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 York
Known for its towering cathedral and tiny medieval streets that weave through the centre, York may seem old-fashioned in some places, but it offers a wealth of modern-day opportunities for those seeking Account Director vacancies.
Of course, behind York's modern charm lies a city with a long history dating back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence has been found of a Mesolithic settlement from around 8000 BC, while there are also ruins of Roman and Anglo buildings.
Until the Industrial Revolution, York was a prominent trading town, although this dwindled in the 17th century as the city's main competitors, Leeds and Hull, began to take over.
However, the railway made it to York in 1839 and the city once again became a prominent location for the British economy. Indeed, companies like the North Eastern Railway, Rowntrees and Terry's were all based in the region during this time - and continued to be throughout the 20th century.
These days, much of York's business is in the service industry, including finance, IT and tourism. Some of the top employers in the region include Aviva, Shepherd Building Group and British Telecom.
Much of the confectionary industry has disappeared from York in the recent past, with a significant portion of production being moved abroad. However, Nestle still has headquarters and a large manufacturing and distribution facility in the city, making tasty treats like KitKats and Yorkie bars.
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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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