What does a National Account Executive do?
Published 3 min read
A national account executive is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with key accounts within a company's national footprint. They work closely with account managers to ensure that the needs of the account are being met and that the account is profitable. They also develop strategies for penetrating new accounts and expanding existing ones.
National Account Executive job duties include:
- Develop and execute national account strategies that deliver against annual volume, revenue, and profit targets
- Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for assigned national accounts
- Develop strong relationships with key decision makers at assigned accounts
- Understand customer needs and requirements and develop creative solutions that meet or exceed customer expectations
- Negotiate pricing, terms and conditions, and other contractual elements with customers
- Manage all aspects of the account relationship, including contract administration, order management, product availability, invoicing, and collections
- Monitor customer inventory levels and proactively address potential stock-outs or other supply issues
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to resolve customer issues in a timely and efficient manner
- Prepare regular reports on account activity and performance metrics for senior management
National Account Executive Job Requirements
Most National Account Executives have a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Many companies also require certification in sales or account management. Previous experience working in sales, account management, or a related field is also often required. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to build relationships with customers and clients. National Account Executives must be able to work independently and be self-motivated. They must also be able to handle customer objections and be comfortable working under pressure.
National Account Executive Skills
- Strong communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Time management skills
- Negotiation skills
- Persuasion skills
- Research skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Multitasking
- Creativity
- Interpersonal skills
- Flexibility
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How to become a National Account Executive
A National Account Executive is responsible for managing and developing relationships with key accounts, as well as identifying new business opportunities. They work closely with other departments within the company to ensure that the needs of their clients are being met.
To become a National Account Executive, you will need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. You must be able to build relationships quickly and effectively manage multiple projects at one time. It is also important that you have a solid understanding of the sales process, as well as experience working with clients in a fast-paced environment.
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