What is an Account Manager?

An Account Manager is someone who acts as an intermediary between a customer and the organization he or she represents. The term Account Manager relates not so much to managing (or leading) people, but to managing (or administering) customers, or accounts. The account management profession is a combination of relationship management and sales.

Tasks of an Account Manager

An Account Manager has a broad range of duties aimed at generating higher sales through relationship management, acquiring new customers and advising on market developments and opportunities. An Account Manager has a complex role that requires strategic, managerial, communicative and advisory qualities, complemented by the necessary negotiation skills.

Below are some of the tasks performed:

  • Analyzing the market, identifying accounts and preparing a strategic account plan
  • Taking care of (cold) acquistion, for example by approaching potential customers and giving presentations
  • Maintaining the relationship with existing customers, also by providing timely and comprehensive information
  • Acting as the first point of contact between the customer and the company
  • Providing support to the customer in both technical and organizational sense
  • Identify customer needs and provide advice on these needs
  • Follow developments in the market and if necessary anticipate timely, for example on product developments by competitors
  • Keeping a thorough admnistration

What competencies are important in this position?

As an Account Manager, there are a number of competencies and skills required to perform the job well. Below are a few points that go with this position:

  • Listening & analyzing
  • Product knowledge
  • Thinking along
  • Self-confidence
  • Honesty & reliability
  • Taking Initiative

How do you become an Account Manager?

Account managers are mostly educated at college or university level. Which education is most suitable depends very much on the field of work and the company. Because communicative and commercial qualities are quite a part of the account management profession, the studies form a good basis:

What courses are there for Account Manager?

Some courses that will prepare you well for this position:

  • Business Administration
  • Commercial Economics
  • Internation Business & Management Studies
  • Marketing and Communication

Salary Account Manager

When you start working within this position, the hourly salary will be around €20 and the monthly salary will be around €3250. This salary often depends on knowledge, age and experience. You will see that the salary increases the longer you work or specify yourself in a particular field.

Source: Salary indication