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 Essex
Situated in the East of England, Essex is bordered by Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Kent. It's also a Home County and is considered part of the London commuter belt, making it a great location for those seeking Account Director vacancies.
Largely an agricultural area, for most of Essex's past, it comprised farmland and market towns. Significant development occurred during the Victorian era when the railways arrived.
After the second world war, two new towns - Harlow and Basildon - were created. These were built mainly to provide housing for the growing London population.
These days, the region is still predominantly agricultural, although places like Harlow are known for scientific innovation, technology and pharmaceuticals. Marconi - the world's first wireless factory - had a factory in Chelmsford. Part of the facility is now used by BAE Systems.
Companies based in Essex include Britvic, e2V Technologies, M&G Group and ebm-papst UK. Ford's European headquarters is located in Brentwood, while banknotes are manufactured in Loughton.
Stansted Airport is located in Essex, and it is served by airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet. It also processes cargo from a variety of companies including FedEx, British Airways World Cargo and UPS.
What's more, Lakeside Shopping Centre is one of Europe's largest retail areas. It's located a stone's throw from the north side of the River Thames and includes an indoor mall, as well as an IKEA, B&Q and outlets for Next and Marks & Spencer.
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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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