At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive customer growth and enhance relationships.
- Company: Join Close Brothers, a diverse and inclusive financial services company.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible work options available to help you balance life and work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a target-driven role while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a focus on customer satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Close Brothers we look to recruit individuals from all different backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don’t tick every box. We celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity and are open to discuss flexible work options to help you balance your work and home life. Join the Close Brothers Asset Finance (CBAF) team where you will oversee a team of Account Managers across regional sales hubs. You’ll drive new business growth by supporting customer acquisition and retention, overseeing proposal submissions, ensuring robust initial due diligence, and working closely with operations to deliver a seamless customer journey from sign‑up to facility activation.
As the key contact for the direct sales team, you’ll play a hands‑on role in strengthening customer relationships and improving conversion. You’ll proactively manage the proposal lifecycle, ensuring timely actions, consistent service delivery and effective collaboration across teams. Strong leadership and coaching capability, with experience implementing effective processes and frameworks, are essential. Excellent stakeholder‑management skills, the ability to build strong relationships and thrive in a target‑driven, commercial environment are required. While we have a preference for this role to be based in Manchester, we are also open to candidates to work from Burton, Sidcup or Glasgow.
Responsibilities
- Allocate workloads and monitor service levels.
- Ensure all Account Management teams are working to our set standards and at the required quality.
- Work proactively to achieve individual and team performance targets.
- Exchange best practices and contribute positively to team culture and collaboration.
- Maintain high levels of accuracy and adopt a "right first time" approach to drive positive customer outcomes.
- Work closely with the Direct Sales team leaders to provide exceptional service to our customers and brokers.
- Act as a brand ambassador, promoting our company's values and maintaining a positive brand image at all times.
- Engage with customers, brokers and suppliers to provide outstanding support to address proposal related enquiries and to resolve issues.
- Manage relationships to ensure services provided by the internal Credit and Operations functions are being utilised effectively by your team.
- Collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless communication and problem‑solving for brokers and customers.
- Monitor customer satisfaction levels and implement strategies to improve overall customer experience.
- Keep accurate records of customer interactions and transactions using our internal systems.
Qualifications
- Strong leadership capability – people management, coaching & development, operational execution and change management.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with both customers and colleagues at all levels of seniority.
- Experience with process improvements and change – building processes and KPI frameworks.
- Experience in handling customer enquiries and resolving issues with a customer‑centric approach.
- The ability to work and thrive in a target‑driven, sales environment.
- Strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
- Good critical thinking skills with strong numeracy and analytical ability.
Desirable Skills
- Experience of team leadership in a Financial Services/Sales support environment.
- Familiarity with CRM software and other customer support tools such as Salesforce.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft products.
- Previous knowledge of the Financial Services industry and in a similar customer facing role.
At Close Brothers we support employees to balance their work life priorities and in this role you will be able to enjoy a mixture of hybrid working.
Head of Account Management in Manchester employer: Close Brothers
Close Brothers is an exceptional employer that values diversity and inclusivity, offering flexible work options to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance. As part of the Asset Finance team in Manchester, you'll benefit from a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth through strong leadership and coaching opportunities, while also playing a pivotal role in enhancing customer relationships and driving business success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Account Management in Manchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Close Brothers. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Account Management in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Close Brothers.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Close Brothers's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Close Brothers
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Close Brothers.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Close Brothers will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Close Brothers employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
