Job Description
Job Description
OUTSIDE SALES - NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Department : Sales & Customer Service
Reports To : VP of Sales
Job Purpose :
The Key Accounts (Business Development) team drives new business growth by identifying, prospecting, and securing customers. Acting as a “hunter,” this role builds relationships with target accounts, converts competitive opportunities, and manages early-stage development until an Account Manager provides ongoing support. Success requires consultative selling—evaluating operations, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending solutions that reduce downtime, improve throughput, and increase end-user profitability. The Key Accounts Representative may stay engaged to pursue additional competitive wins.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identify and research potential customers through market intelligence, referrals, and CRM tools (Proton).
- Prospect, cold call, and schedule discovery meetings with decision-makers at target accounts.
- Conduct needs assessments and operational reviews to understand customer processes, downtime risks, and productivity challenges.
- Recommend Richards Supply solutions and programs designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive customer profitability.
- Present Richards Supply offerings in a consultative, value-focused manner that emphasizes problem-solving and ROI.
- Develop and manage early-stage customer relationships, ensuring smooth onboarding and initial order execution.
- Transition established customers to an Account Manager (“farmer”) for long-term support while remaining engaged for competitive conversions and growth.
- Use Proton (CRM) and Profit21 (ERP) for activity tracking, quoting, pipeline management, and forecasting.
- Collaborate with Inside Sales, Inventory, and Customer Service teams to ensure high service levels for new accounts.
- Continuously monitor competitor activity and proactively pursue opportunities to displace competitors.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Be On Time
Respond promptly to new lead inquiries and customer requests.Execute time and territory planning to ensure on-time arrival for all meetings and appointmentsMaintain consistent weekly activity levels (calls, visits, and prospecting touchpoints).Do It Right
Accurately document customer interactions, opportunities, and pipeline stages in CRM.Conduct thorough customer evaluations and present accurate recommendations that align with Richards Supply’s capabilities.Provide customers with accurate, timely product and program information that demonstrates operational value.Work As One
Partner with Account Managers to ensure seamless customer handoff and long-term satisfaction.Collaborate with Inventory and Purchasing to set up stock items that support new customer programs.Share customer feedback and operational insights with Sales Leadership and peers to strengthen team strategy.CLEAR LINE OF SIGHT
Each role at Richards Supply supports our company goal : earning a “seat at the table” in our customers’ production and planning meetings. This section explains how the Key Accounts team builds customer trust and long-term value.
Opens doors to new customers by demonstrating responsiveness, persistence, and value.Builds trust early through consultative selling—evaluating operations and recommending ways to increase efficiency.Positions Richards Supply as a partner who delivers measurable financial impact, not just products.Takes ownership to deepen relationships, driving long-term loyalty and profitability.QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Proven experience in new business and territory developmentStrong prospecting, cold calling, and negotiation skills.Proficiency in CRM systems (Proton preferred) and ERP tools (Profit21 preferred).Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.Valid driver’s license and ability to travel daily within assigned territory.Preferred
Industrial distribution, MRO, or safety supply sales experience.Knowledge of Richards Supply product lines and supplier programs.Track record of competitive conversions and exceeding sales targets.Physical Requirements
Regular driving within territory and occasional overnight travel.Exposure to hot and cold work environments and inclement weather.Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. for product demonstrations or trade shows.Prolonged periods of standing or walking during customer visits, trade events, or facility tours.WORK ENVIRONMENT
Primarily field-based with daily travel to customer sites, industrial facilities, and offices.Regular use of laptop, CRM / ERP software, and mobile phone for communication and reporting.Occasional work in warehouse / industrial environments, requiring safety PPE.May involve travel to other Richards Supply branches or supplier locations for training and collaboration.Company Description
Richards Supply Co. is a family-owned business based in Waco, TX. We have been providing exceptional products and services to the industrial and contractor markets since 1937. We currently have full-stocking stores servicing the Ft Worth, Temple, and Waco, TX markets.
Richards is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Company Description
Richards Supply Co. is a family-owned business based in Waco, TX. We have been providing exceptional products and services to the industrial and contractor markets since 1937. We currently have full-stocking stores servicing the Ft Worth, Temple, and Waco, TX markets.\r\n\r\nRichards is an Equal Opportunity Employer