Account Director jobs
Winning new clients is a high-energy job, with a high potential for blind alleys and expended time between successful campaigns. That’s why it’s highly cost effective to devote quality time and resources to retaining existing clients. For that, skilled account directors are required.
In larger logistics companies, account directors will have a team of account managers underneath them, and they will deal directly with clients on a one-to-one basis; clients generally like to be dealing with the same person, who will know their needs and issues. Account directors will oversee the whole customer retention operation, and will be responsible for strategic decisions to this end, but not necessarily the micromanagement of order fulfilment. The account director may also have responsibility for organising and instructing a sales team in order to win new clients, as well as seeking out new openings with existing clients and their partners.
Reporting to the company management, he or she will be expected to explain decisions and actions and provide regular reports. Any problems that cannot be addressed by the account managers will become the account director’s responsibility, followed ultimately by the management’s.
Maintaining morale will be an important role, both in the clients and in your own team. Whether this means treading on egg shells or throwing a party will depend on the relationship!
The skills required
Interpersonal skills, particularly diplomacy, will be a key skill of the account director. Since different clients will have different needs and desires, from methods of payment to hours of work to corporate personality, you will need to have an instinct for switching demeanour at the sound of a ringing phone.
Sales and marketing experience will be extremely useful, as selling one’s company’s benefits does not end with the winning of a client; they will probably be constantly seeking out other deals to reduce their overheads, and you will need to be able to convince them that your company is the best option for them. You’ll need the confidence to be able to make important decisions without constant recourse to senior management.
Account Director Jobs in Birmingham
The UK's second most populous metropolitan area, Birmingham is often called Britain's second city (although Manchester also lays claim to that title). In any case, it has been a hub of British industry and commerce for hundreds of years, and here at Cast UK, we can help you find your ideal Account Director job in Birmingham.
In 1791, Arthur Young called Birmingham the world's first manufacturing town and by the mid-1800s it was known for its metal ware. Goods ranged from toys and jewellery through to guns, tools and dishes. Brass, gold, silver, steel and tin were all used, while other products included buttons, glasswork and ceramics.
Times have changed for Birmingham, and it has since become a hub of finance and commerce.
A huge redevelopment scheme, called the Big City Plan, is aiming to make the city one of the world's most liveable locations and the Globalization and World Cities Research Network has ranked it a beta world city due to its importance as a retail, events, conference and transport centre.
Indeed, Birmingham boasts three universities, several colleges, large exhibition centres like the NEC and the International Convention Centre, as well as the Bullring, one of the largest shopping centres in the country.
Many big companies call the city home, and around ten per cent of jobs are based in manufacturing, with employers including Jaguar, Goodyear Dunlop, Cadbury Trebor Bassett and Webley & Scott.
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Discover logistics opportunities with Cast UK
Cast UK’s recruitment consultants can help you take the next step in your logistics career, if you're looking for a promotion or simply want to change employer.
We work alongside hundreds of UK employers to ensure their new positions are filled by the best people. We only employ – and are founded and managed by – people with experience in logistics, supply chain and procurement.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit an Account Director for your business or find you a job as an Account Director then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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