What is an account manager?
Account managers are also known as key account managers. They are responsible for managing a company’s customer accounts. Depending on the size of the company, they may be responsible for one or more accounts at a time.
They can work in any sector. They are in demand in cosmetics, distribution, media agencies and banking establishments.
The Account Manager is the guarantor of customer satisfaction. They handle customer relations for their organisation. He or she is responsible for improving the quality of services by taking customer feedback into account. The aim is to build customer loyalty. They also propose solutions in the event of dissatisfaction.
To excel in this role, it is important to have good interpersonal skills. Account managers are their company’s first point of contact. They need to be comfortable with communication and negotiation, which is part of their job. When managing several customers, they need to be organised and manage their time well.
What does an account manager do?
The day-to-day life of an account manager is hectic, with many varied tasks. They are responsible for :
- know and master your company’s products and services;
- monitor developments in its business sector by keeping a constant watch on the market;
- identify and understand customer needs;
- find strategies to meet their needs ;
- monitor existing customer accounts and prospect for new ones ;
- draw up additional proposals to keep his company competitive;
- promote the services and products of the organisation;
- work with the project manager to develop a customer relationship management strategy;
- analyse results, identify weaknesses and find solutions to remedy them ;
- reporting to the customer and management.
Why become an account manager?
As an Account Manager, you will be working in a dynamic and constantly evolving field. You’ll be in contact with lots of different people, which can be very rewarding in human terms. Working with people helps you to develop a good network. It also helps to build self-confidence and adaptability.
As an Account Manager, you’ll have the chance to experience an exciting and hectic daily life. No two days are the same, because your tasks are always varied. It’s motivating and fulfilling. You avoid routine and monotony.
Looking after your customers means that you have to travel on occasion. This contact work means you don’t have to sit behind your computer screen for hours on end.
There are many applications and job offers in this field. The unemployment rate is very low, because all entities need its services. As a result, you are free to work in the sector that interests you.
What’s more, the benefits of this job and the prospects for career development are considerable. After a few years in this position, it is possible to become a Global Account Manager. At this stage, you will be able to manage large customers and operate internationally.
How much does an account manager earn?
Salary is subject to change. It depends on your profile and experience. It is also influenced by the size of the company that employs you. At the start of your career, you’ll easily earn between 32,000 and 38,000 euros gross per year. That’s more than 2,500 euros gross per month.
On the way up, you can earn around €40,000 or even €46,000 a year. An experienced account manager earns between 50,000 and 60,000 euros gross per year. That’s up to €5,000 gross per month, depending on the size of the organisation.
What studies do you need to do to become an account manager?
To become an account manager, you need the right training. You need to choose a course in communications and obtain at least a 5-year higher education qualification. At Sup de Pub, we offer the ideal path to build your career in this field.
Our school is one of the top schools for communication and advertising.
It has over 36 years’ experience. You can join our school after you have passed your baccalauréat. We offer the Communication & Marketing programme. During the course, you will learn about the following subjects:
- Brand advertising;
- brand strategy & strategic planning ;
- Influence & Public Relations strategy.