account executive.

Some of the typical tasks of account executives include:

• educating and guiding prospective clients: you assist clients through the buying process to ensure you close deals. That means you answer questions and explain the products' functions to speed up decision-making. You also follow up with prospective customers to enable them to complete the buying process without hitches.
• growing client accounts: you aim to discover growth opportunities for client accounts. Instead of meeting customers' needs when they express interest, be proactive and identify upselling opportunities. You recognise gaps your company can fill and make suggestions to your clients.
• retaining client accounts: competitors are always looking for opportunities to poach clients, so it is important to be vigilant. Your job is to ensure the customer signs a contract before the competition strikes. If the competitor has an offer your company does not provide, ensure you have other incentives to entice the client.
• maintaining client satisfaction: as an account executive, seeking regular feedback on your performance as a vendor is essential. If your company is getting bad reviews, find out why and provide solutions to improve customer satisfaction. You should also conduct surveys on various aspects of customer accounts to find ways to strengthen client relationships.

You work in diverse business sectors as an account executive, from corporate settings like finance and insurance to mining, manufacturing and construction companies. You may work independently or from an office with the marketing or sales teams. You spend most of the day making phone calls and answering emails. The role involves travelling to clients' offices to close deals or discuss contractual terms. Some account executives work from home or in a remote location.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include administrators, coordinators, account managers, sales representatives and marketing executives. You might also be working in close proximity to sales managers and customer service representatives, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, managers, brand managers, marketing managers, marketing coordinators, office managers, operations managers and production managers.

As an account executive with a full-time schedule, your workday starts from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays. Since you meet with clients during normal business hours, overtime work is rare. However, sometimes you work late to meet strict deadlines or complete a large project. Part-time opportunities are also available for account executives.

Account executives assist companies in getting new clients, generating sales and keeping customers happy. Hence, there is a huge demand for account executives in various New Zealand industries. Account executives are often promoted to sales representatives, sales directors, account managers or marketing managers.

Finding your account executive job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an account executive is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

As an account executive, you develop and maintain client relationships. You ensure your company products meet clients' needs and specifications. Sometimes, you also qualify leads and guide them through the buyer journey. You build relationships with clients and find upselling and cross-selling opportunities. You also renew contracts with clients and negotiate sale terms and discounts.

Being an account executive can be a rewarding career if you enjoy interacting and negotiating with people. The earnings are promising, and some companies pay commissions and bonuses. You have many opportunities for career advancement, and the role has promising projected job growth across various sectors.

Account executives find new clients for the company and guide them through the buyer's journey until they sign a contract. They also build relationships with clients and help them renew contracts. An account manager doesn't look for new clients. Their job is to ensure client satisfaction after contracts are signed. They handle multiple client accounts, customer complaints and other arising issues.

Account executives are part of the sales team. Hence, their salaries include commissions and bonuses for signing up new clients. The remuneration package also depends on the industry and location. In New Zealand, entry-level account executives take home $60,000 annually, while experienced workers earn over $80,000 yearly. Account executives working in metro areas make a lot of money due to a greater demand for their expertise.

A great account executive is easygoing and approachable. You need emotional intelligence and empathy to relate to clients. It is also important to have a personable tone while maintaining product knowledge and a focus on sales. Good communication skills help you answer prospects' questions clearly, while negotiation skills help you negotiate prices without being aggressive.

Applying for an account executive job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our account executive job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.