F

Account Director

Forrester
Full-time
On-site
Chicago, Illinois, United States
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Account Director

πŸ”Ή Company: Forrester

πŸ”Ή Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: On-site

πŸ”Ή Category: Not Specified

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: Wed Apr 02 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Remote OK

πŸ“Œ Essential Job Details

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Building strong relationships with senior leaders and executives
  • Developing and executing account penetration strategies
  • Understanding client needs and providing valued business insights
  • Contributing to professional and financial growth

ASSUMPTION: The role focuses on client engagement with a major emphasis on developing strategic relationships and solutions aligned to Forrester's goals. Based on the nature of sales roles, substantial travel may be involved to meet clients' needs.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Partner with senior management and C-level clients as a trusted advisor

βœ… Collaborate with industry analysts to deliver and sell client solutions

βœ… Maintain accurate metrics and forecasts to ensure quotas are met

βœ… Engage new cross-functional buying centers and uncover key initiatives

βœ… Develop and uphold relationships with executive-level contacts

βœ… Align solutions with client needs through deep knowledge of company products

ASSUMPTION: Emphasis on consultative selling indicates a need for skills in negotiation and relationship management, requiring frequent senior-level interaction.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree is preferred

Experience: At least eight years of relevant/consultative sales experience, primarily in competitive, executive-level markets

Required Skills:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong organization and time management capabilities
  • Proven experience with new-business development and quota achievement

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in the high-tech industry
  • A fast learner who is comfortable with technology

ASSUMPTION: The emphasis on C-level sales implies that candidates should have a robust understanding of business strategies and global market trends.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $92,722 - $162,000

Benefits:

  • Competitive commission structure (target: 66.67%)
  • Comprehensive health and wellness plans
  • Access to ongoing professional development resources

Working Hours: 40 hours per week with potential flexibility based on client needs

ASSUMPTION: Given the high responsibility level, flexible work arrangements may be available to accommodate extensive networking or travel requirements.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Research Services

Company Size: Between 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a balance between a close-knit environment and broad opportunities

Founded: Not Specified

Company Description:

  • A leader in research and advisory across various business sectors
  • Empowers global leaders with customer-centric insights
  • Leverages vast data and feedback to inform strategies

Company Specialties:

  • Technology research
  • Customer experience consulting
  • Digital strategy development

Company Website: https://www.forrester.com

ASSUMPTION: The company focuses on growth driven by customer obsession, suggesting a highly dynamic and learning-centric workplace culture.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-to-Senior level with executive client engagement

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to senior sales or account management leadership

Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site with some flexibility for remote work

Growth Opportunities:

  • Professional development within a globally recognized firm
  • Opportunities for leadership within the account management sector
  • Involvement in strategic high-level projects with Fortune-class companies

ASSUMPTION: The role offers significant growth in strategic and leadership skills, given its focus on consultative sales and account management.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Traditional office setting with collaborative spaces

Office Location(s): 60 Acorn Park Drive, Cambridge, MA, and other global locations

Geographic Context:

  • Located in a bustling urban environment, conducive to business and networking
  • Access to a vibrant local tech and business community
  • Excellent transportation and logistic connectivity in Chicago

Work Schedule: Standard working hours with possible variability based on client interactions

ASSUMPTION: Chicago's location implies significant interaction with distinguished tech and business institutions, offering dynamic networking opportunities.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Initial resume screening
  • Phone or video interview with HR
  • Technical and situational assessments
  • In-person interview with the hiring manager
  • Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Proficiency in strategic account management
  • Ability to deliver complex solutions and value propositions
  • Interpersonal and communication skills at executive levels

Application Tips:

  • Highlight consultative sales experience in resume
  • Prepare examples of successful client relationship management
  • Demonstrate understanding of industry trends and client needs

ATS Keywords: Sales, Consultative Selling, C-level Engagement, Strategic Planning, Business Development

ASSUMPTION: The hiring process will emphasize fit with high-level strategic sales capabilities and cultural alignment with Forrester's client-centered approach.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • CRM software (Salesforce or similar)
  • Data analysis tools (Tableau, Excel)
  • Collaboration platforms (Microsoft Teams, Zoom)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is critical for the effective management of accounts and sales reporting.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Curiosity in business and technology
  • Commitment to customer obsession
  • Dedication to courage and boldness in problem-solving

Work Style:

  • Highly collaborative and team-oriented
  • Proactive and forward-thinking in client engagements
  • Adaptable to fast-paced and dynamic environments

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you build and manage strategic relationships?
  • Can you provide examples of a successful account penetration strategy?
  • How do you adapt communication styles to diverse executive audiences?

ASSUMPTION: A candidate's success will largely depend on their alignment with Forrester's value-driven and customer-focused culture.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing high expectations from top-tier clients
  • Developing precise account strategies in a competitive market
  • Balancing diverse client needs with Forrester's service offerings
  • Keeping pace with rapid technological and market changes

ASSUMPTION: Addressing these challenges requires significant experience, adaptability, and ongoing professional learning.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Compared to typical sales roles, this position involves a more strategic, client-centric approach
  • Requires higher interaction with C-level clients than standard sales positions
  • The focus on consultative sales is unique compared to more transactional sales roles

ASSUMPTION: Insights from competitive markets and experiences in consultative roles will provide an advantage in this position.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing an account strategy for a Fortune 500 company
  • Negotiating a multi-million dollar contract renewal
  • Implementing a client feedback integration system

ASSUMPTION: Past project management examples can effectively highlight a candidate’s competency in handling complex sales scenarios.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • How does Forrester assess success in this role?
  • What technologies does Forrester prioritize for strategic solutions?
  • Can you provide an example of a challenging account management scenario and its resolution?
  • How does the company support ongoing professional development?
  • What are the primary goals for this role in the first year?

ASSUMPTION: These questions will help candidates delve deeply into role expectations and company culture, ensuring alignment with personal career goals.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Prepare a detailed resume emphasizing strategic sales achievements
  • Include a cover letter that outlines your consultative sales philosophy
  • Follow up on your application status through the designated HR contact
  • Be ready for a multi-stage interview process to evaluate fit

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.