Strategic Account Manager in Birmingham

Strategic Account Manager in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage key B2B customer accounts and build strong relationships to drive growth.
  • Company: Join a leading name in appliance spare parts under the Screwfix banner.
  • Benefits: Company car, bonus scheme, discounts, and extensive support resources.
  • Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for travel and career development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by nurturing strategic partnerships and driving business success.
  • Qualifications: Strong B2B account management experience and relationship-building skills.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

  • Strategic Account Manager
  • Birmingham / Hybrid with National Customer Coverage

About us

Connect, operating under the Screwfix banner and owned by the Kingfisher Group, is a leading name in the distribution of high-quality appliance spare parts and accessories.

We're proud to support a wide range of major household brands, trade customers and businesses across the UK and Europe.

With over 50 years' experience in the spare parts industry, we've continued to evolve and grow, and becoming part of Screwfix has given us the opportunity to build on that experience with the support, knowledge and resources of the wider Kingfisher Group.

About the role and team

We're looking for an experienced and commercially minded

Strategic Account Manager to take ownership of some of our most important B2B customer relationships.

You'll manage a defined portfolio of high-value strategic accounts, building strong relationships, protecting existing business and identifying opportunities to grow the amount of business we do together.

This is much more than simply maintaining accounts.

You'll really get to know your customers, understand how their businesses work and build practical account plans that identify risks, opportunities and areas where we can support them further.

You'll be the main commercial point of contact for your customers, working closely with senior decision makers as well as colleagues across Screwfix Spares to make sure we deliver what we promise and make it easy for customers to do business with us.

Based from our Birmingham Head Office with hybrid working, the role will also involve regular travel to customer locations across the UK.

  • What you'll be doing
  • Take ownership of a portfolio of some of our largest and most strategically important customer accounts.
  • Build strong, long-term relationships with senior decision makers and key customer contacts.
  • Develop clear account plans covering current business, future potential, key relationships, competitors, risks and opportunities.
  • Protect existing business by staying close to your customers, understanding what matters to them and acting early where there may be a risk to spend.
  • Identify opportunities to grow accounts across additional sites, teams, product categories and buying groups.
  • Understand where business has reduced or been lost and put practical plans in place to win it back.
  • Hold regular customer reviews, looking at performance, challenges and opportunities to do more together.
  • Lead commercial conversations around pricing, contracts and account agreements while balancing customer needs with sustainable margin.
  • Support tenders, proposals and contract reviews for key accounts.
  • Keep forecasts and account information up to date, giving the wider business a clear picture of customer performance, risks and growth opportunities.
  • Work closely with our Business Development Managers and wider teams where opportunities would benefit from a joined-up approach.

What we're looking for

  • Strong B2B account management experience, ideally working with large, strategic or multi-site customers.
  • A proven track record of growing revenue and developing existing customer accounts.
  • A natural relationship builder who is confident dealing with senior stakeholders and decision makers.
  • Commercially confident, with experience of pricing, negotiation and protecting margin.
  • Comfortable managing contracts, tenders and more complex customer agreements.
  • Strong account planning and forecasting skills, with the ability to spot both risks and opportunities.
  • Someone who can think strategically but is equally happy getting involved and making things happen.
  • Customer focused, accountable and resilient, with the confidence to take ownership of your portfolio.
  • Experience within electrical, spare parts, trade, distribution or technical products would be an advantage, but isn’t essential.

What we offer

  • Company car
  • Bonus scheme
  • Retail Trust - a free online support and counselling service
  • Employee Support Fund - financial support to help in times of need
  • Enhanced Parent Policy
  • Enhanced Company Sick Pay
  • Hapi App - access to lots of retail, leisure and gym discounts
  • Speak Up - a confidential service for raising concerns at work
  • People Forum - giving our people a voice in the future of our business
  • 20% discount within our retail stores
  • Discount across our own product range
  • Skillshub - learning and development resources to support your growth
  • Pep Talk - access to hundreds of talks and wellbeing resources
  • Generous Length of Service scheme
  • Peakon surveys - giving you the opportunity to have your say
  • Charity events and company engagement activities throughout the year
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Strategic Account Manager in Birmingham employer: Connect Distribution Services Ltd

At Connect, part of the Kingfisher Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our employees' growth and well-being. With a supportive work culture, hybrid working options from our Birmingham Head Office, and a comprehensive benefits package including a bonus scheme, employee support fund, and extensive learning resources, we empower our Strategic Account Managers to build meaningful relationships and drive success in their roles. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that is committed to innovation and excellence in the spare parts industry.

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Contact Details:

Connect Distribution Services Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Account Manager in Birmingham

Leverage Your Network

In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!

Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results

When targeting a full-time role like Strategic Account Manager at Connect Distribution Services Ltd, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!

Engage with Sales Communities

Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.

Direct Applications Matter

While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Connect Distribution Services Ltd. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Strategic Account Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Account Manager in Birmingham

B2B Account Management
Relationship Building
Account Planning
Revenue Growth
Negotiation Skills
Contract Management
Forecasting Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!

Tailor Your Message for Connect Distribution Services Ltd:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Connect Distribution Services Ltd. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!

Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!

Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!

How to prepare for a job interview at Connect Distribution Services Ltd

Know Your Sales Methodologies

Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Connect Distribution Services Ltd that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.

Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills

Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Connect Distribution Services Ltd that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.

Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios

In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!

Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision

Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Connect Distribution Services Ltd’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.