Account Manager - 12 month fixed term contract

THE ROLE Working with some of the Firm's Key Clients, the Account Manager is responsible for helping Client Relationship Partners to develop specific client relationships in order to identify opportunities for growth, follow these through to delivery and optimize revenue. The role will involve client facing contact and liaison with other support teams in the firm. This role is based in our Leeds office but there will be a requirement for occasional travel to meetings and events within and outside of the UK. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The key focus of this role is to help the firm service, manage and develop some of its largest client relationships across the International business and, where applicable, global platform. Key responsibilities will include: Developing a client service plan identifying areas to target, relationship map, KPIs etc. Implementing systems to promote consistency and quality of client service Ensuring delivery of commitments made during proposal process Taking responsibility for communication and enforcement of service levels across the wider organisation Helping build and nurture a core team around the selected clients Where appropriate, developing relationships with the client and becoming the 'go to' person with any queries Ensuring intelligence about the client is shared within the core team and wider firm as appropriate Working with CRP and finance to establish most appropriate management tools, systems and billing processes Working with CRP and core team on BD activity, in particular in identifying opportunities and delivering pitches and proposals in relation to the accounts Ensuring the account is managed in accordance with best practice processes, e.g. regular CRM reviews SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES The successful candidate will be expected to: Demonstrate previous experience of managing key accounts in a professional services environment Hold a Degree/Professional Diploma or equivalent in Marketing (desirable) Have knowledge of Marketing/BD processes - a sound understanding of new business processes, CRM as a concept and the emerging technologies needed to help us win and retain clients legal work Demonstrate sales techniques and coaching skills Have a professional approach, in particular in terms of commitment and internal client care Have excellent communication and project management skills. You will be expected to have strong probing, consultative listening skills coupled with the ability to negotiate and persuade legal and client personnel Be able to multi-task and work to deadlines, be methodical and logical, as well as thrive in a robust and fast-paced environment THE FIRM DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Our global reach ensures that we can help businesses with their legal needs anywhere in the world. We strive to be the leading global business law firm by delivering quality, service excellence and value to our clients and offering practical and innovative legal solutions to help them succeed. Our clients range from multinational, Global 1000, and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging companies developing industry-leading technologies, as well as government and public sector bodies. At DLA Piper we are firmly committed to diversity and inclusion. For us, diversity isn't just about visible differences, it's the unique blend of talents, skills, experiences and perspectives that makes each of us an individual and we know it's crucial to have a culture and environment where those differences are genuinely valued. We offer exceptional career opportunities to our lawyers, aspiring graduates, and business services professionals in a truly challenging and rewarding environment.