Key Account Specialist

Kennametal

. Drive metal-cutting tool sales growth with new and established direct, indirect, and machine-tool customers .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeVirginia • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $80,000 - $95,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in technical sales within the CNC machining industry, focusing on customer relationship management, strategic territory planning, and effective communication of complex technical concepts. Proven ability to execute sales strategies, manage customer accounts, and deliver tailored solutions that align with industry trends.

Highest-signal resume keywords

CNC Machining Industry ExperienceTechnical Sales ExperienceCustomer Relationship ManagementStrategic Sales PlanningProduct Knowledge and Troubleshooting

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Sales Process ManagementLead Generation and QualificationConsultative SellingObjection HandlingClosing StrategiesTechnical Direction and SupportApplication Testing RecommendationsContract ReviewProject Specification SkillsForecasting Reports

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsCritical ThinkingCustomer-Focused Problem-SolvingDetail-OrientedService Orientation

Tools & Technologies

CRM SoftwarePresentation ToolsWebinar PlatformsDemonstration EquipmentSales Analytics Tools

Industry Keywords

Metal-Cutting ToolsSales GrowthApplication EngineersChannel Partner RepresentativesTradeshowsWorkshopsWebinarsRevenue GoalsCustomer AccountsTechnical Degree

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive metal-cutting tool sales growth with new and established direct, indirect, and machine-tool customers
Manage customer relationships and provide technical direction and support
Generate, qualify, and manage sales leads, prospects, and new customer accounts
Manage the complete sales process, including prospecting, qualification, consultative meetings, demonstrations, pricing, negotiations, and sourcing
Develop and execute strategic territory plans focused on revenue goals and new product sales
Respond to pre-sales technical and commercial customer queries
Maintain customer and project records in CRM
Collaborate with Application Engineers, Channel Partner Representatives, Inside Sales, and other internal teams
Conduct online and onsite product demonstrations, workshops, webinars, and territory events
Represent Kennametal at tradeshows, conferences, and other events
Analyze complex application needs and provide tooling and application testing recommendations to deliver cost savings
Prepare and present progress, status, and forecasting reports
Spend 80% or more of the week in the field at customer locations, with some overnight travel each month

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be located in Virginia; flexible on specific location within the state
Ability to travel throughout Virginia with a company-provided vehicle
3+ years of related CNC machining industry experience
Technical degree or degree in Business, Manufacturing and/or Engineering preferred
1–2 years of technical sales and/or application experience preferred
Proficient in product knowledge, applications, and troubleshooting
Ability to tailor solutions to customer needs and align product solutions with industry trends
Competence in sales techniques, including objection handling and closing strategies
Ability to execute strategic sales plans and meet targets
Critical thinking, presentation, and administrative skills
Excellent communication skills for explaining complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
Customer-focused problem-solving and service orientation
Detail-oriented contract review and project specification skills
Ability to work effectively across all departments

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company provided vehicle
Benefits starting day 1
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Referral program
Tuition reimbursement
Sales incentive bonus based on performance