Key accounts managers are typically accountable for ensuring that a business's products and services are delivered in a satisfactory way to its most significant customers. They are usually responsible for just one or two accounts, based on their size they are usually an account manager position, which means an appropriate background and a master's or bachelor's degree in marketing or sales is ideal for this job.
Key account managers might be required to achieve certain objectives related to profit and sales volume. It is crucial to ensure that they keep expenses associated with providing goods or services at the lowest is feasible and still meet the quality standards. They might also prepare projections of sales, with the approval from the top management. There may be some bargaining in this situation to ensure satisfactory payment for both the customer as well as the service or product supplier. In certain positions, important account managers are also accountable for securing new accounts and presentations might require to be made to convince customers to sign agreements.
A strong communication and planning skills as well as the capacity to communicate to a range of clients are essential for this job, as are the ability to provide customer service is essential to respond to complaints and issues that clients have. Since this is a managerial job the key account managers might require several years of prior experience in marketing or sales as well as prior supervision knowledge.