Key Account Manager – Footwear Industry (Advanced Materials / Manufacturing)
US or Europe-based.
Crucial Background for This Role!
This role is only suitable for candidates with proven experience selling B2B manufacturing solutions into major global footwear brands. You must have operated in a role where you sold materials, components, manufacturing technologies, or performance solutions (e.g. foams, polymers, advanced materials, manufacturing processes) directly to footwear manufacturers or global sportswear brands.
The Opportunity
An innovative, fast-growing footwear technology company is looking to hire a Key Account Manager to lead commercial relationships with some of the world’s most influential footwear brands.
The company is redefining how performance footwear is developed and manufactured by leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing, to enable more localised, on-demand, and scalable production models.
This is not a traditional sales role – it sits at the intersection of technology adoption, customer strategy, and long-term partnerships.
As Key Account Manager, you will own and grow relationships with strategic footwear customers, acting as a trusted commercial and technical partner.
You will be responsible for:
Expanding existing accounts and opening new strategic partnerships within global footwear brands
Develop go-to-market strategies for new technology-driven footwear solutions
Driving adoption of new manufacturing and material technologies
Developing long-term, high-value commercial relationships rather than transactional sales
Leading complex sales cycles involving R&D, innovation, design, and supply chain stakeholders
Acting as the bridge between customer teams and internal engineering/production teams
Manage and grow a portfolio of strategic key accounts
Required Background
Strong B2B sales experience within the footwear industry or adjacent materials/manufacturing sectors
Experience selling into global footwear brands (sports, performance, or lifestyle) is essential
Background at companies supplying foams, polymers, advanced materials, manufacturing technologies, or components into footwear is highly desirable
Comfortable working with technical, innovation-led products and solutions
Able to navigate complex organisations and influence senior stakeholders
Location & Travel
Flexible location: Europe or US preferred. Company facilities are located in Barcelona.
Frequent international travel as required
Compensation
Base Salary + Commission (€200,000 OTE uncapped potential depending on performance)
Why This Role?
Opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation in the footwear industry
Direct exposure to some of the most advanced manufacturing technologies shaping the future of footwear
High autonomy and influence in a growing, entrepreneurial environment
Potential to make a measurable impact on how global footwear products are developed and produced