Job Title: Key Account Manager
Basic Purpose:
Bureau Veritas Certification North America is seeking a Key Account Manager to drive strategic growth across our certification client portfolio while maintaining operational excellence for a focused set of assigned accounts. This dual-responsibility role combines hands-on operational management of select client accounts with strategic account management and business development across a broader portfolio of key accounts where day-to-day operations are handled by dedicated operations staff.
This position serves as the bridge between operational execution and strategic growth, requiring both tactical client service excellence and capabilities to expand Bureau Veritas's certification footprint within existing accounts.
Success Profile: The ideal candidate will be a relationship-builder with a growth mindset who can seamlessly shift between tactical execution and strategic thinking. You thrive in ambiguity, enjoy problem-solving with clients, and are motivated by both operational excellence and revenue growth. You're comfortable managing your own book of business while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional client experiences.
Key Accountability/Responsibilities:
Strategic Account Management (Primary Focus)
Develop and execute annual growth plans for assigned key accounts, tailored to each client's business needs and expansion opportunities.
Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities across Bureau Veritas's full certification service portfolio
Attend annual/bi-annual strategic client meetings alongside operations teams to understand client needs, challenges, and growth objectives
Build and maintain C-suite and senior management relationships within key accounts
Collaborate with sales and technical teams to position new service offerings and expand certification scope
Track and report on growth metrics, pipeline development, and revenue expansion within assigned accounts
Partner with operations specialists to ensure seamless client experience during growth initiatives
Operational Account Management
Manage end-to-end certification lifecycle for assigned client accounts
Ensure audit scheduling aligns with certification timelines and client requirements
Coordinate auditor assignments, documentation preparation, and pre-audit logistics
Maintain client satisfaction through proactive communication and issue resolution
Monitor and meet operational KPIs: on-time scheduling, audit completion rates, client satisfaction scores
Maintain accurate client files, contract documentation, and system data integrity
Serve as primary point of contact for assigned operational accounts
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with operations specialists managing day-to-day activities for growth-focused accounts
Provide market intelligence and client feedback to product development and technical teams
Support onboarding of new key accounts by developing client-specific SOPs and communication protocols
Participate in quarterly business reviews and strategic planning sessions
Performance Expectations
This role's success will be measured through a combination of:
Revenue growth and expansion within assigned key accounts
Client retention and satisfaction within operationally managed accounts
Operational performance metrics (scheduling accuracy, audit completion, client satisfaction)
Contribution to overall Key Accounts team growth initiatives
Annual performance-based bonus eligibility is tied to achievement across these areas.
Required Qualifications:
Experience: 3-5 years in account management, client services, or operations coordination role
Minimum 2 years in operations, business development, or key account management
Proven track record of growing existing accounts and identifying expansion opportunities
Experience managing client relationships in a certification, auditing, compliance, or professional services environment preferred
Skills & Competencies:
Strategic Account Planning: Ability to assess client business needs and develop tailored growth strategies
Relationship Building: Proven ability to establish trust and credibility with senior client stakeholders
Consultative Sales Approach: Comfortable identifying client pain points and positioning solutions
Operational Excellence: Strong project coordination skills with attention to detail and deadline management
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present to executive audiences
Systems Proficiency: Advanced MS Excel, CRM/Salesforce experience, scheduling systems (Siebel preferred)
Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other certification standards a plus