Key Accounts Manager
Hybrid - Travel required
£40,000 + Performance based bonus
Company Overview
Carmelcrest is a specialist refurbishment contractor delivering projects across the public sector throughout the South East.
We pride ourselves on developing long-term client relationships, providing early contractor involvement, and delivering complex refurbishment projects within live environments.
As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a Strategic Client Manager to manage a portfolio of key client accounts and strengthen our position as a trusted partner to public sector organisations.
About the role:
We are seeking a dedicated Key Account Manager to join our team in Bishops Stortford. Based in, this role is vital in strengthening client relationships and driving business growth aligned with our company values of expertise and reliability.
The Strategic Client Manager will act as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of key client accounts.
You will develop a detailed understanding of each client's organisation, stakeholders, procurement routes, capital programmes and future pipeline. Your objective will be to position Carmelcrest as the contractor of choice for negotiated and direct award opportunities, whilst ensuring we are best placed to secure projects that proceed through competitive tender.
This is a relationship-led role requiring strong commercial awareness, procurement knowledge and the ability to provide strategic advice before projects are formally procured.
You will be supported by our Pre-Construction, Operations, Commercial and Marketing teams to provide clients with valuable insights around buildability, programme, procurement strategy, risk management and cost planning.
Responsibilities:
Client Relationship Management
- Oversee a portfolio of strategic client accounts.
- Build strong relationships with key client stakeholders and decision-makers.
- Develop a detailed understanding of client organisations, procurement processes and future investment plans.
- Become the trusted first point of contact for assigned accounts.
Pipeline & Opportunity Development
- Maintain visibility of client capital programmes and future opportunities.
- Identify projects at the earliest possible stage.
- Position Carmelcrest favourably for direct award, negotiated and competitive opportunities.
- Support the conversion of relationships into secured work.
Client Procurement & Market Advice
- Advise clients on appropriate procurement routes and routes to market.
- Provide guidance on public sector procurement processes, including frameworks, direct awards, mini-competitions, ECI and PCSA arrangements.
- Help clients identify procurement strategies that achieve best value and successful project outcomes.
Early Contractor Engagement
- Coordinate Carmelcrest's pre-tender support activities.
- Facilitate buildability reviews, programme advice, logistics planning and cost planning.
- Bring together Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Estimators and Design Consultants to provide meaningful support before projects reach the market.
Bid Stage Support
- Support bid strategy and tender positioning activities.
- Ensure client intelligence and relationship insights are incorporated into tender submissions.
- Work closely with Bid, Marketing and Operational teams to maximise tender success.
Requirements:
- Good experience and knowledge within the construction industry, such as refurbishment or the wider built environment.
- Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience managing strategic client accounts.
- A strong understanding of public sector procurement processes.
- Commercial awareness and business development capability.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- The ability to build credibility with senior client stakeholders.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable:
- CIPS Qualification.
- Experience within Healthcare, Education, Local Authority or wider Public Sector environments.
- Knowledge of public sector frameworks and procurement routes.
What success looks like:
- Generating repeat business from a selected portfolio of key client accounts.
- Increased levels of direct award and negotiated work.
- Improved tender win rates through early engagement and strategic positioning.
- Strong client relationships built on trust, expertise and value.
- Carmelcrest recognised as a trusted advisor rather than simply a contractor.
Why Carmelcrest?
This is a unique opportunity to join a thriving business at a pivotal stage of its growth and play a direct role in shaping its future.
You'll be entrusted with some of our most important client relationships and supported by an experienced team that values collaboration, innovation and long-term partnerships.
If you are interested in this role or would like to hear more, reach out to [email protected]
Pay: From £40,000.00 per year
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bishops Stortford
