At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive client relationships and manage key accounts in the rail industry.
- Company: Join a leading UK rail services group with a strong market presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and 33 days holiday.
- Other info: Flexible working options and career development support available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes role with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management and familiarity with rail or engineering sectors.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Certain Advantage is hiring for a Strategic Account Manager based in Derby. This role is on a permanent basis and is primarily based onsite, with some ad-hoc flexible working.
Are you an Account Manager or similar, with experience in Rail, Engineering, or complex B2B environments, looking to take on a high-impact role driving relationship development, pipeline growth, and bid conversions?
This is an excellent opportunity to take direct responsibility for a key customer portfolio, working closely with senior stakeholders and operational teams to maximize long-term contract value and uncover new revenue streams.
The Company: We are working with a newly integrated, leading UK rail services group that unifies some of the industry's most established names in rolling stock design, manufacture, and turnkey maintenance. They offer a stable, well-backed environment with an expanding portfolio, recently underscored by securing major international infrastructure contracts.
The Role: This role is for a Strategic Account Manager to take full ownership of the company’s rail and engineering key customer portfolio. You will operate at a senior level, partnering closely with operations and commercial leads to drive client relationship development, manage structured bid governance, and increase revenue across key accounts.
Day to Day:
- Lead structured bid/no-bid governance to maximize conversion and develop robust win strategies
- Build and execute comprehensive account plans to improve market awareness and uncover new opportunities
- Lead and manage weekly, monthly, and quarterly client review calls and performance meetings
- Partner with the operations team to monitor, manage, and report overall account performance
- Take the lead in developing senior stakeholder relationships to drive upselling and repeat business
- Manage pricing discipline in collaboration with commercial teams to ensure accurate forecasting and delivery
- Provide comprehensive monthly reports on account progress, opportunity pipelines, and market positioning
- Ensure HubSpot CRM is consistently utilized to track pipelines, performance, and key account KPIs
The Individual:
- Proven background in Strategic Account Management, managing key accounts, and driving pipeline growth
- Experience or strong familiarity with complex bids, risk management, and commercial terms
- A background or familiarity within Rail, Engineering, heavy industry, or geographically dispersed SME environments is highly desirable
- Proficiency with HubSpot CRM or similar systems alongside strong commercial acumen
Benefits:
- 10-20% Performance Bonus Scheme
- Dedicated Car Allowance
- Employee Electric Car Scheme & Cycle to Work Scheme
- Annual Salary Reviews & Pension Contributions
- Monthly Rewards, Recognition & Long Service Awards
- 33 Days Holiday (increasing with service)
- Holiday Trading Options
- Career Development Opportunities & Company-Sponsored Training
- Employee Discount Platform (Gyms, Tech, Restaurants)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free On-site Parking & On-site Treats
Does this sound like your next career move? Apply today.
Working with Certain Advantage: We go the extra mile to find the best people for the job. If you are hunting for a role where you can make an impact and grow your career, we will work with you to find it.
We work with businesses across the UK to find the best people in Finance, Marketing, HR, Business Support, IT and Engineering. If this job is not for you, head to certainadvantage.co.uk and register for job alerts and career guidance tips.
Strategic Account Manager (Rail) in Ashbourne employer: Certain Advantage
As a leading Defence Organisation located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. With a focus on employee growth, we offer long-term contract opportunities and competitive rates, alongside a unique 4-day working week that promotes work-life balance. Join us to be part of a team that is at the forefront of technology, delivering exceptional software solutions in a dynamic and supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Account Manager (Rail) in Ashbourne
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Strategic Account Manager (Rail) at Certain Advantage!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Certain Advantage or be willing to refer you for that Strategic Account Manager (Rail) position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Certain Advantage who’s on the lookout for their next Strategic Account Manager (Rail) star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Strategic Account Manager (Rail) role at Certain Advantage!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Account Manager (Rail) in Ashbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Certain Advantage. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Certain Advantage
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Certain Advantage. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
