Description

The main responsibility of the executive account managers is serving as the main contact point between a business and its customers, and to provide official communication both ways. The strategic account manager is working for the client as their employer. It is their responsibility to maintain good client relations by ensuring that transactions between the two parties are reasonable and in the best interests of everyone. Strategic account managers usually is a busy person creating and executing strategies to increase sales by finding and increasing the size of the customer base, as well as ensuring satisfaction of the existing client base.

Although the management of accounts is mostly performed in the office however, the client-focused nature of the strategic account manager's job may necessitate significant traveling to meet with prospective and existing customers.

The success of this job requires excellent written and verbal communication abilities to effectively communicate to clients and keep existing business relationships. It is also important to effectively manage time because the strategic accounts managers are typically required to meet quotas that are either sales figures or raw client figures.

Businesses may employ strategic account managers at various level, including those at the top of the ladder responsible for whole areas or even entire countries. This means that there could be certain educational requirements from employers, particularly those who require travel to other countries. At all levels an undergraduate degree in business administration or in a related subject is generally required prior experience in managing accounts is always desirable.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Strategic Account Manager with 0-3 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Build and maintain relationships with key clients, ensuring their needs are met and expectations are exceeded.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic account plans to achieve sales targets.
  • Conduct market research and analysis to identify new business opportunities and trends.
  • Provide regular updates and reports on account activities, including sales performance and customer feedback.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Strategic Account Manager job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive experience in strategic account management, with a proven track record of successfully managing large accounts and driving growth.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, partners, and internal teams.
  • Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities to develop customized account plans, identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, and address any challenges or roadblocks.
  • Excellent negotiation and influencing skills to drive successful contract negotiations and maintain a high level of client satisfaction.

Essential Skills For Strategic Account Manager

1

Accounting Fundamentals

2

Business Development

3

Management Accounting

4

Strategic Management

Career Prospects

The role of a Strategic Account Manager is vital in driving business growth and building strong client relationships. For individuals with 0-3 years of experience in the United Kingdom, there are several alternative job roles to consider in a similar field:

  • Business Development Executive: A role involving prospecting new clients, identifying growth opportunities, and expanding the customer base.
  • Key Account Coordinator: A position focused on managing and coordinating activities with key clients, ensuring their satisfaction, and maximizing business opportunities.
  • Sales Support Specialist: A role that assists the sales team by providing administrative and operational support, managing customer inquiries, and facilitating the sales process.
  • Client Success Manager: A position dedicated to ensuring client satisfaction, driving adoption and retention, and nurturing long-term relationships with key accounts.

How to Learn

The Strategic Account Manager role in the United Kingdom is expected to witness significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, the job role has seen consistent demand and is projected to continue expanding. The increasing complexity of business landscapes and the need for effective client management further contribute to this growth. With organizations increasingly recognizing the value of strategic account management, the position is expected to present numerous employment opportunities in the future. Therefore, individuals pursuing a career as a Strategic Account Manager in the UK can anticipate promising prospects and long-term job stability.