Account Manager jobs
Customer retention is one of the most important aspects of running a logistics business. As with any business, retaining profitable and reliable clients can make you the envy of your competitors by minimising the time and effort spent chasing new clients.
But retaining clients is not just about sitting back and enjoying the ride; it’s an active craft, involving constant communication with clients and senior management to ensure smooth running, met deadlines and fulfilled aspirations. Account managers are therefore a key employee in the customer retention effort.
Reporting to the account director and senior management, the account manager is a human interface with the clients. They will know their clients’ demands intimately and in turn, the client should appreciate the personal service and understanding. In large companies with many clients, this would be impossible without the account managers.
An account manager might also have a team of subordinates dealing with specific clients or sectors, and the manager will need to not only instruct them but also remain completely aware of what they are doing strategically and in detail.
The skills required
The account manager will need to be a flexible person, able to deal with different clients in their own unique ways. A deep knowledge of logistics and the industries they are dealing with will be essential. As they will be trusted by the customers to deliver on promises they make, they must also be able to both stay well connected with those within their company who make delivery possible, but also realise the limits of possibility so as not to overpromise and underdeliver.
Good, accurate reporting skills will be required, and a strategic mindset, able to interpret goals from management and account directors and turn them into results, will be essential.
Account Manager Jobs in the South West
A region that encompasses Bristol, Gloucester, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, as well as the Isles of Scilly, the South West is a diverse area that offers a broad range of opportunities for those seeking Account Manager positions.
As demonstrated by the ancient monuments like Stonehenge and the Roman ruins in Bath, the South West has been settled for thousands of years. In fact, the oldest complete human skeleton ever found in the UK was discovered in Cheddar Gorge and dates back to around 7150 BC.
Prior to the Industrial Revolution, much of the South West relied on fishing and shipping, particularly in Bristol, a city which harboured vessels that traded with Ireland, Iceland and the Americas. Later, it became known for coal mining, as well as heavy industry.
Today, aeronautics is an important part of the South West economy, and a number of companies have facilities in the region - such as Airbus UK, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce. There's also Defence Equipment and Support - the MoD's procurement and logistics agency.
Cheese, clotted cream and other dairy products are made in the region, with companies including Dairy Crest, which makes Cathedral City and Davidstow. Other food and beverage manufacturers include Ginsters, Ryvita, Kraft Foods UK and Beverage Brands, makers of WKD vodka. Meanwhile GSK manufactures Lucozade and Ribena in Coleford.
In addition, Princess Yachts, Siemens Traffic Controls, Merlin Entertainments, Endsleigh Insurance, Westland Helicopters and Wincanton plc are all based in the region.
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Cast UK’s logistics opportunities
If you're looking for a promotion or simply want to change employer, Cast UK’s recruitment consultants can help you take the next step in your logistics career.
We work with hundreds of UK employers to ensure positions are filled by the most appropriate people. We ourselves only employ people with experience in procurement, logistics and supply chain.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit an Account Manager for your business or find you a job as an Account Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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