Key Account Manager Metal Working Fluids

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world through groundbreaking technologies, regulatory expertise, and chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. With a broad portfolio serving Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings, and Wood Protection, Arxada achieved 2 billion CHF in 2025 sales. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the company employs 3,100 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers.

About the role

As a Key Account Manager for Metalworking Fluids (MWF), you will accelerate growth across Arxada’s Material Protection business by developing strategic customer partnerships and delivering differentiated solutions to the global metalworking industry. This role combines technical credibility with commercial excellence to create value for customers, expand market share, and drive sustainable, profitable growth in machining, forming, and industrial metalworking applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of the Metalworking Fluids commercial strategy, delivering revenue, volume, and margin objectives across assigned global accounts and regions.
• Build trusted relationships with strategic customers, including formulators, blenders, OEMs, and major industrial manufacturers, creating long-term partnerships and growth plans.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities through account expansion, application development, value-selling initiatives, and market penetration strategies.
• Partner closely with Product Management, Technical Service, R&D, Supply Chain, and Finance to deliver outstanding customer experiences and differentiated solutions.
• Lead commercial and technical discussions covering metalworking performance requirements such as corrosion protection, lubricity, tool life, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
• Drive disciplined pipeline management, forecasting accuracy, pricing execution, and CRM excellence while supporting profitable growth initiatives.
• Monitor market trends, customer dynamics, competitive activity, and regulatory developments to identify strategic opportunities and inform business decisions.
• Influence and collaborate across a matrix organization, providing leadership, guidance, and support to internal stakeholders and regional commercial teams.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive commercial experience within metalworking fluids, industrial lubricants, specialty chemicals, metal processing, or related industrial manufacturing sectors.
• Proven track record of managing strategic accounts, leading complex negotiations, and delivering profitable growth.
• Strong understanding of metalworking operations, machining processes, metal forming applications, OEM requirements, and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into compelling customer value propositions and commercial outcomes.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, negotiation, and strategic account planning skills.
• Experience using CRM platforms such as Salesforce, Dynamics, or equivalent systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 30-50%) to support customers, projects, and business growth initiatives.

Pay

The expected salary range for this role is $150,000–$180,000 annually. Specific compensation may vary based on experience, education, training, licensure, certification, location, and other job-related factors.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid time off, holidays, and sick leave
• Short-term incentive bonus