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 Greater London
An administrative area that was created in 1965, Greater London is often described as the region within the M25. It comprises the City of London, as well as the 32 boroughs, and is home to an array of businesses, making it an ideal choice for those seeking Account Director opportunities.
For hundreds of years, London was known for its shipping and manufacturing, producing everything from textiles and food products, through to automobiles and ironwork.
In fact, a number of such facilities are still in operation today, such as the Tate & Lyle sugar refinery in Silvertown, Warburtons in Brimsdown and Nestle in Hayes. At the Ford factory in Dagenham, vehicle body panels and diesel engines are manufactured, while Fuller's Brewery operates out of Chiswick.
For the most part, however, London's economy is now based in the financial and service industries.
Around 70 per cent of the FTSE 100 are located within Greater London. In Canary Wharf, you'll find the headquarters of HSBC, Barclays, Citigroup and Reuters, while other big-name businesses in Greater London include the Guardian Newspaper, Balfour Beatty, GlaxoSmithKline, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Marks & Spencer, BP, British American Tobacco and Royal Dutch Shell.
What's more, transportation is a huge part of London's economy and day-to-day operation. Overground trains, underground trains, buses, coaches, taxis and trams all keep Londoners on the move, while the area is also home to a number of airports and the Port of London.
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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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