Account Manager

Opus People Solutions Ltd; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Opus People Solutions Ltd is seeking an Account Manager for International Sales based in Ipswich. The role focuses on managing overseas customer accounts, developing new business, and coordinating with internal teams for quotations, purchasing and logistics.

You will engage with business owners and purchasing managers to expand international sales, respond to enquiries, and negotiate terms with suppliers while traveling occasionally to meet clients and attend exhibitions.

Qualifications

• Experience managing business-to-business customer relationships.
• Strong communication and negotiation with customers and suppliers.
• Understanding pricing, margins and commercial decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Manage existing customer accounts and maintain regular contact with customers.
• Respond to sales enquiries and follow up outstanding quotations and opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to increase sales to existing customers.
• Research and approach prospective customers in existing and new markets.
• Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, availability and delivery terms.
• Work with the internal team to ensure enquiries and orders are handled efficiently.
• Monitor customer activity and identify changes in purchasing patterns or requirements.
• Gather information on customers, competitors and markets to support sales planning.
• Resolve customer issues and coordinate with colleagues where necessary.

Skills

Account management

Sales

Business development

Negotiation

Customer relationships

Organisational skills

Travel readiness

Market research

Job description

Account Manager – International Sales

Location: Ipswich

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

The Company

Our client is an established international trading company supplying a wide range of products to customers worldwide. The business works with a network of manufacturers and suppliers, with an emphasis on maintaining reliable service and long-term customer relationships.

The company operates from modern offices in Suffolk, with a small team responsible for international sales, purchasing and order fulfilment.

Why join this business?

A outstanding culture, focused on delivering the best possible service to clients and buliding lasting working relationships. A business you will have real autonomy, and make your mark. Great opportunity to work with contacts across the globe and travel internationally where required.

The Role

We are looking for an Account Manager to manage existing customer accounts and develop new business. The position involves regular contact with overseas customers, responding to enquiries, negotiating with suppliers and identifying opportunities to increase sales.

You will work with business owners, purchasing managers and other decision-makers, supported by an internal team responsible for quotations, purchasing, order processing and logistics.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage existing customer accounts and maintain regular contact with customers.
• Respond to sales enquiries and follow up outstanding quotations and opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to increase sales to existing customers.
• Research and approach prospective customers in existing and new markets.
• Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, availability and delivery terms.
• Work with the internal team to ensure enquiries and orders are handled efficiently.
• Monitor customer activity and identify changes in purchasing patterns or requirements.
• Gather information on customers, competitors and markets to support sales planning.
• Resolve customer issues and coordinate with colleagues where necessary.

About You

We are interested in candidates with experience in account management, sales or business development, preferably within a product-based business.

You should be able to demonstrate:

• Experience managing business-to-business customer relationships.
• The ability to communicate and negotiate with customers and suppliers.
• An understanding of pricing, margins and commercial decision-making.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage several accounts and enquiries simultaneously.
• The confidence to approach new customers and develop business opportunities.
• Attention to detail when handling quotations, orders and customer requirements.
• The ability to investigate problems and work towards practical solutions.
• A willingness to take responsibility for your accounts and follow matters through to completion.

Experience in distribution, procurement or international trade would be useful, but is not essential.

Career Development & Opportunities

The role offers responsibility for an established portfolio of international customers, alongside opportunities to develop new accounts and markets.

There may be opportunities for overseas travel to visit customers, attend meetings and participate in industry exhibitions.

The company supports employees who wish to develop their responsibilities and progress into more senior positions.