Account Director

We have an exciting opportunity for an Account Director to join our fast-growing client.

MFK Recruitment has successfully recruited 39 individuals to this company in the past 5 years, 29 are still with the company too! Our client is well known for retaining their employees, due to the culture and career progression opportunities.

Hybrid working is in play with visits to their office in Reigate required, it is also essential for the successful Account Director  to own a vehicle as there will be some travel to meet clients in the South of England.

The annual salary for this role is £50,000 - £55,000 with double OTE.

Account Director – Role Profile:

Our client is on an exciting growth trajectory within the Education sector, supporting the holistic technology needs of a growing number of large secondary schools and Multi-Academy Trusts. Our services within Education fall under the umbrella of Managed ICT Services, delivering tangible digital transformation in the classroom through harnessing the latest Cloud technologies, network infrastructure, and a suite of education-focused hardware and software solutions.

We are looking for an experienced Key Account Director to join our fast-paced commercial department, capable of nurturing our key strategic customer relationships within education. The role involves liaising closely with senior stakeholders to spearhead strategic development initiatives that deliver tangible and sustainable ICT impact for schools and trusts, while maximising our client’s wallet share across a broad range of solutions within the education space.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a solid understanding of the MSP operating environment within education, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role. Additionally, they will possess a strong aptitude for building and maintaining positive customer relationships. We are seeking an individual with excellent planning and leadership capabilities, able to coordinate and oversee Account Managers and Account Executives, with a strategic, customer-centric approach to delivery.

Account Director – Day-To-Day Responsibilities:

• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key educational clients, acting as the main point of contact to ensure their needs are met and exceeded.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic account plans to achieve client satisfaction and business growth objectives. This includes understanding the unique needs of educational institutions and tailoring IT solutions accordingly.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and technical support, to ensure a cohesive approach to managing and growing key accounts.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead contract negotiations and close agreements to maximise profits while ensuring the delivery of high-quality IT services that meet the specific requirements of educational clients.
• Market Analysis: Stay informed about industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies in the education sector to provide clients with innovative solutions and maintain a competitive edge.
• Performance Monitoring: Track and report on key account metrics, providing regular updates to both internal and external stakeholders on the progress of initiatives and the overall health of the client relationship.
• Budget Management: Manage account budgets, ensuring that financial targets are met and resources are allocated effectively to support client needs.
• Client Advocacy: Act as an advocate for the client within the organisation, ensuring that their feedback and needs are communicated and addressed by the relevant teams.
• Project Oversight: Contribute to the successful delivery of IT projects and services, ensuring they are effectively scoped, sold and delivered with a focus on ‘right first time’.

Account Director – Personal Attributes:

• Strong Communication Skills: The ability to clearly and effectively communicate with clients, team members, and stakeholders is crucial. This includes both verbal and written communication.
• Empathy and Customer Focus: A deep understanding of and empathy for the needs and challenges of educational institutions, ensuring that solutions are tailored to meet their specific requirements.
• Leadership and Influence: The ability to lead and inspire both internal teams and clients, driving projects forward and ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Problem-Solving Skills: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues, with the ability to think critically and creatively to find effective solutions.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: The capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and client needs, and to remain flexible in the face of new challenges and opportunities.
• Strategic Thinking: The ability to think long-term and strategically, understanding the broader context of the education sector and how to position the company’s services effectively.
• Relationship-Building: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships with key clients, fostering trust and loyalty.
• Resilience and Persistence: The ability to remain resilient and persistent in the face of challenges, maintaining a positive attitude and continuing to strive for success.
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to managing accounts, ensuring that all aspects of service delivery meet the highest standards.
• Passion for Education and Technology: A genuine interest in the education sector and a passion for leveraging technology to improve educational outcomes.

Account Director – Experience:

• Experience: At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in account management, business development, or a related role, within the education or IT sector.