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 West Bromwich
Only five miles north-west of Birmingham, West Bromwich is a large town that offers a number of options for those seeking Account Director roles.
For hundreds of years, West Bromwich was mainly an agricultural area and the town first rose to prominence during the 19th century when deposits of coal were discovered in the region.
It grew quickly as a coal mining town and associated industries also arrived. Indeed, the area became known as the Black Country due to the smoke and soot that resulted.
Until the latter half of the 20th century, West Bromwich's economy was based mainly on manufacturing, with one of its main products being metalwork for the automotive industry. Textiles and chemicals were also produced.
The town suffered significant job losses during the 1970s, as more and more factories were moved to locations abroad in order to make use of cheaper workforces.
Today, West Bromwich's economy is mainly based in retail and the service sector; this is particularly due to recent investments to regenerate the area - with large shopping centres like Queen's Square. West Bromwich Building Society has been based in the town for more than 160 years, while the region's main employers are based in the public sector, including Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.
Manufacturing, however, does still play a part in the local economy, with products including building supplies and technology.
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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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