Key Account Manager
Sébastien Verescence Mers-les-Bains (France)
FROM ELECTRICIAN TO “KEY ACCOUNT” SALES MANAGER: TAKE A CHANCE!
« Before joining Verescence in March 2006 as a 5X8 relay electrician (in other words, in charge of the backup for the permanent staffers), I had done some temporary and summer jobs (in the sorting department, automation, etc.) in Mers-les-Bains. In short, I knew the plant, which was the main employer in the region. With my Advanced Technician's Certificate (BTS) in electrical engineering, joining the electrical department was a matter of course. I stayed there for 4 years. Rather than naturally aiming for a permanent position as an electrician, I applied for a vacant position in a completely different field, that of Supply Chain. I was interviewed, evaluated, and then given the job. This then was my first sales experience and the discovery of customer relations, first off in the after-sales department. True terra incognita for me to conquer: knowledge of tools, end-to-end products and customers! Having an overview, building relationships, and being an intermediary are therefore key.
My initial training and trade did not predestine me for my current position. You’ve got to take a chance!
As I wanted to leave the internal framework of my previous position, to flex my relational muscles, and to feel useful by participating in the evolution of the company, this career path really suited me. Initially, I was given the Givenchy and Kenzo accounts to manage, then a small part of L'Oréal and finally all of L'Oréal. I developed, step-by-step, to become Key Account Manager today. I was lucky enough to have Coty in my portfolio, which was on the way to becoming international, which allowed me to improve my English - and to have the honor of being the first to sell them Mineral Glass! Working with our group’s various sites of our group, the world leader in glass bottles, is exciting. I am in constant contact with our teams in Covington, UK, and La Granja, Spain, in particular.
My initial training and trade did not predestine me for my current position. You’ve got to take a chance! I also worked hard and was supported by the company, in particular through MBTI training (goal: to determine your personal approach to the customer in terms of price negotiation and contact).
Working with our group’s various sites of our group, the world leader in glass bottles, is exciting. I am in constant contact with our teams in Covington, UK, and La Granja, Spain, in particular.
Being in Sales means being able to work together with different entities (R&D, quality, production, logistics, etc.) to jointly develop an offer, and to guide each other to adjust to a customer's desiderata and industrial requirements. For instance, the David Beckham bottle project, with the innovation of the Mineral Glass was bold. But a bet that paid off. Simply unforgettable! »
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