Account Manager

This is a remote position.

• Operating as the lead point of contact for any and all matters specific to your accounts
  
• Building and maintaining strong, long-lasting customer relationships
  
• Overseeing customer account management, including negotiating contracts and agreements to maximize profit
  

Account management responsibilities include developing strong relationships with business customers, connecting with key business executives and stakeholders and preparing sales reports. Account Managers also answer client queries and identify new business opportunities among existing customers. In this role, you will liaise with cross-functional internal teams (including Customer Service and Product Development departments) to improve the entire customer experience. This position may require occasional travel.

• Serve as the lead point of contact for all business customer account management matters.
  
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships.
  
• Negotiate contracts and close agreements to maximize profits.
  
• Develop trusted advisor relationships with key accounts, customer stakeholders and executive sponsors.
  
• Ensure the timely and successful delivery of our solutions according to business customer needs and objectives.
  
• Clearly communicate the progress of monthly/quarterly initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Develop new business with existing clients and/or identify areas of improvement to meet sales quotas.
  
• Forecast and track key account metrics (e.g. quarterly sales results and annual forecasts).
  
• Prepare reports on account status.
  
• Collaborate with sales team to identify and grow opportunities within territory.
  
• Assist with challenging client requests or issue escalations as needed.
  

Requirements

• Prospecting Skills
  

• Teamwork
  

• Planning
  

• Build Relationships
  

• People Skills
  

• Initiative
  

• Customer Focus
  

• Emphasize Excellence
  

• Manage Multiple Projects
  

• ​Attention to Detail
  

Benefits

Benefits of Having a Key Account Manager

For your business to grow, it must protect its most important assets – namely its customers or client base. The work carried out by key account managers is crucial here, as they interact closely with multiple business departments to develop lasting relationships with key accounts.

1. Boost revenue and improve retainment rates

Key account management focuses sales resources on retaining the clients most likely to generate high levels of revenue and profitability. To do so, key account managers build a detailed understanding of their clients’ specific requirements – in turn improving the performance of their business. This dynamic makes the client somewhat dependent on their key account manager – which helps to increase retention rates. In terms of tangible benefits, key accounts are 60-70% more likely to close than new ones. They also spend up to 33% more on average.

2. Heightened account control

Key account managers specialize in building close, long-lasting relationships with their clients. Dealing with a client in such close proximity helps a business to understand its needs and processes – which means it’s possible to offer specific, strategic benefits that strengthen the relationship and increase control over the account.

3. Improved customer satisfaction

By focusing resources to ensure that the needs of key accounts are met, key account managers can prioritize rapid responses, prompt delivery on deadlines and accurate order fulfillment – leading to satisfied clients that stay loyal to the business. Not only are satisfied clients likely to bring more revenue, they are also likely to recommend your services to others.

​

What Are the Key Account Management Skills

There are certain skills that any successful key account manager should have. Here are some examples:

1. Knowledge of the company

A client needs to feel like they are in good hands and that they are being looked after by someone who knows what they are doing. A good key account manager should have an in-depth understanding of the account they are handling. This includes their finances, products and market position. This knowledge is vital in making business cases to the client – that can show how their propositions or suggestions may add value.

2. Leadership skills

Any effective key account manager will have strong leadership skills that allow them to guide their team on the best way to handle client matters. While a key account manager will be primarily in charge of the account, there’s every chance that the client will meet other members of your business – so everyone must be kept up to speed with the client’s specific needs and the nuances of their business.

3. Analytical skills

An analytical skillset is very important in this role, because key account managers need to approach each client relationship strategically. To build a strong relationship with their key accounts, key account managers must have the ability to collaborate closely with their client to devise long-term strategies that will help to meet business objectives.