Global Key Account Manager - Food & Beverage (m/f/d)

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Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. We are a technology and innovation leader continuously evolving to meet the changing world’s filtration needs. 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.

Job Overview

The Global Key Account Manager – Food and Beverage will be part of the Strategic Key Accounts team, focusing on expanding business cooperation with assigned customers. This role serves as the primary interface for the organization, acting as a liaison to ensure all requirements are met in a timely manner. The manager conducts regular business reviews and strategy meetings with customers’ management groups to understand their needs and link to the organization’s product/service strategies, driving sustainable growth and strengthening partnerships.

Role Responsibilities

• Act as primary contact for assigned strategic accounts, traveling to customer corporate locations to solidify relationships with key decision makers, determine customer needs, and learn application and business requirements.
• Establish, cultivate, and leverage customer relationships at a branch and corporate level to grow the business (mix of hunting and relationship growth).
• Conduct market and customer research, stay in frequent contact with customers via email or phone, travel for business visits, attend industry trade shows, and drive other prospecting activities.
• Lead sales presentations, annual pricing negotiations, business reviews, and product proposals to drive sales.
• Act as customer advocate within internal cross‑functional teams on pre‑ and post‑sale matters including Engineering, Product Management, Marketing, and Operations.
• Collaborate closely with Donaldson territory sales managers to identify, develop, and close new sales opportunities within defined strategies.
• Ensure alignment of agreed commercial terms with local Sales teams (pricing, regular follow‑up on key business opportunities).

Travel

Up to 30% (mostly within EMEA).

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of sales experience.
• Previous Account Management or Business Development experience.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent through experience.
• Previous sales experience in the Food and Beverage industry.
• Strong time management, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Customer service focus and ability to foster open dialogue about customer needs.
• Detail‑oriented, strong analytical abilities, and excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent listening, negotiation, business professional presentation, and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• English mandatory; proficiency in additional languages is a plus.

Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require the use of information subject to U.S. export control regulations. Hiring decisions must be made in compliance with these requirements. Applicants in other countries must meet comparable export control requirements.

Donaldson warns against recruiting scams that solicit money or confidential information. Donaldson will never solicit money during the application process. All legitimate communication will come from the Donaldson Careers website or a .com email address. For verification, contact .

Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity or expression, or other status protected by law.