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 Coventry
Situated in the West Midlands and less than 20 miles from Birmingham, Coventry is a metropolitan borough and one of the top ten largest cities in England. Indeed, for those seeking Account Director vacancies, Coventry will have a variety of employers to consider.
The history of the city goes back to a Bronze Age community that was settled by the Romans in the first century. By the 1500s, Coventry was at the centre of the cloth and textile trade and during the Middle Ages, it was one of the most influential locations in England.
As time passed, Coventry became known for manufacturing fine watches and clocks, while other technological innovations, such as the safety bicycle in the late 1800s, paved the way for the city to become one of the leading areas for car manufacture in the early 20th century.
During the same period, the city manufactured an array of other products, ranging from machine tools and aerospace components to electronics, telecoms equipment and man-made fibres.
Today, the economy in Coventry relies on finance, business services, logistics and leisure, more than on manufacturing. However, a number of car factories can still be found within city limits, such as LTI, the company that manufactures London's iconic black cabs, Jaguar, Rolls Royce and Peugeot. Meggitt Aircraft, a company that makes braking systems for the aerospace industry, is also located in Coventry.
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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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