Client Partner vs. Account Manager: What Are the Differences?

A client partner and an account manager are both responsible for managing client relationships. However, there are several key differences between these two roles. In this article, we discuss the duties of a client partner and an account manager, how the two positions differ and what skills you need to succeed in each role.

What is a Client Partner?

Client Partners are responsible for developing and maintaining positive relationships with a company’s key clients. They work to ensure that clients are satisfied with the company’s products or services and that their needs are being met. Client Partners typically have a deep knowledge of the company’s offerings and work to match clients with the right solutions. They may also be responsible for negotiating contracts and pricing with clients. In some cases, Client Partners may also be responsible for leading a team of account managers who work directly with the company’s clients.

What is an Account Manager?

Account Managers are responsible for maintaining and developing relationships with a company’s customers or clients. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and develop long-term plans for how the company can best meet those needs. Account Managers also work with other departments within their company to ensure that the products or services the company provides are of the highest quality and meet the client’s expectations. They may also be responsible for negotiating contracts, pricing, and other terms with clients.

Client Partner vs. Account Manager

Here are the main differences between a client partner and an account manager.

Job Duties

Client partners have a wide variety of duties, depending on the company and their specific role. They may manage client accounts by creating strategies for each one and ensuring they’re implemented effectively. Client partners also oversee the relationship between the company and the client, making sure it’s positive and productive. This can include conducting meetings with clients, both in person and over the phone, as well as communicating with them through email or other forms of communication.

Account managers typically have more responsibilities related to managing client accounts. They create account plans that outline goals for each client and the team responsible for serving them. Account managers also monitor progress and make adjustments as needed. They often communicate with client-facing teams like customer service or sales to ensure all parties are working together to provide excellent service to the client.

Job Requirements

The job requirements for client partners and account managers vary depending on the company they work for. However, most companies require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates to have several years of experience working in customer service, sales or another related field. Some companies also require candidates to have a master’s degree in business administration or a related field.

Work Environment

Account managers and client partners may work in similar environments, but their specific responsibilities can lead them to different locations. Account managers often travel to meet with clients or attend conferences where they can network with other professionals. They may also visit clients’ offices to observe the team’s workflow and provide feedback on how to improve it.

Client partners typically spend most of their time at their company’s headquarters, though they may occasionally travel for meetings. Their job is more likely to involve sitting at a desk than an account manager’s because they’re usually working on internal projects rather than external ones.

Skills

Both client partners and account managers need to have excellent communication skills. This is important because they will be responsible for communicating with clients regularly, in order to update them on the status of their account or project, answer any questions they may have and provide general customer service.

Both client partners and account managers also need to be highly organized and detail-oriented. This is necessary in order to keep track of all the different projects they may be working on at one time, as well as maintain accurate records of communications with clients, deadlines and other important details.

Client partners may need to have more sales experience than account managers, as they may be responsible for bringing in new business. They may also need to have a deep understanding of the products or services their company offers, in order to effectively sell them to potential clients. Account managers typically do not need to have as much sales experience, as their job focuses more on maintaining existing relationships with clients.

Salary

The average salary for a client partner is $110,219 per year, while the average salary for an account manager is $75,495 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the industry in which you work, your level of experience and the size of the company you work for.