National Account Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of business, the role of National Account Managers has never been more important.

As the world of sales and account management progresses, the need for proficient individuals who can nurture, develop, and protect our key national accounts is vital.

But what’s truly expected from a National Account Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking the perfect candidate,
• Or just curious about what a National Account Manager does,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present to you a customizable National Account Manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

National Account Manager Duties and Responsibilities

National Account Managers are primarily responsible for managing and developing relationships with key national clients to drive revenue growth.

They serve as the main point of contact for these clients and work to ensure their satisfaction and retention.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement effective sales strategies for key national accounts
• Lead nationwide sales team members to achieve sales targets
• Negotiate and close agreements with large customers
• Monitor and analyze performance metrics and suggest improvements
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual sales forecasts
• Provide timely and effective solutions aligned with clients’ needs
• Liaise with the marketing and product development departments to ensure brand consistency
• Stay up-to-date with new product launches and ensure sales team members are on board
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders and act as the point of contact for national clients
• Maintain high customer satisfaction ratings that meet company standards

 

National Account Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and performance-driven National Account Manager to oversee our company’s national account portfolio.

The National Account Manager’s responsibilities include maintaining a thorough understanding of our key customers’ strategy and buying behavior, developing successful sales strategies and building long-lasting relationships with key stakeholders.

Our ideal candidate has a proven track record in national account management, a passion for fostering customer relationships, and the ability to drive growth and improve our market position.

 

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing effective sales strategies to drive sales growth in assigned territories and sectors
• Managing, nurturing and growing our company’s national accounts portfolio
• Developing and maintaining strategic long-term trusting relationships with high volume clients
• Coordinating with various internal departments to ensure that customer requests are handled appropriately and in a timely manner
• Regularly reviewing sales performance, aiming to meet or exceed targets
• Monitoring competition within assigned region and ensuring our products and services consistently meet customer needs
• Conducting regular business reviews and planning meetings with customers
• Providing expert customer insight to product, marketing and sales teams

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a National Account Manager or relevant sales role
• Experience managing large key accounts
• Understanding of sales performance metrics
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to build rapport and establish long term relationships with customers
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• BSc degree in Business Administration, Sales or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: National Account Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent travel to meet clients. Remote work possibilities.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Sales.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What does a National Account Manager do?

National Account Managers primarily work for corporations across industries where they are responsible for managing relationships with the company’s key accounts on a national level.

Their main responsibility is to negotiate contracts, close deals, and establish a strong, long-term relationship with high-level clients.

They also ensure that the services and products of their company meet or exceed the client’s expectations.

In their daily tasks, they liaise closely with account personnel, including the sales team and customer service representatives, to prevent churn and ensure client satisfaction.

They strive to understand the client’s needs and suggest appropriate company products or services that can cater to these requirements.

National Account Managers also identify opportunities to expand business with existing clients and often work closely with marketing and product development teams to develop custom offerings for large clients.

They are also responsible for providing feedback to their teams about customer needs, operational challenges, and functionalities that could provide the company with a competitive advantage.

They generate sales reports for senior management and maintain a database of national account information.

In general, a National Account Manager is the main point of contact for national clients and is expected to ensure client satisfaction while achieving the company’s sales goals.

 

National Account Manager Qualifications and Skills

A National Account Manager should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong negotiation skills to secure profitable contracts and maintain beneficial relationships with major clients.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with stakeholders, clients and internal teams effectively.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple accounts simultaneously and ensure the successful execution of sales strategies and plans.
• Advanced problem-solving capabilities to identify issues within accounts and formulate effective solutions swiftly.
• Financial acumen to analyze sales figures, forecast future trends, and identify opportunities for growth and expansion.
• Strategic thinking skills to develop innovative sales strategies, set long-term goals and consistently meet or exceed targets.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet stringent deadlines without compromising the quality of work.
• Proficiency in using CRM software and other sales tools, for managing client interactions, tracking sales opportunities, and analyzing customer behavior.

 

National Account Manager Experience Requirements

National Account Manager positions typically require substantial experience, usually more than 5 years, in sales or account management.

This role often requires a solid background in dealing with national or key accounts and proven success in sales targets achievement.

Candidates should have experience in developing strategic plans to increase sales and profitability within their assigned key accounts.

Previous experience in leading presentations, negotiations, and closing deals is often a prerequisite.

More experienced National Account Managers may have a history of managing large and complex accounts.

This could include dealing with multiple stakeholders, solving high-level issues, and coordinating with several departments within their organization.

Those with more than 10 years of experience may have developed strong leadership skills, and are often ready for senior or executive roles.

They may have a track record of leading teams, training junior account managers, and making strategic decisions that drive the growth of the company.

In addition, a National Account Manager should have strong analytical abilities.

As such, experience with data analysis and forecasting, understanding market trends, and crafting strategic sales plans is highly desirable.

Finally, experience in the specific industry that the company operates in can be beneficial.

For example, a National Account Manager role in a pharmaceutical company might require experience in the healthcare or pharmaceuticals sector.

 

National Account Manager Education and Training Requirements

National Account Managers generally hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, finance, or a related field.

In addition to this, they should possess a strong background in sales and account management, as well as an in-depth understanding of marketing strategies and customer relationship management.

Some positions, particularly those in larger corporations or complex industries, may require National Account Managers to have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field.

Proficiency in using various software and tools for customer relationship management (CRM), data analysis, and project management is also essential for this role.

Certification in strategic account management or sales can be beneficial to candidates and demonstrate their commitment to the field.

Some employers may require professional certification, while others see it as a valuable asset.

National Account Managers must also engage in continuous professional development and training, to keep their industry knowledge current and their sales strategies effective.

 

National Account Manager Salary Expectations

A National Account Manager makes an average of $86,643 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, education, geographical location, and the industry in which they’re working.

 

National Account Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a National Account Manager need?

National Account Managers should have excellent communication and negotiation skills to effectively deal with clients.

They should also have strategic planning skills, along with a good understanding of sales and marketing principles.

It’s essential for them to be detail-oriented to manage the accounts of national clients, and they must possess strong analytical skills to evaluate the performance of sales efforts.

 

Do National Account Managers need a degree?

Typically, National Account Managers hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration, sales, marketing, or a related field.

While not always required, a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) may be preferred by some employers.

Practical experience in sales, business development or account management is highly important in this role.

 

What should you look for in a National Account Manager resume?

A National Account Manager’s resume should demonstrate a solid background in sales or account management, ideally at a national level.

Look for evidence of successful account growth, client retention, and relationship building.

Experience in strategic planning and a proven track record in meeting sales targets are also key.

As this is a senior role, leadership experience is also highly valuable.

 

What qualities make a good National Account Manager?

A good National Account Manager is a strong communicator with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels.

They should be strategic thinkers with a knack for problem-solving and the ability to anticipate client needs.

Good National Account Managers are also organized and detail-oriented, with the capacity to manage multiple accounts without compromising service quality.

They should be results-driven and have a strong customer focus.

 

Is it difficult to hire a National Account Manager?

Hiring a National Account Manager can be challenging due to the high level of skills and experience required for the role.

Finding candidates with the right mix of strategic thinking, sales expertise, and relationship-building skills can be difficult, but it is essential for the role.

To attract top talent, companies may need to offer competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve explored the depths of what it truly means to be a National Account Manager.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about managing accounts.

It’s about steering the helm of business growth, one account at a time.

With our reliable National Account Manager job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why not dive even deeper?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal next step for creating precision-driven job listings or refining your resume to a polished edge.

Always remember:

Each account you manage is a crucial part of the bigger business picture.

Let’s navigate that future. Together.

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