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 Kent
Often called the Garden of England due to its spectacular greenery, Kent is a county in the south-east.
Much of Kent is surrounded by water, with coastlines on the North Sea and the English Channel. It shares borders with Sussex, Surrey and Essex. What's more, Kent is a Home County with parts within the London commuter belt, so it's an ideal location for those seeking Account Director opportunities.
Throughout its history, Kent has been an important location. During the Middle Ages, the Cathedral at Canterbury became a destination for pilgrims worldwide, after Thomas Becket was murdered there in 1170. Meanwhile, the River Medway had a naval dockyard for around 500 years before it was shut in 1984.
These days, Kent is known for everything from cement and brick making through to shipbuilding, aircraft design and power, while retail, tourism and the service sector are also important.
Just some of the companies based in Kent, or with large facilities, include KEF Metalworking and Kimberly-Clark. Meanwhile, Aylesford is a large paper recycling facility that manufactures newsprint.
In addition, Dover is an important port town, particularly for ferries to the continent, while cruise lines like MSC, Fred Olsen, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Saga depart regularly to destinations around the world.
Popular locations
Discover logistics opportunities with Cast UK
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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