What is an Account Manager?

In brief

As Account Manager You combine customer focus with commercial insight. You maintain relationships with existing customers, spot new opportunities in the market and ensure that both the customer and the company grow.

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What does an Account Manager do?

The account manager is the connecting link between customer and organization. You maintain existing customer relationships, acquire new customers and ensure optimal cooperation. You think strategically about growth opportunities, negotiations and long-term partnerships.

Main duties:

  • Relationship management and customer retention
  • Acquire new customers (cold and warm acquisition)
  • Preparation of strategic account plans
  • Advising on market developments and commercial opportunities
  • Preparing and giving client presentations
  • Negotiating bids and contracts
  • Administration and reporting of sales results

What competencies should you have?

These are the qualities that make you excel in this role:

Excellent communication skills
Commercial and results-oriented insight
Persuasiveness and negotiating skills
Relationship orientation and empathy

What does a workday look like?

You start your day by reviewing client appointments and sales goals. Then you call customers to discuss current projects or plan an appointment with a potential new customer. In between you work out quotations, keep track of progress in the CRM system and consult with marketing or product development about opportunities in the market. You constantly switch between advising, networking and selling.

How do you become an Account Manager?

To become an account manager, there are several possible routes. Most account managers are educated at the college level, for example:

  • Commercial Economics
  • Business Administration
  • Marketing & Communications
  • International Business


In addition, training in sales strategies, negotiation and account management are valuable additions. For commercial inside sales positions, a level 4 MBO education (e.g., Junior Account Manager) is also a good stepping stone.

Salary

An account manager's salary in 2025 will average between €2,600 and €4,800 gross per month, depending on experience, education level and type of clients. With bonuses or commissions, this can go up to €6,000 gross per month.

Diploma

A college degree in Commercial Economics, Business Administration or International Business is often required. With additional sales training, you can advance to key account manager or sales manager.

Number of hours

Most account managers work full-time (38-40 hours per week), although part-time positions (starting at 32 hours) are also possible at smaller organizations.

Working Hours

You usually work during office hours (08:30-17:30), but appointments with clients can sometimes start early or continue later. Flexibility is a big advantage in this position.

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Account Manager

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does an account manager do?

An account manager manages customer relationships, acquires new customers and ensures that commercial goals are met.

The account manager focuses on customer contact and sales, while the sales manager manages the sales team and is responsible for strategy.

Not always. With a commercial MBO or college degree, you can start as a junior account manager and continue to grow.

A combination. You will work partly in the office for administration and consultation, but also visit clients regularly.

You can advance to key account manager, sales manager or even commercial director.