Key Account Manager, Plant Health Solutions

Job Description

Company Description

K-I CHEMICAL U S A INC is a chemical company headquartered at 5425 Page Road, Suite 160, Durham, NC 27703, and is a 100% subsidiary of Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. in Japan. The organization focuses on delivering technology solutions that support specialized industry needs, including plant health, chemicals derivatives used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, polymer materials, and electronic materials, and related applications. Team members collaborate across technical and commercial functions to support customers with reliable tools. The company offers opportunities to work on innovative products while engaging directly with strategic partners and key accounts.

Role Description

The Key Account Manager, Plant Health Solutions is a full-time, hybrid role based in Durham, NC, with flexibility to work from home up to two (2) days per week. The Key Account Manager is responsible for overseeing sales activities of crop protection products through distribution partners in the U.S. market. The role includes planning and managing sales budgets, monitoring distributor performance, implementing sales promotion initiatives, coordinating demonstration activities, managing customer credit, and ensuring timely collection of accounts receivable.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sales Planning & Budget Management

• Develop and manage annual and quarterly sales budgets.
• Monitor progress against sales targets and take corrective action when necessary.
• Negotiate pricing and sales terms with distributors to support budget achievement and company policy.

2. Distributor Account Management

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with distributors.
• Track sales performance of each distributor and ensure timely follow-up.

3. Sales Promotion

• Propose and execute sales promotion programs, including campaigns, materials, and distributor training.
• Coordinate with marketing and technical teams for effective implementation.

4. Demonstration Activities

• Plan and oversee demonstration plots/trials to present product performance to distributors and growers.
• Provide product information and technical support as needed.

5. Customer Credit Management

• Monitor and manage distributor credit to mitigate financial risks.

6. Accounts Receivable Collection

• Ensure timely collection of payments from distributors and manage outstanding receivables.

7. Reporting & Market Analysis

• Compile regular reports on sales performance, market trends, and competitor activities.
• Provide timely and accurate updates to management.

Authority and Accountability

• Accountable for achieving assigned sales budgets.
• Authorized to negotiate sales conditions with distributors within approved guidelines.
• Responsible for decisions related to sales promotion and demonstration activities.
• Responsible for monitoring credit risk and ensuring proper collection of accounts receivable.

Performance Indicators (Examples)

• Achievement rate of assigned sales budget.
• Effectiveness of distributor relationship management.
• Implementation and impact of sales promotion activities.
• Accuracy and timeliness of reporting and market intelligence.
• Effectiveness of credit management and receivables collection.
• Success in distributor price negotiations and alignment with budget.