Strategic Account Manager

About the role

Our team members are at the heart of everything we do. At Cencora, we are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures, and every person here is essential to us being able to deliver on that purpose. If you want to make a difference at the center of health, come join our innovative company and help us improve the lives of people and animals everywhere. Apply today!

Job Details

• Location: Carrollton, TX (remote)
• Schedule: Full-time
• Travel: Approximately 10%
• Individual contributor role

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Client Services Manager, the Strategic Account Manager serves as the primary point of contact and business owner for manufacturer-sponsored specialty distribution programs. This role is responsible for supporting clients from initial program launch through ongoing management of their unique distribution, logistics, and operational needs.

Unlike a traditional account manager role, this position is highly tactical in nature, with a strong focus on operations, processes, procedures, issue resolution, and day-to-day execution. The role is approximately 70% tactical and 30% strategic, making it ideal for someone who enjoys working closely within operational workflows while also identifying opportunities to improve programs and strengthen client partnerships.

The Strategic Account Manager is a self-starter and independent contributor who can think critically, solve problems proactively, and move forward with urgency and ownership. This individual will collaborate across multiple functional teams and act as a trusted client partner while ensuring programs run smoothly and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the single point of contact and business owner for manufacturer-sponsored specialty distribution programs
• Act as a strategic client partner and extension of the client's organization
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, internal teams, and external stakeholders to ensure successful program execution
• Proactively identify and implement solutions and services that address client needs and support business objectives
• Deliver an exceptional client experience by consistently exceeding service expectations
• Lead program coordination across all ICS functional areas, including:
• Client Financial Services
• Customer Service
• Distribution Centers
• Quality and Compliance
• Training
• Business Solutions
• IT
• Troubleshoot operational issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions quickly while minimizing disruption
• Communicate clearly and consistently with all stakeholders through issue resolution
• Manage program timelines, priorities, and deliverables to ensure successful execution
• Design, document, implement, and improve program processes and workflows
• Lead document and process change management in alignment with manufacturer requirements and quality standards
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve services, enhance efficiency, and support client business objectives
• Assist in the development of training materials and curriculum in partnership with the ICS Training Department
• Develop and maintain statements of work, custom work instructions, contracts, and other program documentation
• Create and deliver impactful client presentations and updates as needed
• Travel as needed for on-site client meetings, approximately 10%
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, sales, marketing, communications, computer science, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of account management experience, ideally within the pharmaceutical, specialty distribution, healthcare, supply chain, or related industry
• Experience supporting complex client programs, operational workflows, or strategic business relationships
• Demonstrated success in roles requiring both client-facing relationship management and tactical execution

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Strong critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills
• Proactive, independent, and action-oriented approach to work
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Ability to work as a self-starter with minimal supervision
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple teams
• Ability to identify issues, assess impacts, and move solutions forward quickly
• Experience with process design, project management, and program implementation
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in parallel
• Understanding of client business models, pain points, workflow needs, and service solutions
• Ability to make consultative recommendations while staying grounded in operational realities
• Strong presentation skills and confidence interacting with internal and external stakeholders

What Makes This Role Different

This is not a traditional relationship-only account management role. It is best suited for someone who is comfortable being deeply involved in the tactical side of the business.

In this role, you will

• Spend significant time working through operational details, processes, and procedures
• Be expected to solve problems independently and drive issues to resolution
• Take initiative and push work forward without waiting for direction
• Serve as an individual contributor, not a people manager
• Balance immediate operational execution with broader strategic client support

Ideal Candidate Profile

This role is ideal for a relationship-builder, problem-solver, and program leader who thrives in the middle of the action, can connect cross-functional teams, and balances strategic thinking with strong operational execution. Success in this role means navigating complex client and operational situations with persistence and sound judgment, delivering seamless program support, driving continuous improvement, and becoming a trusted advisor to both clients and internal teams.