At a Glance
- Tasks: Build strong relationships with key accounts in the defence sector and drive customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join James Fisher, a global leader in engineering services with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy early finishes on Fridays, competitive salary, and a range of benefits including private medical insurance.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment while developing your career in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales, preferably in the UK and European defence sector, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 40000 £ per year.
Please note that this role requires security checks.
As Key Account Manager, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening and growing JFD's presence across the UK, European and NATO defence sectors. Working with strategically important customers, you will develop deep customer relationships, enhance understanding of their evolving requirements and position JFD as a trusted long-term partner. This is a relationship-focused role that combines account management, business development and strategic sales activity to drive customer satisfaction, identify growth opportunities and support the delivery of exceptional service. You will work closely with customers, partners and suppliers to build collaborative relationships that create mutual value and contribute to long-term business success. Success in this role requires a commercially minded professional with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, strong problem-solving ability and the capability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. The position offers significant customer engagement and may require occasional overseas travel to support key accounts and business objectives.
What you'll be doing:
- Develop and maintain strategic key account relationships, building trusted partnerships that support long-term growth and customer success.
- Create and execute key account plans through stakeholder mapping, customer engagement and opportunity development.
- Identify customer needs, business opportunities, risks and mitigation strategies to strengthen account performance and retention.
- Engage directly with customers, partners and key stakeholders, acting as a trusted point of contact and advocate for the customer.
- Monitor, analyse and report on account performance, providing insight, progress updates and recommendations for growth.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams, including Product Line, Sales, Marketing and Bids, to ensure alignment and successful delivery of customer requirements.
- Conduct market and competitor analysis to identify industry trends, emerging opportunities and potential threats within key accounts.
What we're looking for:
- Proven experience in sales, preferably within the UK and European defence sector.
- Strong knowledge of sales principles, techniques, and best practices.
- Proficiency in using sales management software and tools.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
Why join us?
- Early finish on Fridays
- Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
- Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
- Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
- Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations
James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.
James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting-edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We're also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry.
If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click apply now! Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.
Key Account Manager employer: James Fisher and Sons
At James Fisher, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance and a company pension. Our inclusive and supportive culture fosters individual contributions and provides clear pathways for career development, making it an ideal environment for motivated professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the maritime industry. With hybrid working options available in Norfolk, you can enjoy a balanced work-life while contributing to innovative projects that shape the future of global maritime transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager
✨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 Key Account Manager at James Fisher and Sons, 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 James Fisher and Sons. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Key Account Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager
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 James Fisher and Sons:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for James Fisher and Sons. 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 James Fisher and Sons
✨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 James Fisher and Sons 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 James Fisher and Sons 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 James Fisher and Sons’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.
