Account Manager

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Contribute to the development of the areas business development strategy
• Identify P&L opportunities for the client
• Ensure the development of individual designated clients operational plans, with corresponding tactics and actions to achieve defined goals
• Ensure that the necessary Marketing plans are in place in good time (3 months ahead) and have sufficient justification for any supporting Giift spend
• Monitor the development of the banking, cards and loyalty industry across the region, analyse trends and understand factors impacting current and potential business opportunities for Giift
• Monitor, analyse and propose responses to competitor strategies

Business Development & Relationship Management

• Establish, develop and manage the relationship between Giift and designated clients , including third parties where applicable e.g. IT service providers, Card processors etc
• Responsible for the KPIs which contribute to client revenue generation.
• Identify new business development opportunities and take accountability for and manage the project evaluation of these. Focus on achieving business targets through growing existing business and developing new business opportunities. Monitor business results of designated clients and anticipate challenges and take proactive measures to accomplish targets and meet KPIs.
• Ensure effective communication of progress to targets both within Giift and with Clients.
• Develop, maintain and cultivate close relationships with decision-makers and senior management of designated clients. Understand their business strategies, priorities, needs and business processes, present to them strategic ideas and share Giift views on industry developments, advising how Giift s products and services can impact their results.
• Represent Giift to the clients by providing a point of contact to them, with permanent high quality support on the Giift organisation, products and platforms.
• Engage in client consulting relating to loyalty management, operational support, IT developments and marketing campaigns Public Relations
• Represent Giift by attending conferences and business meetings and undertake media/public relations activities in the area, to shape perceptions of the company. General
• Complete ad hoc project/research work and other initiatives as directed by senior management

Management Accountability, & Scope

• The Account Manager role plays a critical and strategic role in ensuring Giift s strategic position in the loyalty sector. The role is accountable to create a greater depth of awareness of Giift products and services as well as the role that Giift plays in the loyalty industry with the objective of positioning Giift as the strategic and preferred business partner in all applicable markets
• The role function is to develop account strategies which increase revenues from existing accounts and win new accounts, by integrating priorities based on information from the relevant markets;
• The Account Manager must coordinate the strategic alignment of these business plans with other functional areas of Giift e.g. IT, Partnerships team etc
• The Account Manager is the lead person in maintaining the day to day relationship with the clients in all areas pertaining to the loyalty program and support services
• The Account Manager will assist marketing and product development in the launching of new products / expanding the penetration of existing products within current and new accounts. Decision Making & Complexity
• The Account Manager Influences sales and related activities within the immediate area (e.g. region, client group);
• The Account Manager is able to operate with limited guidance in complex environments;
• Responsible for account planning and submission of product propositions to clients for consideration;
• Recommend strategy for securing individual client commercial agreements;
• Develop individual business case justification for investment decisions and propose to Senior Management for approval
• Manage ongoing level of client support and manage internal and external visits by Infinia staff and alliance partners with key client personnel;
• The Account Manager can effectively interact with various levels of staff and management within Giift to achieve the desired results, both for Giift as well as for the client
• Display strong interpersonal skills to address the on-going needs of a complex, multi- location organisation

Requirements:

• Experience in the Banking/Financial Services sector ideally with previous exposure to loyalty management
• Sales experience and proven negotiation skills
• Knowledge and understanding of banking / card operations, including products & services, business systems and processes
• Capability to liaise, present to and work with senior figures within new and existing client organizations
• Ability to identify key strategic issues and to generate and deliver creative and innovative solutions to problems and opportunities
• Strong communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills are needed to influence direction and change attitudes and decisions of senior figures within new and existing client organizations
• Strong self-management skills including demonstrable drive and energy
• Multi-cultural sensitivity and interpersonal relationship management, including the ability to work effectively within International teams
• Role holder should have the ability to travel frequently

Required Qualification:

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field