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 Westmorland
An administrative county from 1889, Westmorland is a historic part of north-west England that became part of Cumbria in 1974, as part of the Local Government Act 1972.
While the county may not be officially recognised as an entity today, there are a number of thriving communities that were once part of the county. These include Kendal, Windermere and Appleby, all of which offer a number of options for anyone looking for Account Director opportunities.
In addition, the beautiful local countryside, which includes the Lake District and the North Pennines, gives those who work in the Westmorland region plenty of outdoor activities for relaxing during the weekends.
Historically, the region was known for producing snuff and other tobacco products, shoes and the delicious Kendal mint cake, which is still a favourite treat today. And while much of the region's modern economy is based on tourism and the service sector, other industries include food manufacture, engineering, IT, design and papermaking.
Just some of the companies that can be found in the region, either with headquarters or other large facilities, include Heinz, James Cropper, pump specialists Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon and Mardix.
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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.
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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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