Sr. Manager Key Accounts

Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities. ​

The Senior Manager of Key Accounts will lead and support a high-performing team responsible for cultivating, expanding, and sustaining strategic relationships with some of our most influential Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This role is critical to driving long-term growth, customer satisfaction, and partnership innovation across the industries we serve. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, a relationship builder, and a results-driven leader with deep experience in account management and OEM ecosystems.

Qualified candidates must be able to work an on-site schedule at our Bloomington, MN office/facility.

Role Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and empower a team of Key Account Managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Set clear performance goals and provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities.

Strategic Account Oversight

• Oversee the management of top-tier OEM accounts, ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer needs.

• Support the team in developing and executing account plans that drive revenue growth, retention, and strategic alignment.

• Identify opportunities to remove barriers that are preventing expanded growth with these key customers.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with OEM partners, acting as a trusted advisor and escalation point.

• Facilitate joint business planning and strategic reviews with OEM stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Product, Marketing, and Operations to ensure seamless execution of OEM initiatives and customer commitments.

• Advocate for OEM needs internally, influencing product development and service enhancements.

Performance & Reporting

• Monitor key account metrics, pipeline health, and customer satisfaction scores.

• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on account performance, risks, and opportunities.

Travel: Up to 25%

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Engineering, or related field; MBA preferred.

• 8+ years of experience in key account management, OEM partnerships, or strategic sales.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams.

• Strong understanding of OEM business models and industry dynamics.

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to travel as needed to support team and customer engagements. Estimated 25% travel with elevated occasions depended on business needs.

• Experience working in Food and Beverage, Fine Chemical or Pharmaceutical industries.

• Demonstrated success in driving complex, multi-stakeholder partnerships.

• Data-driven mindset with proficiency in CRM tools and account planning frameworks.

• Sales background and trainings tied to aligning value to what our customers cares about most.

Relocation:  This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Annual Salary Range: $123,800-162,450.  Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to applicable work experience, training, education, performance.

This position is eligible for annual incentive plan based on performance and company growth.

Employee benefits are part of the competitive total rewards package that Donaldson Company, Inc. provides to you. Our comprehensive benefits program includes health benefits, retirement plan (401k), paid time away, paid leaves (including paid parental leave) and more.

Immigration Sponsorship Not Available:

• Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, J-1, F-1, CPT, OPT, etc.).

• Donaldson will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.

• International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the U.S. will not be considered.

Keywords: Key Account, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), Food and Beverage, Fine Chemical, Pharmaceutical, CRM.

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