Description

Key account managers are generally responsible for ensuring that a company's products and services are provided in an acceptable manner to accounts with its most important customers. These managers are often in charge of only one or a few accounts depending on their sizes, and this is often a sales position, so a relevant background and a bachelor’s or master’s degree in sales or marketing are ideal for this position.Key account managers may be required to meet certain goals relating to sales volume and profit. It is important to be able to keep costs associated with providing products and services as low as possible while still meeting quality standards, and they may also make projections for sales with approval of upper management. Some bargaining may be involved in this position in order to secure satisfactory payments for both the client and the service or product provider. In some positions, key account managers are also responsible for securing new accounts, and presentations may need to be created to convince clients to make deals.Strong public speaking and planning skills and the ability to relate to a variety of clients are important in this position, and customer service skills are important to address complaints and concerns voiced by clients. Because this is a management position, key account managers may need to have several years of experience in sales or marketing and prior supervisory experience.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Key Account Manager with 9+ years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients, ensuring their satisfaction and loyalty. Build and nurture strong client relationships, ensuring their needs are met and fostering loyalty.
  • Identify opportunities for account growth and upselling, maximizing revenue and profitability. Identify potential business opportunities within existing accounts, aiming to increase revenue and profitability.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure effective delivery of products or services to key clients. Work closely with internal teams to ensure smooth and efficient delivery of products or services to key clients.
  • Analyze market trends, competitors, and industry developments to provide strategic guidance to clients.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Key Account Manager, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proven experience in key account management, with a track record of successfully managing and growing large accounts.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with key clients, understanding their needs and providing exceptional customer service.
  • Excellent negotiation and problem-solving abilities to resolve any conflicts or issues that may arise with clients, ensuring client satisfaction and retention.
  • Strategic thinking and business acumen to identify opportunities for account growth, develop account plans, and execute effective sales strategies.

Essential Skills For Key Account Manager

1

Sales Strategy

2

Business Development

3

Sales & Management

4

Managing Accounts

5

Sales Analysis

Skills That Affect Key Account Manager Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Business Development

1%

Career Prospects

The role of a Key Account Manager is crucial for maintaining and expanding relationships with key clients. With 9+ years of experience in Australia, professionals in this field can explore various alternative roles. Here are four options to consider:

  • Sales Manager: This role involves overseeing a team of sales professionals, setting sales targets, and developing strategies to achieve them.
  • Business Development Manager: A position focused on identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, building partnerships, and expanding the client base.
  • Customer Success Manager: This role emphasizes ensuring customer satisfaction and retention by providing exceptional service, addressing concerns, and maximizing value for clients.
  • Strategic Account Manager: A position that entails managing and growing strategic accounts, developing account plans, and executing strategies to achieve revenue targets.

How to Learn

The role of Key Account Manager in Australia is expected to witness significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, this job position has experienced a steady increase in demand due to the evolving business landscape. According to Google's latest data, this trend is forecasted to continue in the future. With the growing importance of customer relationship management, more organizations are recognizing the value of Key Account Managers. As a result, a substantial number of employment opportunities are expected to be available in the coming years for individuals seeking this role.