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 West Midlands
Comprising seven metropolitan boroughs - the city of Birmingham, the City of Coventry, Dudley, Solihull, Sandwell, Walsall and the City of Wolverhampton, the West Midlands is an English county with plenty of opportunities for those seeking Account Manager vacancies.
Throughout history, the region has been known for its commerce and industry. During the Middle Ages, wool and cloth manufacture brought a significant amount of wealth to the West Midlands, particularly in Coventry.
By the 1700s, metalworking, small arms manufacture and mining were all important for the local economy, and this expanded to include bicycle building during the Industrial Revolution and beyond. In addition, two large banks - Lloyds and Midlands Bank (which later became HSBC) were both founded in the region during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fast forward to today and the West Midlands is thriving. Birmingham, which vies with Manchester for the title of Britain's second city, has been called one of the best places in the country to have a business and it seems that big companies agree.
From finance and media, to manufacturing, engineering, tourism, retail and the service sector, there are many well-known organisations with headquarters or other large facilities in the region - including Cooks the Bakery, Marston's, Chubb Locks and Carillion.
Jaguar, Land Rover and MG cars are also manufactured in the West Midlands, along with London's iconic black taxis.
Popular locations
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.
Contact us