what is an account manager?
As an account manager, you contact the company's clients or customers. You have a heart for the customers and care for their needs and concerns. However, the job requirements vary based on the client's needs at that time. You may be a salesperson, offer technical support, provide financial advice, or take on the role of a customer service representative. You serve as a liaison between the customer, the sales department, and other departments and teams that may impact the client's account. It is your job to ensure that the client stays satisfied and your employer gets a sizable return on the money they invested in acquiring the client.
Good account managers are not focused on selling a product or service. Your focus is on helping customers and clients solve problems or achieve their goals. You should be able to communicate with staff, management and customers. It is also important to prioritise relationships over sales and forgo short-term wins to foster long-term relationships. As an account manager, you use customer relationship management (CRM) software to manage customer data.
Would working as an account manager suit your customer service skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an account manager role.
account manager jobsaverage account manager salary
Τhe average salary of an account manager in Greece is approximately €35,000 per year, while you can receive an average bonus of two to five salaries. In an entry-level position, you start with a lower salary of €22,000 per year. With experience and additional qualifications, your salary increases gradually, with senior account managers earning over €50,000 annually.
how to increase your salary as an account manager
As an account manager, your earnings fluctuate based on various factors. Experience and company size are the main factors that influence your earnings. When you have extensive experience in customer service, you can negotiate higher pay. Having additional qualifications also boosts your earnings.
The company and industry you work for may affect your earnings. When you work in technology companies, your duties involve providing technical support to customers. The complexity of your duties and the value of the products can increase your earning potential. Working for a large company also pays higher wages due to unlimited resources and additional benefits.
Your work location affects your earnings due to differences in job demand and the cost of living. When you work in a large city, you take home a higher salary, resulting from the high demand for account managers in urban areas.
types of account managers
Account managers typically fall into two primary categories:
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national account managers
As a national account manager, you coordinate internal and external stakeholders and cross-functional parties. Depending on your employer, you can take on quasi-general manager roles.
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regional account managers
As a regional account manager, you handle clients within a particular region. You focus on maintaining existing relationships with distributors and seeking new sales opportunities. The role makes you the relay point between your company and independent stores or distributors. You gather sales data, analyse market trends and provide feedback to the sales team.
working as an account manager
Working as an account manager is an exciting career that allows you to grow your skills in the customer service and marketing fields. Discover the duties, work environments and work schedules of account managers in Greece.
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what does an account manager do?
The main responsibilities of account managers include:
- Preparing proposals to new business leads: as an account manager, you increase the number of clients and customers for a business. You search for new leads and prepare proposals for pitching regularly. When a client makes their first order, you follow up to ensure they're satisfied with the service. You also inform them of additional services and products offered by the business.
- Escalating client concerns to the appropriate department: as an account manager, you constantly liaise with clients and help them with ordering. When customers have concerns or issues with their products, you are the contact person. You relay their concerns to the appropriate department and get back to customers with the appropriate feedback.
- Analysing consumer data: your job involves identifying the needs of potential customers through analytical data. You research their interests and develop effective marketing strategies for each client. You should often pitch to businesses and clients likely to order large quantities. Hence, it is important to sharpen your marketing skills.
- Reviewing account activities: as an account manager, your main role is to manage clients and ensure they are satisfied. That involves constantly reviewing accounts' activities and identifying ways to boost sales or retain existing customers.
- Negotiating contracts: when a client accepts your proposal, you negotiate the contract and terms of engagement. You also discuss the prices, quantities and discounts associated with the contracts.
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work environment of an account manager
Account managers typically work in office environments. They enjoy a clean, well-lit indoor environment. However, the work environment varies depending on the organisation. Your work typically requires a lot of local and international travel since you meet clients to pitch new ideas and negotiate contracts. Some account managers work remotely.
The working environment for account managers is fast-paced and challenging. Generally, you spend a lot of time interacting with clients. That includes talking with them on the phone and through video conferencing or face-to-face meetings.
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who are your colleagues?
As an account manager, you interact with sales, marketing and customer service teams. You work alongside customer service representatives, product managers and marketing managers. You also interact with sales consultants, sales advisors and sales representatives. Other professionals you are likely to work with include inside sales representatives and marketing executives.
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account manager work schedule
Most account managers work 40 hours a week. The workday typically starts at 9 am and ends at 5 pm. However, your schedule may be dictated by your clients' time. When handling high-profile clients, you should be available whenever they need clarification. That means the number of clients determines your work schedule.
Your schedule stays relatively constant throughout the year. However, at certain times of the year, you may have high client demands. For example, some holiday seasons may be more demanding due to the peak shopping seasons.
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career opportunities as an account manager
The best way to advance in an account manager role is to gain more experience and improve your academic qualifications. You can move up to a key account manager or account director role after gaining adequate skills. Some account managers become consultants for various companies after gaining years of experience.
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advantages of finding a job as an account manager through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- a range of jobs in your area
account manager skills and education
Some of the educational qualifications of an account manager include:
- Education: to work as an account manager in Greece, you should pursue a university degree in business administration. Some senior positions may require postgraduate studies. You also need an excellent command of English and Greek.
- Work experience: you require extensive experience to work as an account manager. You can gain experience through customer service roles and entry-level marketing positions. Most senior account manager positions require at least three to five years of work experience.
competencies and characteristics of account managers
The qualities of an account manager include:
- Communication skills: it is crucial to communicate well over the phone, via email and across departments and teams. You should be comfortable addressing C-suite executives, managers and sales reps. You are expected to address clients professionally and maintain good working relationships.
- Knowledge of the field: knowledge about the company and customer expertise is required. As an account manager, you nurture relationships and need in-depth knowledge of the company and its customers. It also allows you to identify growth opportunities that match the client's needs with the company's services.
- Ability to look ahead: a strategic perspective beyond short-term goals allows you to orchestrate long-term deals and relationships to create a mutually beneficial strategy. You should prioritise long-term relationships over short-term rewards, which requires forward-thinking skills.
- Leadership skills: leadership is necessary for account managers because they interact with many parts of the business. You should show confidence and command respect from clients and co-workers. You inspire sales representatives to improve lead generation.
- Negotiation skills: negotiation skills help account managers sell products to customers. You need a sense of timing, good presentation skills, and the confidence to know when to push and when to pull back.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an account manager.
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what are the duties of an account manager?
As an account manager, you are in charge of managing client and customer accounts. You handle one-on-one interactions between the client and the company with the aim of building lasting relationships instead of generating sales. You focus on customer retention by offering technical support and after-sales services.
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is account manager a high position?
The account manager position is an entry to a mid-level role in a company. Your rank depends on the company you work for and the duties you perform. In some companies, you work alongside account executives in mid-level management, assisting customers and clients. In large companies, account manager roles may be entry-level, depending on the hierarchy and company structure.
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what skills does an account manager need?
As an account manager, you require exceptional communication skills to communicate with clients. Most employers in Greece expect you to be fluent in English and Greek and have good listening skills. You also require exceptional customer service skills to ensure clients are satisfied with the products by tending to their needs. Your organisational skills help you complete your tasks on time and assist more clients.
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is account manager a stressful job?
Working as an account manager is a demanding and rewarding opportunity, but it can sometimes become overwhelming and stressful. You juggle various projects with tight deadlines while keeping an eye on the big picture. However, with good organisation skills and time management, you manage your tasks well to minimise stress.
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what is it like working as an account manager?
Working as an account manager involves helping customers and clients utilise the company's products and benefit from company services. You spend most of the day interacting with customers through phone calls and organising after-sale services.
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how do I find a job as an account manager?
Finding a job near you as an account manager is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Then log in or register an account to send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
