NSIM

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Direct marketing account managers liaise with clients, suppliers and agency staff in the administration of campaigns and the co-ordination of associated work.

Direct marketing strategies are used to create one-to-one promotional and sales relationships between advertisers and targeted groups of customers who are contacted via email, social media, the internet, telemarketing, direct mail, or advertising campaigns.

Typical responsibilities of the job include:

• consulting clients about campaign requirements and objectives
• formulating strategies
• passing proposals on
• agreeing timescales and budgets
• supervising staff
• monitoring and chasing work progress
• writing reports
• analysing, interpreting and presenting results
• delivering ideas and final products to clients for review
• financial administration
• delivering presentations

The work offers high levels of responsibility and excellent opportunities for promotion into consultant or senior managerial positions. Tight client deadlines require an ability to work under pressure but this can also provide a real buzz to the working day.

Qualifications and training required

There are routes into marketing for both university graduates and school leavers.

Any degree discipline is acceptable, although some employers prefer a social or behavioural science, business, management, marketing, public relations, languages or numerate subject.

A number of institutions offer specialist postgraduate marketing qualifications, which can be advantageous.

Relevant experience gained within direct marketing or commercial areas such as retail, sales and marketing can also be beneficial.

Key skills for account managers

• Commercial awareness
• Ability to work under pressure
• Excellent analytical skills
• Organisational skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Numerical skills
• Verbal communication skills.

Typical employers of account managers

• Direct marketing consultancies and agencies
• Marketing departments
• Major commercial organisations