At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key gas customers while driving innovation in project delivery.
- Company: IES Utilities Group Ltd, a leading UK utility provider focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy with a focus on low-carbon solutions and complex projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering or construction management, with strong client relationship skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to high safety and quality standards.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
IES Utilities Group Ltd is a leading UK utility provider delivering end-to-end utility solutions. Our teams operate across Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating and Renewables, where we provide survey, design, construction, and maintenance services nationwide. With a commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, IES supports clients in building and maintaining resilient, future-ready infrastructure networks across the UK. Headquartered in Manchester, IES continues to grow as a trusted partner in the utilities sector.
The IES Gas Division operates across two principal workstreams: Pipelines and Above-Ground Installations (AGIs) — encompassing Pressure Reduction Stations (PRSs), Offtakes, Compressor Stations, and Terminals. Each stream delivers both core maintenance works, typically single-discipline and non-complex, and multi-discipline or complex projects that integrate civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering elements. The Division's reputation has been built on the safe, reliable, and high-quality delivery of maintenance works across the National & Local Transmission Systems forming the backbone of IES's client relationships and financial stability. However, the largest growth opportunity lies in expanding the Division's multi-discipline and technically complex projects across both Pipelines and AGIs. These works demand deeper technical collaboration, early client engagement, and strategic alignment with each of our customers' investment and energy transition objectives, including emerging initiatives in Hydrogen and Carbon Capture infrastructure.
To support this ambition, IES intends to appoint a Key Account Manager (KAM) dedicated to one of our key customers. The KAM will serve as the strategic and operational bridge between IES and the customer, ensuring continuity of performance in maintenance works while driving growth and innovation in complex, multi-discipline project delivery.
Role Summary
To build, sustain, and grow a long-term strategic partnership with our strategic gas customers by aligning IES's capabilities with the customers' operational programmes, asset strategies, and transition toward a low-carbon energy future. The KAM will own the client relationship, coordinate internal teams to meet performance expectations, and develop opportunities for IES to add value across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility through to construction and maintenance.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the primary point of contact for our strategic gas customers' relationship matters, operational, commercial, and strategic.
- Develop and maintain a Key Account Plan mapping all stakeholders, live projects, frameworks, and emerging opportunities.
- Build a multi-level relationship network across our Strategic gas customers, from project engineers to senior leadership to ensure visibility and trust.
- Lead regular account review meetings (monthly/quarterly) with customers and IES leadership.
- Capture and document client feedback, actions, and sentiment; ensure lessons are communicated internally.
- Identify and position IES for new workstreams and frameworks in both Pipelines and AGIs, focusing on multi-discipline and complex project growth.
- Coordinate early engagement on forthcoming programmes and feasibility work.
- Feed opportunity intelligence to estimating and bid teams to improve competitiveness and price accuracy.
- Collaborate with design and delivery teams to package IES's multidisciplinary offering into compelling customer propositions.
- Support cross-selling across civil, mechanical, electrical, and specialist hydrogen/CCUS capabilities.
- Monitor and report on IES's performance across all projects, safety, quality, schedule, and customer satisfaction.
- Ensure that maintenance works remain exemplary in delivery consistency and compliance.
- Lead post-project reviews and capture lessons learned to continuously improve execution and client experience.
- Provide early escalation and resolution of customer issues or risks.
- Oversee commercial performance across all contracts, including frameworks, variations, and renewals.
- Support contract negotiations to ensure mutual value and transparent communication.
- Participate in strategic supplier reviews, demonstrating IES's performance, value-add, and future capability.
- Align internal resource planning with our customers' upcoming investment and maintenance programmes.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong background in engineering, construction management, or utilities (high pressure gas a significant advantage).
- Deep understanding of pipeline and AGI infrastructure, ideally above 7 bar works.
- Proven ability to manage complex client relationships and translate technical delivery into commercial opportunity.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience in managing NEC3 or 4 forms of contract is required.
- Experience or interest in Hydrogen, CCUS, and energy transition projects is advantageous.
- Strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset, capable of linking commercial performance, technical delivery, and customer experience.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Opportunity to own a key contract portfolio and shape service delivery.
- Supportive team environment committed to high safety and quality standards.
- Career development opportunities within a growing energy services company.
How to Apply
If you believe you have the skills and experience we're looking for, please submit your CV, including a brief covering note outlining your most relevant contract management or account management experience to recruitment@iesutilities.co.uk. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Key Account Manager – Gas in Manchester employer: IES Utilities Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
IES Utilities Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager – Gas in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company inside out. Know their projects, values, and recent news. When you walk into an interview, you want to show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with their needs. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage complex client relationships and drive growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows you’re keen and professional, and it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager – Gas in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Key Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex client relationships and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in the gas or utilities sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Note: Your cover note should be a brief but powerful summary of why you're the perfect fit for this role. Focus on your contract management experience and how it aligns with IES's goals in the gas division.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role involves pipelines and AGIs, don’t shy away from showcasing your technical knowledge. Mention any specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your understanding of high-pressure gas systems and energy transition initiatives.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at IES Utilities Group Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of pipeline and AGI infrastructure, especially if you have experience with high-pressure gas systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role.
✨Build Your Relationship Strategy
Think about how you would develop and maintain a Key Account Plan. Prepare examples of how you've built multi-level relationships in previous roles, as this will show your ability to connect with various stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to present a complex idea or project, so being concise and engaging will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Prepare for questions that ask how you would handle specific client situations or challenges. Think about past experiences where you successfully navigated complex client relationships or resolved issues, and be ready to share those stories.