Account Manager

A multi-award winning print management company is looking to expand its client services team through the appointment of an Account Manager. The purpose of this role is to ensures client requirements are met in a professional, timely and consistent manner. Taking ownership of all day-to-day operational issues, you will manage client requirements, from initial enquiry through to delivery, liaising with suppliers and colleagues throughout.

The role is office based and heavily client focused. You will be involved in the ongoing development of relationships, as well as sourcing and negotiating with suppliers, ensuring all jobs are delivered accurately and on time.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide a proactive service to clients and liaise with partners / suppliers to ensure products/services are delivered on time, to agreed prices and to a high standard
• Discuss project requirements with clients, advise appropriate products and services, obtain costings, prepare quotes and place jobs with the most appropriate partner / supplier or in house team
• Project manage the complete end to end production process, keeping client and relevant team members informed of progress
• Undertake post-project debriefing to collate campaign feedback to improve on future projects and maximise opportunities
• Checking briefs and design proofs with a keen eye to ensure a high level of accuracy
• Log all stages of jobs on relevant electronic and paperwork systems and keep accurate and up to date records
• Produce timely and accurate detailed management information reports
• Implement new client accounts to ensure service standards are mutually agreed upon and will be consistently met
• Developing, and improving on, operational procedures for existing client accounts in a proactive manner
• Manage projects and developments within the business to support the relationship with the client and ensure the correct level of client focus is achieved
• Undertake other designated projects and appropriate duties as identified by your line manager
• Be willing to undertake any relevant training/qualifications that will assist you in the implementation of your duties
• Identify, appraise and investigate sales opportunities during liaisons with existing clients, keeping the Client Services Manager informed
• Review cost base for each client account and identify cost reduction analysis on customers and suppliers to increase profitability (to include time analysis)

Essential Skills 

• Ability to manage multiple projects to strict timelines and budgets
• Marketing Campaign Management
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written across all channels
• Strong and accurate brief taking
• Printing and/or a procurement environment
• Willingness to embrace change and look for ways to continually improve to add value to both the business and clients
• Highly competent in standard office computer packages with excellent presentation skills (including Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Direct client support at all levels
• Maintaining reporting systems
• Project management
• A willingness to learn and adapt to new practices and market demands
• Being an enthusiastic, ambitious self-starter with a strong attention to detail
• Take encouragement from successful client projects and the ability to Think-out-of-the-box
• Ability to demonstrate a professional, diplomatic and tactful approach when dealing with colleagues, clients and suppliers
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times
• Client-focused, personable, organised and diligent

Desirable Skills 

• Experience of POS
• Dealing professionally and confidently with people at all levels, both internally and externally to the organisation
• Decision making and planning within tight timescales
• Excellent organisational skills
• Commercial awareness
• Teamwork Skills
• Positive and proactive attitude
• Team leadership and ability to manage to fixed timelines

Experience

• Significant experience in a similar role
• Understanding of procurement/supply chain and warehouse concepts