Key Account Manager
What's it like to be a Key Account Manager?
Key Account Managers handle a company’s biggest clients. As such, they must be customer service-oriented, and understand how to foster a long-term business relationship with key decision makers to ensure the longevity of their account. Key Account Managers need years of experience in closing sales, the ability to negotiate with key decision makers, business relationship building, and cross-functional leadership.
Tasks and duties
- Nurturing long-term and strategic partnerships that deliver value over time.
- Negotiating business agreements with key decision-makers.
- Facilitating strong partnerships that benefit business and their customers.
- Developing new sources of business derived from the company's long-term customers.
How to become a Key Account Manager
To work as a Key Account Manager you will need years of experience successfully negotiating with partners and building long-lasting relationships for a business.
Complete a bachelor degree in business or a related field of study.
Start with an internship and learn account management skills that you can put into practice.
Gain experience as a Junior Account Manager and work your way up by developing key connections in the industry.
Show proven success in building and sustaining long-term business relationships. Having important business contacts in an industry may take years to grow into a lasting relationship that benefits the account and the company. Build a consistent track record that shows that you can perform to reach or exceed expected business targets.
Have a portfolio of clients that can vouch for your success. Being able to deliver a signed business deal with a variety of clients for long-term business opportunities will help increase your chances of getting hired.
Consistent performance in the role of a Key Account Manager could lead to a promotion to a more senior role such as Vice President of Sales or a related C-level executive position.
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