Outside Sales Account Manager

Airgas - Cedar Falls, IA

Full-time - Mid Level

Cedar Falls, IA

10,001+ employees

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Outside Sales Account Manager is a pivotal role at Airgas, responsible for managing the sales process and driving profitable sales growth within an assigned territory that includes Cedar Falls, New Hampton, Iowa Falls, and Winthrop. This position is crucial for both existing and new Airgas customers, as it focuses on meeting and exceeding corporate and regional objectives related to profitable sales growth, accounts receivable management, and customer retention. The successful candidate will develop and execute sales plans that align with Airgas' sales directives and guidelines, ensuring that existing accounts are serviced effectively while also pursuing new business opportunities. In this role, the Account Manager will cultivate strong customer relationships by gaining a deep understanding of each customer's business needs and establishing a consultative relationship. This involves engaging customers by linking their business priorities to the value proposition offered by Airgas. The Account Manager will prepare sales proposals that include pricing quotes, credit terms, and estimated delivery dates, all based on a thorough understanding of Airgas' production and delivery capabilities. Staying informed about industry trends and competitive intelligence is essential for success in this position. The Account Manager will monitor the marketplace for relevant information regarding pricing, products, and delivery schedules, which will aid in making informed sales decisions. Collaboration with internal resources is also a key aspect of the role, as the Account Manager will need to maintain clear communication with various departments to ensure customer success and identify new opportunities. Additionally, the Account Manager will be responsible for maintaining and submitting various sales reports, including daily call reports and territory analyses, as required by the District Manager. A critical part of the role involves actively managing existing customer accounts receivable balances to minimize financial risk and working capital investment for Airgas.

Responsibilities

• Manage the sales process and drive profitable sales growth within the assigned territory.
• Develop and execute sales plans to service existing accounts and establish new accounts.
• Qualify and pursue sales leads to expand customer base.
• Cultivate customer relationships by understanding their business needs and establishing a consultative relationship.
• Engage customers by linking their business priorities to the Airgas value proposition.
• Prepare sales proposals including pricing, credit terms, and estimated delivery dates.
• Stay current with industry insights and monitor competition for relevant marketplace intelligence.
• Partner with internal resources to accomplish growth objectives and maintain communication with internal departments.
• Maintain and submit sales reports as required by the District Manager.
• Review and manage existing customer Accounts Receivable balances to minimize financial risk.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; or up to 4 years of additional related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 3 years of prior outside business-to-business sales experience with proven success in solution-selling concepts.
• Experience using a consultative sales approach to provide value to customers.
• Excellent organizational, written and oral communication, listening, and presentation skills.
• Experience with Google Suite or Microsoft Office preferred.
• Reliable transportation, current driver's license, and minimum liability insurance as required by state.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the industrial gas or related industry.
• Familiarity with SAP or similar CRM systems.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Employee discounts on products and services.