Account Manager

Southland Transportation Co.; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Southland Transportation Co. in Hickory, NC is seeking an Account Manager responsible for managing relationships with the assigned customer base and ensuring transportation needs are met.

You will work with operations to develop sales strategies, coordinate shipments, provide proactive communication, and deliver cost-effective solutions that support long-term customer value.

Qualifications

• Must have strong communication and organizational abilities.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple accounts.
• Experience in customer relationship management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain relationships with the assigned customer base through proactive communication (phone, email, chat).
• Coordinate with operations to plan shipments and meet revenue targets.
• Provide exceptional customer service, resolve issues, and manage accounts.
• Update customers on shipment status and new opportunities.
• Solicit freight from assigned customers and ensure accurate billing inputs.

Skills

Relationship management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Team player

Initiative

Customer focus

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CRM software

MS Office

Job description

In the Account Manager role, you will be responsible for managing relationships with the assigned customer base and ensuring their transportation needs are met. This will involve working closely with clients to understand their unique requirements, providing transportation solutions, and managing the transportation process from start to finish.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as main point of contact for assigned customer base and maintain a strong relationship through proactive communication via telephone, email, or online chat and discuss additional opportunities within the assigned customer base.

• Work closely with the operations team to develop and execute sales strategies and achieve revenue targets and to ensure seamless execution of customer shipments.

• Conduct market research and stay up to date on industry trends, Competitor activities, and customer needs.

• Provide exceptional customer service and support, by responding to customer inquiries, resolving customer issues, and managing customer accounts.

• Work Closely with the operations team to ensure seamless execution of customer shipments.

• Monitor tickets /orders and expedite service per customer request.

• Receive and process assigned customer loads / orders.

• Coordinate pick-up and delivery times of all assigned customer’s shipments.

• Ensure all additional charges are entered into load and necessary approvals provided prior to the customer being billed.

• Update customer’s websites regularly.

• Solicit freight from assigned customer base.

• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing other duties, as assigned.

• Ensure the assigned customer base is being treated in such a manner that reflects Southlands' company core values.

• Answer phone calls and respond to emails in a timely manner.

• Provide spot pricing for assigned customer base.

• Deliver cost effective solutions that always keep the long-term interest of the assigned customer base as a first priority.

• Ensure performance to the branch's annual goals and objectives through individual goal success.

• Play a critical role in efforts to ensure service, focus, morale, teamwork, and a positive culture is built and maintained within the branch.

• Ensure accuracy in routing, appointment scheduling and data entry.

• Update company TMS as needed.

• Accept EDI tenders.

• Communicate with operations to see what their immediate and future needs are daily.

• Collaborate with internal teams, including operations and sales to ensure that assigned customer base expectations are met or exceeded.

• Execute account plans that align with Southlands' overall business strategy and revenue targets.

• Provide regular updates to assigned customer base on shipment status and address any issues that may arise.

• Provide sales staff with weekly updates on assigned customers.

• Meet or exceed daily, weekly, and monthly Account Management KPI's

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers through regular communication and follow-up.

• Work Closely with the sales team to develop and execute sales strategies and achieve revenue targets.

• Provide exceptional customer service and support, including responding to customer inquiries, resolving customer issues, and managing customer accounts.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of sales activities, customer interactions, and pipeline.

• Use a variety of styles to persuade or negotiate appropriately.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with the ability to manage multiple accounts simultaneously.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.

• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

• Innovative and creative solution development skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work well with others.

• Initiative; self-starter.

• Customer focus.

• Relationship building; excellent team builder.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Work Environment:

• Office setting with minimal exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

• Occasional travel may be required for meetings.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as requested to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Employee must be able to follow Company safety rules and all other Company policies.