What Does An Account Manager Do? Learning The Different Roles In Tech

"What does an account manager DO?" they'll ask, furrowed brows and all. It's a common question I hear, and one that seems to stump a lot of people. And it's a valid question! After all, the role of an Account Manager can vary from company to company, and even team to team.

So, to shed some light on the subject, I've decided to write a short post on the topic.

Here goes nothing!

What is an Account Manager?

An account manager handles building and maintaining relationships with a company's clients. In tech, this means working with software developers, product managers, and other stakeholders. This is to ensure that client needs are being met.

Account Managers are also responsible for exactly as their title suggests: managing projects. They ensure that deadlines are being met and that the team is working cohesively.

Of course, that’s not an entire overview. And it doesn’t clarify What does an Account Manager do in tech.”. If you’re interested in learning what an account manager is, you can check out our more in-depth article. Or keep on reading!

Download Our 2022 Account Manager Salary Guide

So, what does an Account Manager do in tech?

1. Sales

Often, Account Managers are responsible for generating new business. They can achieve this by upselling existing clients or signing new clients on. They need to have a strong understanding of the company's products and services. They also need to tune into what potential clients might be looking for. A strong Account Manager should be able to negotiate contracts and close deals.

2. Customer Service

What does an Account Manager do? Manage accounts. But it’s so much more than that. Account Managers act as a liaison between clients and the rest of the team. Keeping clients happy is one of the most important tasks of an Account Manager. This means being responsive to their inquiries and concerns. Provide them with updates on project progress.

3. Project Management

In some cases, AMs may also be responsible for managing projects from start to finish. This includes working with developers to scope out features. They'll also set timelines, and stay on track to meet team deadlines.

4. Business Development

A big part of an Account Manager's job is thinking about ways to grow the business. This might involve identifying new business opportunities. It may also include developing ways to conduct cold outreach to grow within accounts, or researching potential partnerships.

5. Technical Support

Many Account Managers also act as technical support for their clients. This means being able to troubleshoot issues that might come up. This might also mean providing workarounds when things go wrong. Normally an Account Manager will be able to escalate problems to a CSM or support rep.

5 skills that Account Managers need

1. Communication

An Account Manager needs to be an excellent communicator, both written and verbal. We need to be able to articulate ideas and explain complex concepts in simple terms. We also need to be great listeners so that we can understand our client's needs and put ourselves in their shoes.

2. Organization

With so many moving parts to keep track of, organization is crucial for an Account Manager. You need to be able to stay calm under pressure. A good AM will keep everything organized so that nothing falls through the cracks!

3. Multitasking

The ability to multitask is another essential skill for an account manager. You'll often have many projects going on at the same time. This means you need to be able to juggle many balls without dropping any of them!

4. Problem-solving

When problems arise — they always do — you'll need to assess the situation and find creative solutions. This means thinking outside the box and being resourceful! A good Account Manager will stay flexible!

5. Adaptability

An ability to adapt is crucial for an Account Manager. The tech industry is always changing, which means we need to be learning and evolving along with it. We also need to be able to adjust our plans when things don't go as we predicted. Because more often than not, they won't!

Take the next step toward Account Management

Those are 5 of the most important skills that an AM needs to be successful in tech! Of course, there are many other skills that can come in handy, but start here and you'll be well on your way.

Excited to take the next step in your career? Take a look at our Account Management course and dive into the world of an AM today! Learn the skills and techniques needed, and apply them to real-life scenarios.

And check out our Career Success Catalog to see what other skills you might wanna level up! Join Uvaro and gain the support you need.