At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage customer accounts and provide after-sales service in the aviation industry.
- Company: Join a successful business with a vibrant culture and growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Generous salary, long-term career prospects, and personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team making a real impact in aviation.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management or after-sales within engineering preferred.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for international travel and collaboration.
Internally based in our Trentham/Stoke HQ, with account client visits UK and overseas. Due to growth, this is a new position offering a real opportunity to contribute to an established and successful business at a time of unprecedented growth. In addition to a generous salary, we also offer long-term career prospects and personal development within a vibrant fast-paced environment with cutting-edge solutions into Aviation, Maritime and Military markets.
The key area of the role is to manage existing customers with an After Sales Service to supply parts and maintenance within the Aviation industry. Product knowledge can be taught to the right candidate but ideally you will come with experience of account managing/After Sales within an engineering environment.
Responsibilities:- Ensure efficient, effective handling of customer inquiries, technical issues, complaints, and warranty claims.
- Coordinate all after-sales service activities, including field maintenance visits, repairs, spare parts supply, and logistics for global customers.
- Proactively contact existing customers to identify requirements for spare parts, preventative maintenance, system upgrades, and service-level agreements.
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen long-term customer relationships with aviation authorities, defence agencies, integrators, and commercial partners.
- Implement upselling techniques to increase revenue from after-sales services, including extended warranties, maintenance contracts, and software/hardware upgrades.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for after-sales services and spare parts, and develop professional commercial proposals for service agreements, upgrades, and lifecycle support offerings.
- Analyse cost drivers (labour, logistics, materials, subcontractors) to ensure proposals are accurate, competitive, and aligned with internal profitability goals.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, production, logistics, quality, and project management teams to ensure seamless coordination of all after-sales activities.
- Use CRM, ERP, and service management software to track customer interactions, system performance data, sales history, open tickets, and warranty cases.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends, ICAO/Eurocontrol standards, Mode-S developments, cybersecurity requirements, and best practices in radar lifecycle support.
- Maintain high levels of professionalism and communication etiquette in all customer interactions (phone, email, in-person).
- Support tender processes by preparing after-sales sections such as costing, maintenance plans, spare parts lists, and lifecycle support strategies.
- Train customers on system operation and routine maintenance where required.
- Manage spare parts inventory and coordinate logistics for timely global deliveries.
- Prepare and present after-sales performance reports, including uptime metrics, SLA compliance, intervention history, and customer satisfaction levels.
- Previous experience in after-sales management or a similar role within aerospace, defence, electronics, radar or industrial equipment sectors.
- Strong sales background with a proven track record of achieving upselling or service contract targets.
- Experience proactively engaging existing customers to identify and fulfil needs for spares, maintenance, upgrades, and support contracts.
- Competence in preparing commercial offers, service proposals, detailed costings, and structured pricing for complex technical systems.
- Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple customer cases simultaneously.
- Proactive and solution-oriented approach, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage technically complex issues.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Proficient in using CRM systems, ERP platforms, and software for customer relationship management, service tracking, and sales analysis.
- Strong analytical skills for cost modelling, financial justification, and proposal preparation.
- Experience collaborating with engineering and production teams to resolve customer issues and validate technical and commercial details.
- Ability to work effectively with international customers and occasionally travel for customer meetings, training, or service oversight.
- Knowledge of export control regulations, aviation safety standards, and lifecycle support requirements (advantageous).
For more information or an immediate interview please forward your CV to John Hutchinson.
Key Account Manager in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Dorchester Search and Selection
Contact Detail:
Dorchester Search and Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aviation and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its products thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in after-sales management. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the best choice for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, what are you waiting for? Get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Key Account Manager role. Highlight any previous experience in after-sales management or account handling, especially within engineering or aviation sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your proactive approach and how you’ve successfully managed customer relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves technical aspects, don’t shy away from mentioning your familiarity with CRM systems, ERP platforms, and any relevant software. This will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorchester Search and Selection
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the aviation industry and after-sales service. Familiarise yourself with key terms, trends, and standards like ICAO/Eurocontrol. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in account management and after-sales service. Think about times when you successfully upsold services or resolved complex customer issues. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves a lot of customer interaction, practice conveying technical information clearly and concisely. You might want to do mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on how you explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
✨Be Proactive and Solution-Oriented
During the interview, showcase your proactive approach by discussing how you've identified customer needs in the past. Share examples of how you’ve implemented solutions that improved customer satisfaction or streamlined processes. This aligns perfectly with the expectations for the Key Account Manager role.