At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major customer partnership and develop high-performing teams.
- Company: Join a trusted manufacturing partner in the Aerospace and Defence sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, car allowance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape long-term business strategy while driving profitable growth.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in managing complex strategic accounts.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Lead a Major Customer Partnership. Develop High-Performing Teams. Drive Strategic Growth. As an Account Director, you will operate as the business leader for one of our most important customer partnerships. Responsible for a major account worth circa £20m, whilst leading a team of three Account Managers. Your success will be measured through customer retention, commercial performance, long-term growth and your ability to develop a high-performing, customer-focused team. This opportunity will suit an experienced leader who enjoys coaching and developing people, influencing senior stakeholders and shaping long-term business strategy, whilst maintaining a strong focus on delivering profitable commercial outcomes.
BASIC SALARY £65,000 – £75,000
BENEFITS
- Up to c£17,500 Annual Bonus
- Car Allowance of £6,500 per annum
- 25 Days Holiday
LOCATION Bedford – hybrid 50/50
COMMUTABLE LOCATIONS Luton, Huntingdon, Leighton Buzzard, Stevenage, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Banbury
JOB SPECIFICATION
This is a strategic leadership role offering the opportunity to take ownership of one of our most significant customer relationships within the UK Defence sector. Acting as the senior commercial lead for the account, you will be responsible for strengthening customer partnerships, driving profitable growth and ensuring your team is equipped to deliver exceptional service and commercial performance. Working closely with senior leadership, you will play a key role in shaping account strategy, identifying future opportunities and ensuring delivery excellence across multiple functions within the business.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead, inspire and develop a team of three Account Managers, creating a culture of accountability, ownership and continuous improvement.
- Take strategic ownership of a key customer partnership worth approximately £20m, ensuring the account continues to deliver sustainable growth, profitability and long-term value.
- Build and maintain executive-level relationships across customer organisations, becoming a trusted partner and key point of influence.
- Champion collaboration across Engineering, Operations, Quality and Commercial teams to ensure delivery excellence and a seamless customer experience.
- Drive account planning, commercial reviews and business development activity to identify opportunities for growth and increased customer engagement.
- Partner closely with the Managing Director to shape commercial strategy, review performance and support long-term business planning.
- Ensure accurate forecasting, budgeting and performance reporting across the account portfolio.
- Develop succession, capability and performance plans for your team, helping individuals reach their full potential.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
To be successful in this role, you will be an accomplished leader who understands how to balance customer expectations, operational realities and commercial performance. You will be passionate about developing people, building strong internal relationships and creating long-term customer partnerships that deliver value for both parties. We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates who can demonstrate:
- Experience leading customer-facing teams within a contract manufacturing, or technical subcontract environment.
- A proven track record of managing large, complex strategic accounts with multiple stakeholders and long-term commercial agreements.
- Strong leadership, coaching and mentoring abilities, with evidence of developing high-performing teams.
- The ability to influence senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
- Excellent commercial awareness, including forecasting, business planning, profitability management and growth strategy.
- A collaborative leadership style that brings together cross-functional teams to achieve shared objectives.
THE COMPANY
As a trusted manufacturing partner to some of the world’s leading Aerospace and Defence organisations, we produce critical components that support globally recognised brands and programmes. With an international presence and strong local values, we pride ourselves on building long-term partnerships founded on trust, technical expertise and service excellence. Our culture combines commercial ambition with genuine care for our people, creating an environment where collaboration, continuous improvement and customer success are at the heart of everything we do.
Wallace Hind Selection, alongside our client embrace diversity, champion equality, and foster inclusion to create a work environment where everyone belongs and thrives.
Account Director employer: Wallace Hind Talent Solutions
Join our expanding waste management company in Saffron Walden, where you will be a vital part of a supportive engineering team dedicated to maintaining a modern fleet of heavy plant equipment. We offer competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for training and development, ensuring that your skills grow alongside our business. With a strong focus on employee well-being and investment in our facilities, this is not just a job; it's a chance to build a rewarding career in a thriving industry.
Contact Details:
Wallace Hind Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Account Director at Wallace Hind Talent Solutions!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Wallace Hind Talent Solutions or be willing to refer you for that Account Director position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Wallace Hind Talent Solutions who’s on the lookout for their next Account Director star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Account Director role at Wallace Hind Talent Solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Wallace Hind Talent Solutions. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wallace Hind Talent Solutions
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Wallace Hind Talent Solutions. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
