Executive Vice President, Client Services – Account Management & Business Development
New York Metropolitan area or Bentonville, AR based
Our client is a very well-established and expanding creative services organization with over 20 years of success in supporting retailers and brands. Specializing in visual merchandising, creative studio design, and project management consulting, the company serves major brands and retailers across various industries, including CPG, apparel, footwear, accessories, electronics, home, and beauty, among others. With a national footprint, the organization is headquartered in Manhattan.
Job Summary
Reporting directly to the President, the EVP of Client Services – Account Management and Business Development provides strategic leadership for client relationships, revenue growth, and profitability. This role develops and executes strategies to drive sustainable growth, strengthen client partnerships, and expand new business opportunities, while ensuring exceptional execution across both Account Management and Business Development. The Chief of Client Services will lead and develop high-performing teams, establish and implement best-in-class processes, foster cross-functional collaboration, and elevate the overall client experience.
Job Duties
Manage and expand the existing client base through internal and external relationship-building. Develop the Account Management team with people development and career pathing as a focus (40%)
- Lead, develop, and manage the Account Management team (22) with an emphasis on client relations across all company services
- Direct strategy on accounts and proposals to maximize profits
- Accountable for staffing at 95% project completion rate through cross functional relationships with operations
- Collaborate with Business Development, Creative, and the Operations team for contract acquisition, including talent selection, training plans, travel coordination, and management strategy
- Oversee client relationships from introduction to contract execution, ongoing management including budgeting and extensions.
- Analyze and leverage weekly/monthly reporting to assess impact on client business, establishing measurable KPIs.
- Develop and implement process improvements for operational effectiveness.
- Coordinate priorities with President, CIO, and the VP of Finance.
- Support the President by providing project-based risk and opportunity insights.
- Ensure Account Management team utilizes and maximizes company technology.
- Promote company proprietary technology to clients to build long-term engagement
- Align Account Management goals with company objectives for continuous annual improvement.
Lead, coach and develop the Business Development team (4) to drive new revenue for both the Visual Merchandising and Creative divisions. Oversee processes to ensure success. Recognize market opportunities through initial leads and inquiries/referrals. (40%) Lead the team to:
- Research potential leads and develop a follow-up plan.
- Manage all potential and current client renewals within a CRM.
- Attend events for lead development and follow-up.
- Recognize add-on potential services once a client is established.
- Continual client interaction to build relationships and renew proposals for continuing future work.
- Collaborate with management to achieve the maximum work potential with clients.
- Leverage social media and marketing to drive the business.
Maintain and continually develop a flow of communication between the Account Management and Business Development teams with the goal of creating a cohesive team with timely deliverables. (20%)
- Drive status and timeline review.
- Attend touch base meetings with the President to review the status of new business leads and the Account Management status.
- Continually update the company Sales Tool and other presentation materials with the Creative Team to be up to date with company services and market trends.
- Communicate cross-functionally with the Creative team to drive success amongst the divisions.
Qualifications & Experience
- More than 15+ years of senior leadership experience overseeing teams of 40 or more within brand, retail, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or related sectors
- Proven track record in identifying, cultivating, leading, and sustaining client partnerships
- Expertise in navigating and managing complex, multi-layered organizations
- Strong business acumen with a demonstrated ability to manage budgets, drive business development and expansion, and identify emerging trends and growth opportunities
- Documented experience in a senior customer-focused role in retail or consumer package goods
- Leading and developing high-performing Account Management and Business Development teams
- Analyzing and leveraging business metrics to achieve organizational financial objectives
- Working effectively in cross-functional, collaborative environments
- Strategically influencing and negotiating contracts
- Building strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders through exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- BS/BA required and master’ degree preferred