Description

National/strategic account managers are accountable for the management of strategic accounts at a national level of their company. They are responsible for negotiations of terms of trade with clients across the country and also preparing and presenting business plans that are based on strategic plans. They conduct ongoing analysis of business and analyze the potential risks, opportunities as well as threats that could affect their company. Their main job is to develop annual business plans.

Managers of strategic accounts and national accounts must build solid business relations with account holders and find potential clients. They must also utilize spreadsheet software to maintain precise account data and run calculations. Managers of strategic accounts for national and strategic accounts must develop efficient forecasts based on account activities, field research and other information. They also frequently travel to establish accounts and execute strategic planning. They handle complaints from customers and provide effective solutions quickly. They oversee the launch of new products and develop distribution channels, as well.

An undergraduate degree from marketing, finance or another related area is required for this job and prior work experience. Certifications in leadership and industry may be helpful. Managers of strategic accounts in the national level must be able to work efficiently on their own, with little supervision, and also working in a group setting with their colleagues. They must be well-organized and pay careful attention to details and are adept with basic computer programs like Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office suite.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a National/Strategic Accounts Manager with 6-9 years of experience in the United States, your key responsibilities include:

  • Manage and cultivate relationships with strategic accounts, ensuring their needs are met and expectations exceeded.
  • Develop and execute account plans that align with company objectives and drive revenue growth.
  • Lead contract negotiations and manage pricing strategies to maximize profitability.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional customer service and resolve any account-related issues promptly and effectively.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a National/Strategic Accounts Manager job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • In-depth knowledge of the market and industry trends to develop and execute strategic plans for national and strategic accounts, maximizing sales and profitability.
  • Strong relationship-building skills to establish and maintain partnerships with key clients, understanding their needs and providing tailored solutions.
  • Exceptional negotiation and persuasion abilities to secure favorable terms and agreements with clients, optimizing revenue and long-term business relationships.
  • Excellent analytical skills to analyze market data, identify growth opportunities, and develop strategies to drive market share and achieve sales targets.

Essential Skills For National/Strategic Accounts Manager

1

Accounting Fundamentals

2

Strategic Foresight

3

Sales Technique

4

Sales Analysis

Skills That Affect National/Strategic Accounts Manager Salaries

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

Strategic Planning

1%

Customer Relationship Management

4%

Career Prospects

The role of National/Strategic Accounts Manager is crucial in driving business growth and managing key accounts effectively. For professionals with 6-9 years of experience in the United States, there are several alternative roles to consider. Here are following options worth exploring:

  • Senior Business Development Manager: A position focusing on identifying new market opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and driving revenue growth.
  • Customer Success Manager: A role dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction, managing client relationships, and maximizing customer retention and upselling opportunities.
  • Sales Operations Manager: A position that involves streamlining sales processes, analyzing sales data, implementing sales strategies, and supporting the sales team's effectiveness.
  • Key Account Manager: A role specializing in nurturing and expanding relationships with high-value clients, understanding their needs, and providing tailored solutions to drive customer loyalty and revenue growth.

How to Learn

According to the latest data available, the National/Strategic Accounts Manager role in the United States is projected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, analysis shows a steady upward trend for this job role due to increasing demand in various industries. This trend is expected to continue in the future, indicating a positive outlook for employment opportunities. With the rise of global business operations and the need for effective account management, companies are likely to continue hiring National/Strategic Accounts Managers to oversee and develop key client relationships. Overall, this position exhibits promising growth potential.