Strategic Account Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT US

Merrill Manufacturing is North America’s leading manufacturer of parts and accessories to the water well and water system industries. We are a family-owned company known for our incredible service, quality products, and diverse selection. Our values guide everything we do. Our team at Merrill strives to do the right thing, shares our passion for all we do, has a can-do, will-do attitude, thinks of we before me, and is willing to solve problems together.

JOB SUMMARY

The Account Executive is responsible for driving sales growth in collaboration with channel partners, managing customer relationships, and ensuring efficient sales operations to exceed annual sales goals within assigned geographic territories and accounts. This role combines strategic territory management with direct account oversight, including identifying new business opportunities, developing sales strategies, while providing world class customer experience.

WORK RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Develop and execute sales strategies to achieve territory and account targets while collaborating with outside partners.
• Follow the Merrill sales process: knows assigned accounts, plans for growth, maintains a healthy funnel, drives opportunities to closure and evaluates performance to goal.
• Understand the industry (applications, standards/regulations, drivers, and trends), the customer’s organization and desired outcomes along with Merrill’s offerings and deliverables with partners relevant to assigned accounts.
• Establish strong relationships at all organizational levels with the customer base and understand customer process, goals, and organizational models.
• Coordinate with outside partners (sales representatives) and Merrill sales and marketing teams to plan and win identified opportunities. 
• Maintain accurate assessment and interactions of customer and prospect opportunities within Merrill’s Customer Relationship Management system.  
• Set and help manage outside partner expectations.
• Provide customers with troubleshooting support and offer recommendations tailored to their specific requirements.
• Accept and implement coaching, feedback, and training to achieve individual and team performance goals. 
• Travel within assigned territory part time when needed (to be determined and less than 25% of the time) to meet with clients, attend industry events, and supports sales activities. Costs of travel paid by Merrill.   
• Perform other duties as assigned by the direct supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in business, marketing, or related field or an associate degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year College or technical school in business, marketing or related field and/or equivalent experience.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPECTATIONS

• 5+ years prior sales and account management experience.
• Demonstrate leadership, persuasive, initiative, and communication skills. 
• Ability to learn and maintain knowledge of technical products and services. 
• Possess a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit. 
• Ability to work in a team environment. 
• Proficiency in all computer areas including but not limited to Microsoft products.
• Excellent attention to detail and multi-tasking ability with self-motivation to work on own initiative.
• Successfully pass a background and drug screening

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to sit for prolonged periods, perform tasks requiring fine motor skills, and utilize computer keyboarding. Employees may occasionally need to stand from a seated position. Must be able to travel by car, plane, or other means for less than 25% of the time, which may include carrying luggage, walking through airports, and attending off-site meetings or events. Ability to lift and transport materials or equipment as needed during travel or client visits.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires constant indoor work at the primary office location. Frequent travel (10–30%) within the assigned territory to meet with clients, attend industry events, and support sales activities. Work environments may include client offices, conference centers, and other off-site locations. Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and environments during travel.

BENEFITS

Full Benefits package available including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, flexible spending accounts, 401K with generous match, paid time off including nine (9) holidays, and a flexible schedule with work/life balance.

EEO STATEMENT

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, "protected statuses"). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.

DISCLAIMER

The above job definition information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on changing business needs and conditions.