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 Sussex
Sussex, a historic county in the south-east of England, is situated on the Channel coast and shares borders with Surrey, Kent and Hampshire.
It's also home to a number of large settlements - including Chichester, Brighton and Hove, Hastings, Eastbourne, Crawley and Bognor Regis - and offers a range of opportunities for those seeking Account Director jobs.
Historically, the region has been known for agriculture and fishing, while the seaside resort towns were popular destinations for tourists, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
These days, tourism continues to play an important part in the local economy. Brighton, for example, is a favourite getaway for Londoners seeking a bit of sunshine and sea air on the weekends, while visitors from around the world come to see the Royal Pavilion and the pleasure pier.
Of course, there's much more to the region than leisure activities. For instance, Sussex has a strong hold on the financial industry, with credit card giant American Express having its European headquarters here.
The Thales Group, known for manufacturing electrical systems for the aerospace, security and defence markets also has a facility in Sussex.
Other companies in the area include The Body Shop, Doosan Babcock Energy and WesternGeco. Fischer yachts are built in Sussex and Nature's Way Foods produces pre-packaged salads and fruit. Meanwhile, various airlines have offices in the region, such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Thomson Airways.
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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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