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Key Account Specialist-India

Kennametal, Inc.
Full-time
On-site
Belgaum, Karnātaka, India
πŸ’Ό Account Management

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Key Account Specialist - India

πŸ”Ή Company: Kennametal, Inc.

πŸ”Ή Location: Belgaum, Karnataka, India

πŸ”Ή Job Type: On-site

πŸ”Ή Category: Sales & Business Development

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: July 4, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ 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.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

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

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

βœ… Conduct regular team meetings to review performance and provide feedback

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

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

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

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

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

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

βœ… Prepare sales reports, forecasts, and performance analysis for the management

βœ… 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.

πŸ’° 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.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” 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.

πŸ“Š 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.

πŸ’Ό 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.

πŸ› οΈ 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.

πŸ‘” 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.

πŸ“ˆ 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.

πŸ“ 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.

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 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.