Client Relationship Executive (Director)

Grant Thornton (US); San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 197,800 - 296,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid sick leave

Discretionary annual bonuses

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in San Jose seeks a Client Relationship Executive (Director) to generate business opportunities and meet sales goals. This role involves building relationships with executives and collaborating on strategy. A Bachelor’s degree and over 5 years of sales experience are required. The position supports a hybrid work model and offers diverse benefits.

Qualifications

• Over 5 years of business development/sales experience.
• Ability to leverage an existing network of C-Suite and Board executives.
• Proven record of building relationships and influencing decisions.

Responsibilities

• Originate new sales opportunities by consistently pursuing prospects.
• Meet sales targets with minimal oversight.
• Project executive presence and build relationships with senior executives.
• Participate in trade organizations and outreach campaigns.

Skills

Business development

Sales experience

Strong communication skills

Understanding of accounting concepts

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree/MBA

Job description

Client Relationship Executive (Director)

Location: San Jose, CA

Base salary range: $197,800 to $296,700

Job Description

Grant Thornton is seeking a Client Relationship Executive (Director) to join the team in San Jose, CA. This role initiates, qualifies, and develops new business with target organizations to meet or exceed pre‑agreed‑upon sales goals. As a relationship‑oriented sales executive, you will generate new business opportunities across all service lines within a specific geographic market and designated industry verticals. Working under the direction of a regional sales leader, you will focus on a defined list of assigned targets and a select number of existing accounts with significant potential for additional revenue expansion. You will also collaborate closely with local office leadership to align pursuit efforts with target account lists and market priorities/initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Originate new sales opportunities by initiating sales calls and contacts consistently and systematically; pursue prospects to secure meetings and win referrals.
• Meet sales production targets and goals with minimal oversight and direction.
• Project executive presence; build effective and collaborative relationships with senior Partners and C‑Suite executives.
• Identify key decision makers at client and prospect organizations at the C‑Suite and Board levels.
• Conduct enterprise‑level conversations in areas such as Growth, Risk, Profitability & Performance Management.
• Identify winning strategies by understanding the client’s needs; coach Grant Thornton teams through the pursuit life cycle.
• Participate in Grant Thornton services sales presentations and conduct face‑to‑face meetings with prospects.
• Execute account strategy and plan that best leverages Grant Thornton’s resources to meet the prospect’s business needs and issues.
• Participate in trade organizations and informal networks to develop, build, and sustain robust professional relationships.
• In partnership with marketing, execute events and other outreach campaigns to identify and engage targets and build the Grant Thornton brand in the marketplace.
• Work with local office service line leaders to maximize cross‑selling opportunities.
• Negotiate and participate in pricing strategy to make Grant Thornton competitive.
• Use the CRM system daily and consistently to ensure that data reporting, customer information, and sales activity/pipeline are up to date.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree; an advanced degree/MBA is a plus.
• Ability to immediately leverage an existing network of Boards of Directors, C‑Suite Officers, and private investors.
• Over 5 years of business development/sales experience in professional services and/or complex solution selling environments, selling at the Board of Directors and C‑Suite level.
• Proven record of driving targeting efforts, building relationships, and influencing buying decisions.
• Fundamental understanding of accounting concepts is required; prior experience in an Accounting or Finance role is a plus.
• Strong proficiency in assigned industry vertical.
• Impeccable written and verbal communication skills.
• Broad‑based knowledge of Grant Thornton’s offerings, services, and applicability to business triggers.

About the Team

• Work in our hybrid model: in‑person attendance at least two days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
• Personalized work‑life integration options to support overall well‑being.
• Comprehensive benefits recognizing and empowering all identities, roles, and aspirations.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with actionable initiatives.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; employee assistance program.
• Paid sick leave (minimum 72 hours) and paid holidays during internship and seasonal periods.
• Managerial and senior staff may be eligible for discretionary annual bonuses based on individual and firm performance.

Legal Notice – Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. The policy of Grant Thornton is to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause undue hardship.