Peak Sales Recruiting is often asked by customers to provide input on sales job descriptions. One of the most important roles on a sales team is the Account Executive, which across various companies and sectors is known by other names such as AE, Account Exec, Sales Hunter, or New Business Development Manager.
While the role of Account Executive is almost always focused primarily on the acquisition of new customers, in some sectors, for instance, advertising and new media, the role also includes elements of ongoing customer service delivery and even collections.
Many job descriptions include both a list of duties and qualifications, however Peak endorses job descriptions that are more focused on key metrics, goals, and quantifiable objectives. With that in mind, the following job description can be used as a guide for any Account Executive:
- Establish relationships with new customers and secure contracts with new customers that achieve assigned sales quotas and targets (this should be quantified against a calendar schedule)
- Drive the entire sales cycle from initial customer engagement to closed sales (and in some cases through delivery and cash receipt as mentioned above)
- Prospect for potential customers using various direct methods such as calling and face to face meetings, and indirect methods such as networking (this is often accompanied by an identification of the territory in which the AE will prospect)
- Qualify prospects against company criteria for ideal customers and sales
- Consult with prospect about business challenges and requirements, as well as the range of options and cost benefits of each.
- Maintain a high level of relevant domain knowledge in order to have meaningful conversations with prospects.
- Make presentations to senior managers and decision makers
- Draft and deliver proposals
- Work with technical staff and product specialists where required to address customer requirements
- Develop and maintain territory plans which outline how sales targets will be met on an ongoing basis
- Develop and maintain key account plans that identify opportunities for company to deliver value, strategic motivators, main stakeholders, buying processes and forecasted sales
- Report on sales activity (include desired frequency – daily is ideal for accuracy)
- Keep detailed notes on prospect and customer interactions (include frequency – daily is ideal for accuracy)
- Provide forecasts on best case and most likely sales volumes over relevant time periods
- Work with delivery teams to proactively address problems
- Cultivate strong relationships with third party and partner companies that may be required to deliver full solutions to customers
- Work with marketing to plan and execute lead generation campaigns
- Provide feedback to sales management on ways to decrease the sales cycle, enhance sales, and improve company brand and reputation
- Provide feedback to company management on market trends, competitive threats, unmet needs, and opportunities to deliver greater value to customers by extending company offerings
- Identify sales support requirements and work with marketing to develop improve sales tools
- Be a positive representative of the company and its brand in the marketplace
- Conduct all sales activities with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity
For insight on compensation plans for account executives, see Sales Compensation – Hunters vs. Farmers
Looking for an easy-to-use Account Executive job description template? Fill out the form below and get instant access:
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Eliot Burdett
Eliot received his B. Comm. from Carleton University and has been honored as a Top 40 Under 40 Award winner.
He co-authored Sales Recruiting 2.0, How to Find Top Performing Sales People, Fast and provides regular insights on sales team management and hiring on the Peak Sales Recruiting Blog.
Latest posts by Eliot Burdett (see all)
- 20 Of Our Favorite Books About Sales Management and Sales Leadership – October 20, 2023
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- Augment Your Recruiting Strategy During “The Great Resignation” – July 26, 2021
