At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic account management and drive growth across multiple business units.
- Company: Join Hitachi, a global leader in digital transformation and social innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a focus on building executive relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping solutions for strategic customers and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: 8-15+ years in strategic account management with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
Our Company
Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi aims to be a global leader in continuously transforming social infrastructure through digital, contributing to a harmonised society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates worldwide across four sectors - Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries - as well as a Strategic SIB Business Unit focused on new growth areas. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi creates value by combining data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges.
Hitachi EMEA drives One-Hitachi growth across the region, focusing on Climate Change Innovation, Industrial AI & digital transformation, e-mobility and resilient digital infrastructures. The Regional Growth Centre of Competence partners with Business Units to scale cross-BU solutions and deliver sustainable outcomes for strategic customers.
What you'll be doing
- Own and drive One-Hitachi growth within assigned strategic accounts by defining and executing medium-to-long-term account strategies.
- Lead account planning workshops, executive briefings and strategy sessions that translate customer priorities into measurable account plans and revenue opportunities.
- Shape, prioritise and convert high-value solution opportunities across Business Units (Digital, CI/Industrial, Energy, Mobility), ensuring governance gates and BU interlocks are met.
- Act as the central orchestrator for cross-BU solution positioning and delivery, ensuring unified messaging and coordinated execution.
- Lead executive engagements and prepare concise CXO narratives and value propositions.
- Own account pipeline, forecasting and order intake; prioritise pursuits, structure complex deals and lead negotiations within delegated authority.
- Capture market and competitor intelligence; translate customer insights into actionable strategies and account playbooks.
- Ensure post-engagement momentum: define next steps, owners and opportunity pathways to convert interactions into commercial outcomes.
- Contribute to continuous improvement by capturing best practices and helping build a repeatable One-Hitachi engagement model.
- Building and sustaining executive relationships and stakeholder maps across customer organisations.
- Ensuring high customer satisfaction and timely resolution of escalations in coordination with BU delivery teams.
- Delivering measurable expansion beyond BAU and protecting account retention.
- Establishing and maintaining account governance cadence (weekly tactical, monthly performance, quarterly EBRs).
- Delivering against agreed 90-day milestones and longer-term account KPIs.
What You bring to the Team
- 8-15+ years’ experience in strategic account management, solution selling or sales leadership in complex B2B environments.
- Proven track record in driving strategic partnerships, cross-BU orchestration and closing cross/up-sell deals.
- Strong sector experience (preferred): CI/Industrial - robotics, manufacturing, semiconductors, industrial automation - and digital/AI transformation.
- Established senior customer relationships and networks in DACH, Nordics and/or Iberia (preferred).
- Demonstrable ability to lead executive engagements, develop customer-centred value propositions and convert workshops into revenue.
- Commercial acumen, negotiation skills and experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.
- Degree in Engineering, Business, IT or equivalent; MBA advantageous.
- Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
- Willingness to travel (approx. 30-50%) and be onsite with customers as required.
Desirable
We need experienced individuals with strong customer relationships in similar roles who can drive strategic partnerships.
Strategic Account Director in Datchet employer: Hitachi
At Hitachi Energy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring every team member can thrive while contributing to a sustainable energy future. Join us to be part of a global team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Account Director in Datchet
✨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 Director at Hitachi, 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 Hitachi. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Strategic Account Director. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Account Director in Datchet
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 Hitachi:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Hitachi. 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 Hitachi
✨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 Hitachi 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 Hitachi 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 Hitachi’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.
