Strategic Account Manager

Every day, we get opportunities to make a positive impact – on our colleagues, partners, customers and society. Together, we’re pioneering the solutions of the future and unlocking the full potential of precious resources. Trusted to act on initiative, we challenge conventional thinking to develop world-leading technologies that inspire progress in vital areas, including energy, food, water and shipping.

As we push forward, the innovative, open spirit that fuels our 140-year-old start-up culture and rapid growth also drives our personal growth. So, as we shape a more resourceful, less wasteful world, we build our careers too.

About The Job

The Strategic Account Manager is responsible for profitably growing customer and market share within assigned strategic accounts across both capital and service businesses, aligned with Sales Company and Energy Division strategies.

This role serves as the primary strategic interface between Alfa Laval and key customers, leading long‑term partnerships, coordinating cross‑functional account teams, and translating customer priorities into executable growth plans. Reporting to the Head of the Energy Division in the US, the Strategic Account Manager is an integral part of a collaborative team.

This is a hybrid position based in Houston, TX.

As a Part Of The Team, You Will

Strategic Account Leadership

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders at assigned Strategic Accounts
• Act as the single point of contact across Alfa Laval’s product and service portfolio
• Create conditions for executive‑level alignment between customer leadership teams and Alfa Laval leadership
• Maintain detailed customer mapping, including locations, decision‑makers, strategies, technologies, competitors, and market share

Account Strategy & Growth Planning

• Define the strategic direction and key tactical initiatives for each assigned account, aligned with divisional and sales company strategies
• Develop and maintain a master sales plan per Strategic Account, including targets, metrics, and growth initiatives across capital and service
• Lead execution of account plans in collaboration with Business Directors, Capital Sales, Service Sales, Marketing, and Technical teams
• Provide data and insights to support business cases for additional resources and investments

Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Form, coordinate, and support Strategic Account Teams across the organization
• Lead and coordinate business review meetings with customers and internal stakeholders
• Ensure clear communication and alignment across Sales, Service, Marketing, Technical Services, and Central teams

Commercial Execution & Customer Engagement

• Proactively assess customer needs, priorities, and expectations to position Alfa Laval solutions effectively
• Promote new technologies, upgrades, replacements, digital services, and service agreements early in the customer journey
• Support smooth handover from capital sales to service sales to secure long‑term service business
• Lead or support contract negotiation and execution, including supply and service agreements
• Support resolution of escalated customer issues, including late payments, missing purchase orders, or conflict situations

Market & Opportunity Development

• Support marketing activities and follow up on assigned leads and opportunities
• Maintain updated competitor and market/asset share analysis
• Conduct regular business reviews with Alfa Laval management on Strategic Account performance

What You Know

You have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business (preferred) and bring:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in direct sales, business development, product management, or key/strategic account management
• Experience in capital and/or service OEM sales
• Proven ability to manage and grow strategic or key customer accounts
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to lead cross‑functional teams without direct authority
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder‑management skills
• Industry experience in oil & gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, power, or refining (preferred)
• Ability to travel 50% within the U.S.

We care about diversity, inclusion and equity in our recruitment processes. We also believe behavioral traits can provide important insights into a candidate's fit to a role. To help us achieve this we apply Pymetrics assessments, and upon application you will be invited to play the assessment games.

What’s in it for you?

Alfa Laval offers a competitive salary and full benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life, 401(k) plan, and more. At Alfa Laval, we carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors to determine your total compensation package. We rely on market indicators to determine compensation and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to get it right. These considerations can cause your compensation to vary and will also be dependent on your location. The base salary for this role is typically $120,000 - $140,000 annually.

Alfa Laval is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, or business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

EEO/Vet/Disabled Employer