At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage accounts and support students by connecting them with specialist support workers.
- Company: Join Randstad, the world's largest HR solutions business, in a vibrant Manchester office.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, uncapped commission, flexible benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team culture with regular socials and recognition celebrations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service or account management, with strong communication and organisational skills.
Do you have experience in account management, customer service, or high-volume operational coordination and want to work in a role that genuinely makes an impact? Randstad is the world's largest international HR solutions business, providing a first class recruitment and customer service experience to clients and candidates alike. We pride ourselves on being experts who exceed the core requirements of our industry. In the technology-driven world of work we live in, Randstad remains a trusted recruitment partner. We are looking for an Account Specialist to join our growing Student Support team in Manchester. In this role, you will act as the central point of contact for higher education institutions, funding bodies (such as Student Finance England), and specialist support workers to ensure students receive the tailored support they need to succeed. This is a high-touch account management role that balances strong relationship-building with fast-paced day-to-day operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Stakeholder & Account Management: Build and maintain trusted relationships across a diverse group of stakeholders, including university teams, funding bodies, local authorities, and students.
- Service Delivery & Placement: Match and schedule qualified specialist support workers to students based on individual requirements, funding approvals, and educational outcomes.
- Day-to-Day Operations & Admin: Manage a high-volume caseload efficiently, handling incoming and outgoing communications, maintaining accurate records, and evidencing support delivery.
- Client Retention & Account Growth: Act as the primary point of contact for key accounts, ensuring service levels are consistently met and identifying opportunities to maximise client satisfaction and performance.
- Problem-Solving & Query Resolution: Address day-to-day operational challenges, handle complex queries from candidates or university partners with empathy and professionalism, and resolve urgent support requests quickly.
- Operational Targets: Work towards key operational and performance targets within a collaborative, supportive team environment.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven Customer Service or Account Management Experience: A background in recruitment, education coordination, or fast-paced operational customer service would be advantageous.
- Strong Stakeholder Communication: Comfortable and confident communicating across multiple levels-from students and parents to university leaders and funding bodies.
- Exceptional Organisational Skills: Able to manage a caseload, prioritise competing deadlines, and maintain close attention to detail.
- Empathy & Soft Skills: A consultative approach with genuine care for delivering positive educational outcomes.
- Commercial Mindset: An understanding of the importance of meeting deadlines, adhering to processes, and delivering service excellence to achieve commercial goals.
What We Offer
- Competitive basic salary + uncapped commission structure.
- Central Manchester office location with great transport links and a vibrant, collaborative culture.
- Comprehensive onboarding scheme and ongoing career development pathways.
- Flexible benefits package (including enhanced pension scheme, holiday buying scheme, private medical options, and employee share schemes).
- Regular team socials, incentives, and recognition celebrations.
How to Apply: If you are an organised, stakeholder-focused professional ready to make a difference in student support, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today or reach out to our internal talent acquisition team directly. We are an inclusive employer committed to equality and diversity. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. Randstad is committed to equal opportunities for all and will not discriminate based on an individual's sex, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.
Account Specialist in Manchester employer: ITA Careers
Randstad is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture in the heart of Manchester. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive onboarding, ongoing career development pathways, and a flexible benefits package that includes an enhanced pension scheme and private medical options. Join us to make a meaningful impact in student support while enjoying regular team socials and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Specialist in Manchester
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at ITA Careers. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like ITA Careers before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Specialist in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to ITA Careers:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at ITA Careers specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at ITA Careers!
How to prepare for a job interview at ITA Careers
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
