Outside Sales Account Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Outside Sales Account Manager

🔹 Company: Airgas

🔹 Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: 🚀 Sales & Marketing, 💼 Account Management

🔹 Date Posted: Tue Apr 01 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing the sales process and driving profitable sales growth within an assigned territory
• Developing and executing strategic sales plans
• Cultivating strong customer relationships with a consultative approach
• Partnering with internal resources to achieve growth objectives

ASSUMPTION: The role demands high-level communication and strategic planning skills to manage complex sales processes effectively, based on its responsibilities of developing sales plans and customer relationships.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage the sales process and drive profitable sales growth within an assigned territory

✅ Develop and execute detailed sales plans utilizing Airgas's sales directives

✅ Cultivate and maintain strong customer relationships

✅ Engage with customers to link their business priorities to Airgas's value proposition

✅ Prepare detailed sales proposals including pricing and delivery terms

✅ Keep abreast of industry trends and maintain competitive awareness

✅ Partner with internal departments to align on customer successes and opportunities

✅ Actively manage existing customer accounts to minimize financial risk

ASSUMPTION: This position likely involves travel within the assigned territory to meet with clients and stakeholders, allowing for more personalized relationship management.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a science, business, or related field required. Alternative: Up to 4 years of additional related experience in lieu of a degree.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of outside business-to-business sales experience with proven success in solution-selling.

Required Skills:

• Strong sales process management
• Proficiency in customer relationship management
• Consultative and solution-selling skills
• Utilization of sales proposals and market analysis

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with industrial and specialty gases
• Working knowledge of SAP systems

ASSUMPTION: Experience in the chemical manufacturing or related industries is preferred, providing valuable insight into Airgas's product offerings and client base.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Not specified; likely dependent on experience and market standards.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Generous parental leave and vacation packages
• 401k plan with company matching
• Tuition reimbursement and discounted college tuition for dependents

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, standard schedule with possible fieldwork flexibility.

ASSUMPTION: Compensation and benefits are competitive and cater to attracting highly skilled sales professionals with diverse packages.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Chemical Manufacturing, a sector focused on the production and sale of gases and hardgoods essential to several industries.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees, suggests a large organizational structure with abundant resources and growth opportunities.

Founded: 1982, showcasing a long-established presence and expertise in its field.

Company Description:

• Leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical, and specialty gases
• Major supplier of safety products and collaborative services
• Highly reliable with over 1,100 locations and a robust e-Business platform

Company Specialties:

• Medical and specialty gases
• Welding and safety product supplies
• Industrial tools and equipment rentals

Company Website: http://www.airgas.com/

ASSUMPTION: Airgas, being part of Air Liquide, benefits from international insights and resources, enhancing its market competitiveness.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level position with opportunities for advancement into senior account management roles.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the District Manager, positioned for input into strategic decision-making processes.

Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site with fieldwork required for client interaction and relationship building.

Growth Opportunities:

• In-depth exposure to diverse industrial sectors
• Potential to expand into managerial roles
• Expansion of professional network within industrial sales markets

ASSUMPTION: Given the role's strategic and sales growth priorities, there is potential for mentorship and leadership development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Retail shop environment, which may include dynamic customer interactions and on-site problem-solving.

Office Location(s): Auburn Hills, MI, with possible travel around local sales territory.

Geographic Context:

• Auburn Hills is part of Greater Detroit, known for its automotive industry influence
• Proximity to major interstates enhances customer visitation ease
• Dynamic business environment encouraging innovation

Work Schedule: Standard business hours with occasional requirements for flexibility based on customer needs.

ASSUMPTION: The environment is supportive of collaborative teamwork, with a strong focus on achieving sales targets through customer interactions.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial online application submission
• Phone screening by HR
• In-person interview with the hiring manager
• Panel interview with team members
• Final offer discussion with HR

Key Assessment Areas:

• Ability to manage and grow customer accounts effectively
• Proficient in developing strategic sales plans
• Experience in product and market analysis

Application Tips:

• Highlight experience in consultative and solution selling
• Demonstrate strong understanding of sales processes
• Showcase experience with SAP or similar CRM systems

ATS Keywords: Sales Process, Customer Relationship Management, Consultative Selling, Solution Selling, A/R Management

ASSUMPTION: The selection process emphasizes candidates' strategic sales abilities and familiarity with industry-specific challenges.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools
• Industry-standard market analysis software
• SAP for sales report and account management

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with digital tools will be essential for efficient territory management and customer engagement.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Focus on customer success and value
• Innovation and continual improvement

Work Style:

• Proactive and motivated by sales targets
• Team-oriented with ability to work independently
• Adaptive to dynamic industry environments

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you handle complex sales negotiations?
• What strategies do you use to build long-term customer relationships?
• How familiar are you with using CRM systems like SAP?

ASSUMPTION: Cultural fit is crucial at Airgas, as the company values contributions from individuals with diverse perspectives and ideas.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Adapting to diverse customer needs and industry specifics
• Maintaining updated knowledge on chemical production and distribution
• Navigating competitive market territories
• Balancing on-site responsibilities with travel demands

ASSUMPTION: Industry complexity and competitive challenges require candidates to be highly adaptable and well-informed.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Roles in similar industries may offer comparable challenges and growth in sales capabilities
• Other positions might focus more on remote sales with less customer interaction
• Airgas's emphasis on gases and safety product sales provides a unique market position

ASSUMPTION: Review other sales roles for context, ensuring alignment with career goals centered on industry expertise and relationship management.

📝 Sample Projects

• Development and implementation of a territory-specific sales strategy
• Initiation of a customer feedback system to improve service quality
• Collaboration on cross-departmental teams to enhance sales processes

ASSUMPTION: The aforementioned projects directly correlate with enhancing both individual and team sales efficiencies.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What specific goals and metrics will this role focus on?
• How does Airgas differentiate itself in the market?
• Can you describe the team dynamic and leadership style?
• What opportunities for professional development does Airgas offer?
• How often are sales strategies and goals revised?

ASSUMPTION: Inquiring about performance metrics and team dynamics helps assess the role's compatibility with personal and career aspirations.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Prepare a detailed resume highlighting relevant sales experience
• Include a cover letter tailored to Airgas's market and values
• Ensure your LinkedIn profile is updated with applicable skills
• Follow up post-submission to express continued interest

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