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 Nottingham
Situated in the East Midlands, the City of Nottingham is probably best known for its importance in the legends of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men.
The history of Nottingham goes back much further, however. In the 7th century, it was part of the Kingdom of Mercia. An 11th century castle was constructed on the River Leen and the settlement gradually developed into a thriving community.
During the 1400s, Nottingham began to export religious sculptures carved from alabaster and then, during the Industrial Revolution, the city experienced significant growth.
Textiles were one of Nottingham's major exports, particularly fine lace. But after World War II, this industry fell into steep decline, as it did across the rest of the country when global competition began to increase.
These days, Nottingham is the home of several of the UK's best-known companies in retail, manufacturing, engineering, technology and finance, making it a great place to find Account Director vacancies.
Boots the Chemist, for example, was founded in Nottingham in 1849 and is still headquartered there today. Other companies include Experian, E.ON UK, John Player & Sons, Gala Group, Siemens and Vision Express.
HM Revenue and Customs and the Driving Standards Agency are both based in Nottingham, as are a number of bioscience and pharmaceutical companies.
Meanwhile, Atos Origin has offices in Nottingham - they write software for ticket machines and departure boards at train stations - and other tech companies include Reuters, Crytek and Serif Europe.
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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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