieving sales targets and building strong customer relationships?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapting to changing market conditions?
• Do you have strong communication and presentation skills, and are you able to effectively communicate complex ideas to customers and internal stakeholders?

ASSUMPTION: Kennametal values employees who are results-driven, customer-focused, and collaborative, with a strong commitment to integrity and innovation.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a large portfolio of key accounts and balancing multiple priorities
• Keeping up with the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the machinery manufacturing industry
• Extensive travel requirements, which may impact work-life balance
• Competing with established competitors and maintaining market share

ASSUMPTION: The role presents unique challenges, such as managing a large portfolio of key accounts and keeping up with the fast-paced industry. However, these challenges also offer opportunities for growth and development.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other sales roles, this position requires a strong focus on account management and customer retention, in addition to sales and market analysis skills.
• The machinery manufacturing industry is competitive and dynamic, requiring a strong understanding of market trends and customer needs.
• This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the company, particularly for individuals with strong sales and account management skills.

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on both sales and account management, and it offers opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a sales strategy to increase market share in a specific region
• Conducting a market analysis to identify new opportunities for growth and expansion
• Managing a portfolio of key accounts and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from strategic planning and market analysis to customer relationship management.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical sales cycle for this role and how it aligns with the company's overall growth strategy?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its sales team members?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how are they tracked and measured?
• How does the company approach customer retention and account management, and what resources are available to support these efforts?
• What is the company's strategy for expanding into new markets or product lines, and how does this role contribute to that strategy?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a strong understanding of the role and a commitment to driving results and contributing to the company's overall success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your sales and account management experience, as well as your market analysis skills and understanding of the machinery manufacturing industry.
• Prepare examples of successful customer relationships and sales achievements to discuss during the interview.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications for the role.

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