How to hire a key account manager/sales manager

How to hire a key account manager/sales manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step key account manager/sales manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a key account manager/sales manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new key account manager/sales manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your key account manager/sales manager job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a key account manager/sales manager for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

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   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a key account manager/sales manager to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a key account manager/sales manager that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of key account manager/sales managers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Key Account Manager/Sales Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Key Account Manager/Sales Manager	Sales managers direct organizations' sales teams. They set sales goals, analyze data, and develop training programs for organizations’ sales representatives.	$24-61
   Sales Team Manager	A sales team manager is responsible for monitoring the sales performance and goals of an organization by strategizing on efficient techniques to sell goods and services to customers. Sales team managers identify business opportunities by analyzing the current market trends that would increase the company's revenues and profitability... Show more	$16-60
   Sales Representative And Account Manager	A sales representative/account manager is responsible for supervising client portfolio accounts and maintaining long-lasting relationships with business partners. Sales representatives/account managers meet with existing and potential clients to discuss new services offered by the company, as well as addressing their requests for review... Show more	$19-50

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Territory Sales
   • Customer Satisfaction
   • Product Line
   • Business Development
   • Account Management
   • Distributors
   • Sales Growth
   • Business Relationships
   • Trade Shows
   • Customer Accounts
   • Market Trends
   • Business Growth
   • Sales Management
   • Revenue Growth

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage services including contract logistics, distribution, and inbound logistics and shipping brokerage along with various additional transportation solutions.
   • Recruit the most qualify healthcare administrative and revenue cycle professionals; interview and identify temporary and temporary-to-hire opportunities for candidates.
   • Author and develop innovative marketing campaigns to promote product visibility, designing personal brochures and point-of-sale [POS] collateral.
   • Recommend plan-o-gram changes and promotional opportunities base on syndicate data reports and customer POS.
   • Develop new accounts while maintaining and upselling existing accounts.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your key account manager/sales manager job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A key account manager/sales manager salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, key account manager/sales managers' average salary in missouri is 54% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level key account manager/sales managers earn 61% less than senior-level key account manager/sales managers.
   • Certifications. A key account manager/sales manager with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a key account manager/sales manager's salary.

   Average key account manager/sales manager salary

   $79,976yearly

   $38.45 hourly rate

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   Entry-level key account manager/sales manager salary

   $50,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 25, 2025

4. Writing a key account manager/sales manager job description

   A key account manager/sales manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a key account manager/sales manager job description:

   Key account manager/sales manager job description example

   Certified WBENC | Certified NGLCC | Great Place to Work® Certified in 2022 | Best Dog-Friendly Company 2021 |#2 in Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production™ 2020 | #3 in Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production™ 2019 |
   
   Front of the House®, and room360˚ by FOH® are divisions of FOH®, Inc., offering stylists unexpected and unique trend-forward collections for hospitality and foodservice. All Front of the House® and room360˚ by FOH® solutions are designed by us and stocked by us.
   
   FOH® offers an environment where entrepreneurial spirits are given the opportunity to grow without limits in a culture where you can influence the company's path. We are guided by our inclusive team, culture, commitment to sustainability, and diversity.
   Additional Position Information: Full Time, Salary + Bonus 50-60% overnight travel, frequent air and auto travel will be necessary to attend trade shows throughout the year and work in their territory An ideal candidate would reside in the Chicago metro area Position Summary: The Key Account Manager is part of the FOH® sales team. This role contributes to the success of the company by developing and executing the corporate strategies at our 6 largest business partners to drive profitable revenue growth. The Key Account Manager will proactively collaborate with other members of the outside sales team to ensure the execution of our sales plan across all regions and segments.
   Major Duties Include:
   Actively works with the Vice President of Sales in the strategic planning and goal setting for all aspects of the top 6 FOH dealers/distributors. Accountable for increasing sales and creating new opportunities with the Top 6 FOH dealers/distributors Develop and manage the tiered relationship responsibilities from the executive level to the street sales team Responsible for all aspects of program development, including contract negotiations and ensuring pricing integrity Collaborate and partner with other members of the Outside Sales team to drive tactical execution of the annual sales plan across all regions and segments Work closely with Supply Chain Manager to manage product demands including new items Work closely with Marketing to create customer-specific marketing campaigns to drive awareness within the Big 6 Utilizes SAP and HubSpot tools to drive customer retention and to optimize sales opportunities Identifies new segments and new areas of opportunity within the Top 6 business partners Trains and develops the dealer rep community on FOH® products, brands, and solutions Prepares and conducts insightful business reviews to ensure consistent communication and growth Successfully transforms strategies into tactical and measurable action plans Consistently engages in regional SWOT analyses for future needs identification Implements and executes large-scale projects from start to finish, using project management skills Participates in inter-departmental meetings and is an external resource for organizational growth Prepares monthly analytical reports on performance, wins, and shortfalls Actively participates in the planning of regional and dealer trade shows as well as attends these shows as needed Promotes our FOH® Culture through action and leadership Education, Experience, and Computer Skills: Minimum of 5+ years experience in sales College degree preferred Proficient in all Microsoft Applications HubSpot or similar CRM software highly preferred SAP Business One, knowledge preferred Travel Requirements: 50-60% overnight travel
   Frequent air and auto travel will be necessary to attend trade shows throughout the year and work in their territory Skills Needed for Success: Exceptional supervisory, coaching, and leadership skills Strategic thinking, planning, and execution Communicate with excellence and clarity both verbally and in writing Superior presentation and public speaking skills Provides and follows directions and works under pressure to meet deadlines Stress and time management skills Tech-savviness Analytical, mathematical, and financial aptitude Exceptional project management skills and strong attention to detail Analytical, creative, practical problem-solving skills Balances quick decision-making with thoughtful judgment Customer service and interpersonal skills Ability to negotiate and close deals Return on investment mindset as it relates to scheduling, travel, and sales efforts Desired Characteristics and Qualifications: Thrives in a goal-driven environment Organized, action and detailed oriented Demonstrate sound work ethics Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity Nimbleness to respond to everchanging priorities in a high growth Highly enthusiastic, positive-minded and composure in challenging situations Acts and performs with an “ownership mentality” High emotional intelligence Decisiveness Flexible to work outside normal work hours
   
   Benefits:
   FOH®, Inc. recognizes that our team members are our most important assets; therefore, we are committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package that provides protection and well-being for our team and their families.
   
   Highlights include: Competitive salary and quarterly bonus structure, multiple subsidized medical and dental options, voluntary supplemental insurance, employer matching 401(k) retirement plan (100% vested), paid holidays, paid vacation and paid time off, charitable time off, team member recognition program, and our collaborative culture.
   
   
   Passionate about what we do and how we do it, we value different perspectives from people of all backgrounds and actively recruit diverse team members. Bring your experience and join a team that strives to deliver impactful solutions to our partners worldwide. Check out our websites: frontofthehouse.com, and roomthreesixty.com

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5. Post your job

   To find key account manager/sales managers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any key account manager/sales managers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level key account manager/sales managers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your key account manager/sales manager job on Zippia to find and recruit key account manager/sales manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting key account manager/sales managers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new key account manager/sales manager

   Once you've selected the best key account manager/sales manager candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new key account manager/sales manager. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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