Key Account Manager in Darlington

Key Account Manager in Darlington

Darlington Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Willis Aviation

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage customer accounts and ensure exceptional service while driving contract performance.
  • Company: Join Willis Aviation Services Limited at Teesside International Airport, a growing aviation maintenance organisation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days leave, health cash plan, and career progression opportunities.
  • Other info: Supportive culture with recognition programmes and excellent employee benefits.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment focused on customer service and commercial excellence.
  • Qualifications: A Levels preferred; 5 years' experience in Airframe MRO and strong contract management skills.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

  • Description
  • Willis Aviation Services Limited (WASL) is looking for a commercially minded

Key Account Manager to join our growing team at Teesside International Airport.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the accurate and timely management of customer contracts, project billing and account relationships.

Working closely with our Sales, Commercial, Finance and Operations teams, you'll help drive efficient processes, maximise contract performance and deliver an exceptional customer experience.

  • What you'll be doing
  • Manage customer accounts and maintain strong, long-term customer relationships.
  • Review base maintenance activity daily to ensure accurate booking, costs and job categorisation.
  • Prepare and support the production of accurate customer invoices in line with contractual terms and agreed rates.
  • Manage all Base Maintenance, Line Maintenance and Disassembly project recharges, including labour, materials, third-party costs and hangar charges.
  • Work closely with the Sales, Commercial and Finance teams to review and approve invoices before issue.
  • Produce departmental KPIs and performance reports.
  • Generate customer statements and manage invoice queries and payment follow-up.
  • Analyse maintenance activity and report on estimated versus actual billing performance.
  • Monitor contract profitability and provide commercial performance reporting.
  • Support the Operations team in resolving commercial queries with customers and third parties.
  • Ensure commercial agreements and contract information are communicated effectively across the business.
  • Support contract handovers and maintain the Contract Register.
  • Participate in customer meetings and production meetings.
  • Coordinate customer representative welfare and administration while on site.
  • Develop and maintain customer satisfaction surveys and monitor feedback.

Requirements

What we're looking for

  • A Levels or equivalent qualification (preferred).
  • Minimum

5 years' experience within an Airframe MRO environment, ideally in a commercial and operational role.

  • Knowledge of contract management and key account management.
  • Understanding of UK CAA, EASA and Part-145 regulations.
  • Experience interpreting customer contracts and ensuring accurate invoicing.
  • Strong commercial and financial awareness.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs and formulas.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship management skills.
  • Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to work calmly under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
  • Professional, customer-focused approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Full UK or EU Driving Licence.

Benefits

What we offer

  • Competitive salary
  • 33 days' annual leave (including bank holidays), with the option to buy or sell up to 3 additional days each year
  • Employee Health Cash Plan
  • Discretionary Bonus Scheme
  • Life Assurance
  • Pension Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  • Employee Discount Scheme
  • Willis VIP Employee Recognition Programme
  • Excellent Employee Referral Bonus Scheme
  • Electric Vehicle Leasing Scheme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Personal development and career progression opportunities
  • Recognition and long-service awards
  • Free on-site parking
  • Supportive, inclusive and collaborative working culture

Why join WASL?

As our business continues to grow, we're looking for talented people who want to make a real impact.

At Willis Aviation Services Limited, you'll work with experienced professionals in a collaborative environment where customer service, commercial excellence and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do.

If you're ready to build your career with a growing aviation maintenance organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of the WASL team.

Key Account Manager in Darlington employer: Willis Aviation

Willis Aviation is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Teesside International Airport where innovation meets excellence in aircraft maintenance. With a comprehensive benefits package that includes 33 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, employees are empowered to achieve a healthy work-life balance while advancing their careers in a supportive team culture focused on compliance and quality.

Willis Aviation

Contact Details:

Willis Aviation Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager in Darlington

Join Aerospace Forums and Groups

Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.

Spotlight Your Projects

Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!

Apply Directly on Company Websites

When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Willis Aviation for a Key Account Manager. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager in Darlington

Customer Account Management
Contract Management
Project Billing
Financial Awareness
Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, Formulas)
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Willis Aviation, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!

Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.

Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Willis Aviation, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.

Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.

How to prepare for a job interview at Willis Aviation

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Willis Aviation.

Showcase Your Projects with Confidence

Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Technical Interviews

Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Willis Aviation. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.

Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills

As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Willis Aviation love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.