KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER – VEHICLE AFTERMARKET
CHICAGO, IL TERRITORY
Location: Greater Chicago, IL Area
Salary range: $85,000 - $110,000
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
About SKF Automotive
SKF Automotive is a global leader in bearing and sealing technologies, delivering innovative solutions that enhance vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. We collaborate with leading OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to engineer high-precision components for wheel-end, powertrain, driveline, and e-mobility systems. Our Scotseal product line is a trusted solution in the commercial vehicle market, renowned for its durability and reliability in demanding wheel-end applications.
In September 2024, SKF announced the strategic separation of its Automotive business to establish two world-leading companies. The role you are applying for is part of this newly focused automotive business—offering you the opportunity to help shape a company designed to meet the evolving needs of the global automotive market.
Would you like to join us in shaping the future of motion?
Why You Will Love Working Here
Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.
Work/Life Integration. SKF Automotive supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. Flexible work options are available, depending on role.
Diversity in the Workplace. At SKF Automotive, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation.
Best in Class Benefits. SKF Automotive cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment. Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more!
Bonus. SKF Automotive offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.
Invest in your Future. Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution : 100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.