KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER – VEHICLE AFTERMARKET

CHICAGO, IL TERRITORY

Location: Greater Chicago, IL Area

Position Overview  

This role is responsible for driving growth and managing strategic accounts within the heavy-duty market. The successful candidate will cultivate partnerships with distributors, dealers, fleets, and repair shops to expand SKF’s market presence. Key responsibilities include developing annual growth plans, promoting the full SKF Automotive product portfolio, and accelerating fleet business through established distribution channels. 

Ideal Candidate Profile  

We are looking for a driven, entrepreneurial professional who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and takes full ownership of their territory. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a hunter mentality, someone who relentlessly pursues new business opportunities and challenges conventional thinking with innovative, cost-effective solutions.

Success in this role requires:

• A strong customer focus and a passion for uncovering needs and delivering impactful solutions
• The courage to initiate change and disrupt the status quo in pursuit of growth
• High self-motivation and the discipline to independently set priorities, manage time effectively, and achieve ambitious goals
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to adapt to shifting market conditions

Key Responsibilities  

• Account Development: Build and strengthen relationships with distributors, dealers, fleets, and repair shops. Establish and execute clear growth objectives. 
• Sales Strategy Implementation: Lead the execution of national account programs, regional promotions, fleet conversions, and training initiatives. 
• Customer Training & Engagement: Deliver hands-on training to fleets, repair shops, parts counters, and sales teams to ensure alignment with SKF’s product offerings. 
• CRM & Data Management: Maintain accurate customer records, monitor sales activity, and support fleet initiatives through distribution networks. 
• Industry Representation: Attend trade shows and industry events to represent SKF and identify new business opportunities. 
• Internal Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with broader company strategies and goals. 
• Performance Expectations: Focus over 80% of time on direct selling and distributor engagement. Travel required more than 70% of the time. 

Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered 
• Minimum of 5 years’ sales experience in the heavy duty or automotive  
• Persistent and goal-oriented, with a commitment to continuous improvement in sales and marketing processes
• Exceptional account management and relationship-building capabilities; credible, persuasive, and trusted by clients
• Demonstrates high learning agility and a collaborative spirit—actively shares insights, benchmarks performance, and supports team development
• Willingness to travel up to 70%, depending on home base and key account demands