Account Executive

At Sterling, you will be part of an award-winning, employee-owned technical and engineering recruitment leader. We provide project, contract, contract-to-hire, and direct-hire staffing support locally and nationally across manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, transportation, consumer products, energy & infrastructure, automation, and other technical industries.

WHAT MAKES OUR TEAM DIFFERENT?

As an Account Executive, you will spearhead Sterling's continued growth throughout the Carolinas. Sterling has supported clients in North and South Carolina for multiple years, and this role offers the opportunity to build upon an established brand, proven service model, and existing market relationships. You will be responsible for opening new client opportunities, developing relationships with manufacturing and technical organizations, and representing Sterling throughout the regional business community. This role reports to the Division Manager.

WHAT ROLE WILL YOU PLAY?

As an Account Executive you are an integral part of our business development team. You will be identifying potential opportunities and developing client relationships through research, referrals, networking, and cold calling. This position will initiate contacts with prospective clients by connecting with key stakeholders within organizations and presenting Sterling as a recruitment and staffing partner. This role reports to the Division Manager.

• Develop and execute a territory growth strategy for North and South Carolina, with an emphasis on manufacturing and related technical industries
• Identify, initiate, and secure new client accounts through targeted prospecting, referrals, networking, association involvement, and cold outreach
• Build relationships with plant leaders, engineering leaders, human resources professionals, talent acquisition teams, operations executives, and other key decision-makers
• Create and manage prospect lists, account plans, sales campaigns, and consistent multi-touch outreach designed to generate meetings and new staffing opportunities
• Represent Sterling at manufacturing association meetings, industry events, conferences, networking programs, and community business functions throughout the Carolinas
• Conduct client meetings, facility visits, presentations, and discovery conversations to understand workforce challenges and position Sterling's staffing and recruiting solutions
• Maintain consistent prospecting activity and meet or exceed established key performance indicators (KPIs) for calls, meetings, new opportunities, agreements, and revenue growth
• Use industry and market intelligence, sales tools, social media, company databases, and internal resources to identify emerging client and revenue opportunities
• Negotiate mutually beneficial staffing agreements, service terms, and partnership programs
• Conduct job intake meetings for new clients and roles in partnership with Sterling's recruiting team
• Collaborate closely with recruiters and internal leaders to communicate client requirements, prioritize searches, and deliver a strong client experience
• Present qualified candidates, drive timely client feedback, and maintain consistent communication throughout the hiring process
• Grow relationships through ongoing account management, referrals, client visits, business reviews, and awareness of Sterling's broader service capabilities

REQUIREMENTS

• Prior sales or account development experience within the staffing and recruiting industry is required
• Experience selling staffing or recruiting services to manufacturers or other technical and industrial organizations is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success opening new accounts, building a territory, and creating business through proactive prospecting
• Existing relationships or familiarity with the North Carolina and/or South Carolina business and manufacturing community is preferred
• Willingness to actively participate in manufacturing associations, networking groups, conferences, and regional business events
• Strong communication, relationship-building, presentation, closing, and negotiation skills
• Energy, competitiveness, persistence, accountability, and an entrepreneurial approach to business development
• Ability to understand technical positions, manufacturing environments, and client workforce requirements
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate sales activity, and travel throughout the Carolinas as needed

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

• The opportunity to build and lead Sterling's continued growth in the Carolinas while representing an established company with a strong reputation and proven recruiting capabilities
• To become an owner in Sterling Engineering by earning stock ownership annually, along with company contributions to your 401(k)
• A competitive base salary and the opportunity to be rewarded for individual contributions through commissions, quarterly and annual incentives, and company recognition programs
• Consistent training, sales leadership support, professional development, and partnership from an experienced recruiting and delivery team
• The ability to create your own career path and make a visible impact within a growing, employee-owned organization
• Remote but must live in the or around the Charlotte NC area.