Job description

Account Managers are responsible for the management and development of client accounts to maximise revenue from that client base.

Often reporting to an account director or sales director, you'll be handed a portfolio of clients (often organised geographically) and it will be your job to maintain and increase sales from those clients.

You may also be required to identify and target new customers within your area or industry to develop further revenue streams.

Duties include:

• Managing a portfolio of clients.
• Developing and maintaining relationships.
• Identifying and targeting new leads.
• Maximising revenue from each client.
• Competitor analysis.
• Regular liaison with senior employees to discuss sales and targets.
• Maintenance of specific software packages such as Sales Force.
• Managing the activities of Account Executives.
• Preparation of detailed sales forecasts.

Qualifications

There are no formal qualifications required to be an account manager. Generally you will have performed a more junior sales role and will be promoted to account manager level.

Salary Snapshot

Recent salaries advertised on Clearly Sales Jobs (November 2009) include:

• £26,000 per annum plus benefits for an Account Manager/Area Manager for a delivery company in the East Midlands.
• £30-70,000 plus benefits for an Account Manager within Financial Services in London.
• £65-70,000 plus bonus for a Senior Account Manager for a software firm in Hertfordshire.
• £35-40,000 plus benefits for a National Account Manager for a waste management firm based in the North West.