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Key Account Executive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Key Account Executive

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150K/yr

Key Account Executive Kalon Executive Search is partnering with an established and growing company in the food, beverage, nutraceutical, and functional ingredients industry to identify an experienced ...

Key Account Executive Reports to: Vice President of Sales Compensation: Base salary plus 30K commission target The Key Account Executive will be responsible for managing and expanding relationships ...

Key Account Executive

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$147 - $261/hr

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

Key Account Executive

$123K - $187K/yr

We are seeking a Key Account Executive , to sell our Identity Security Solution. * Success building and maintaining strong, long-lasting relationships with 4 Fortune 50 accounts. * The primary point ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

The Key Account Executive is responsible for driving growth within major client accounts by fostering strong relationships, understanding client needs, and applying experience with global accounts ...

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Key Account Executive information

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$52K

$81.5K

$131.5K

How much do key account executive jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for key account executive in the United States is $81,480.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a key account executive?

A Key Account Executive is a sales professional responsible for managing and nurturing relationships with a company's most important clients, known as key accounts. Their main role is to understand the unique needs of these clients and ensure they receive tailored products, services, and support. Key Account Executives work closely with various departments to deliver value, resolve issues, and help drive growth for both the client and their own company. They also identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, aiming to strengthen long-term business partnerships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a key account executive?

To thrive as a Key Account Executive, you need strong sales acumen, relationship management skills, and a background in business or marketing, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CRM software like Salesforce, data analysis tools, and sales automation platforms is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities help you build trust and manage client expectations effectively. These skills are essential for driving revenue growth, retaining strategic clients, and fostering long-term business partnerships.

How does a key account executive typically collaborate with internal teams to meet client needs?

A Key Account Executive regularly works cross-functionally with departments such as sales, marketing, customer support, and product development to deliver tailored solutions for key clients. This collaboration ensures that client requirements are understood and addressed efficiently, often involving joint meetings, strategy sessions, and ongoing communications. By acting as the main point of contact, the Key Account Executive coordinates resources and aligns internal efforts to maximize client satisfaction and retention.

What is the difference between Key Account Executive vs Sales Representative?

AspectKey Account ExecutiveSales Representative
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field; experience in account management is commonOften requires a high school diploma or bachelor's degree; sales experience preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks closely with existing key clients, managing relationships and strategic accountsFocuses on acquiring new clients and generating sales through outreach and presentations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in B2B industries like technology, manufacturing, and wholesaleCommon across retail, consumer goods, and service industries

The Key Account Executive primarily manages and nurtures relationships with key clients, focusing on retention and growth. In contrast, a Sales Representative typically seeks new clients and sales opportunities. Both roles require strong communication skills, but their focus and responsibilities differ significantly.

What is the difference between account executive and Key Account Executive?

A Key Account Executive is a specialized role within sales focused on managing and growing relationships with a company's most important clients, often requiring strategic planning and industry knowledge. An Account Executive generally handles a broader range of clients, focusing on acquiring new business and meeting sales targets. The key account role typically involves deeper account management, long-term planning, and higher-level negotiations.

What cities are hiring for Key Account Executive jobs?

Cities with the most Key Account Executive job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Key Account jobs?

The most popular types of Key Account jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Key Account Executive jobs?

The top employers for Key Account Executive jobs are:

What states have the most Key Account Executive jobs?

States with the most job openings for Key Account Executive jobs include:

Infographic showing various Key Account Executive job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,480 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Key Account Executive

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$150K/yr

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Key Account Executive
Kalon Executive Search is partnering with an established and growing company in the food, beverage, nutraceutical, and functional ingredients industry to identify an experienced Key Account Executive. This is an exciting opportunity for a relationship-driven sales professional with a strong industry network and a proven track record of developing strategic accounts and driving new business.
The Key Account Executive will be responsible for developing and expanding relationships with key customers and prospects, identifying new business opportunities, and working cross-functionally to deliver solutions that meet customer needs. This role will focus on consultative, strategic sales and building long-term partnerships with established brands and industry partners.
***This is a hybrid role based in the Chicago, IL area
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and grow strategic relationships with key accounts and prospective customers.
  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities across the food, beverage, nutraceutical, functional ingredient, and related markets.
  • Build strong relationships with decision-makers and stakeholders across multiple levels of customer organizations.
  • Develop account strategies designed to increase revenue, expand relationships, and identify new opportunities.
  • Work closely with internal sales, business development, technical, operations, and customer service teams to advance customer opportunities.
  • Understand customer objectives, challenges, product requirements, and business needs and identify appropriate solutions.
  • Lead and coordinate customer projects from initial opportunity through commercialization.
  • Identify opportunities to expand existing accounts through additional products, applications, and solutions.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of market trends, competitive dynamics, customer needs, and industry opportunities.
  • Conduct customer meetings, presentations, and business reviews through phone, email, video, and in-person meetings.
  • Travel throughout the United States as needed to develop and maintain strategic customer relationships.
  • Establish account-specific goals and execute strategies to achieve revenue and growth objectives.
  • Maintain accurate sales pipeline, opportunity, activity, and forecast information.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
  • 5+ years of B2B sales experience, preferably within food ingredients, nutraceuticals, functional foods, beverages, health and wellness, or a related industry.
  • Established network of contacts within relevant brands, manufacturers, or industry partners.
  • Demonstrated success developing new business and expanding strategic accounts.
  • Proven experience managing complex, consultative sales cycles.
  • Strong customer relationship-building and business development skills.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organizational and project management abilities with the ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously.
  • Self-motivated and entrepreneurial with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Compensation: $150,000 base salary + uncapped commission plus benefits
If this sounds like the position you have been waiting for, please apply using the online application or the link below. All inquiries are strictly confidential. Our focus is to assist you in making your best next career move, and we will not use your information for any other purpose.
Kalon Search is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
www.KalonSearch.com