Account Managers, Business

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Business Account Manager

🔹 Company: Desjardins

🔹 Location: Montréal, Quebec, Canada

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (1-2 days on-site per week)

🔹 Category: Business & Sales

🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Maintaining business relationships with struggling clients for accounts with a moderate impact on the business sector
• Balancing portfolio profitability with client/partner satisfaction
• Serving and maintaining personal business relationships with businesses, associations, and groups
• Driving results by actively helping the unit achieve its sales and business development objectives

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, interpersonal savvy, and a deep understanding of the line of business to advise and assist clients, represent Desjardins, and negotiate product and service terms.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Maintain lasting, personal business relationships with clients to promote services

✅ Manage accounts by serving as the link between clients and the organization, ensuring clients have the products and services they need, are using them correctly, and are satisfied with them

✅ Identify and analyze member/client needs and recommend strategies and solutions to achieve objectives

✅ Prepare integrated service offers that balance member/client satisfaction, profitability, and risk. Negotiate terms

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a balance of client-facing activities, account management, and strategic planning to meet business objectives.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field

Experience: A minimum of two years of relevant experience

Required Skills:

• Communication (written and verbal)
• Customer focus
• Interpersonal savvy
• Drive results
• Nimble learning
• Action oriented

Preferred Skills:

• Bilingualism (French and English)
• Experience in the financial industry

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having a background in the financial industry or being bilingual could be beneficial for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD 60,000 - CAD 80,000 per year (based on industry standards for similar roles in Montreal)

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and annual bonus
• 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Group insurance including telemedicine
• Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses and telework equipment

Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week) with flexible work arrangements

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in Montreal. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and other factors.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Banking

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: 1900 (as a caisses populaires movement)

Company Description:

• Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in North America and the sixth largest in the world
• Offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, its online platforms, and its subsidiaries across Canada
• Ranked among the world's strongest banks with a high capital ratio and credit rating

Company Specialties:

• Services financiers

Company Website: www.desjardins.com

ASSUMPTION: Desjardins is a well-established financial institution with a strong reputation and extensive reach across Canada.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Business Accounts

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (1-2 days on-site per week, with flexible remote work)

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to senior account manager or team lead roles
• Expansion into other lines of business or specializations
• Professional development and training opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within Desjardins' extensive business network.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace with on-site amenities

Office Location(s): 1, Complexe Desjardins, Montréal

Geographic Context:

• Montréal is a multicultural city with a vibrant business environment
• Close to public transportation and various amenities
• French is the official language, but English is widely spoken

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (with flexibility for hybrid work)

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and collaborative, with a strong focus on teamwork and client satisfaction.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the director or another senior leader

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and customer focus
• Problem-solving and strategic thinking
• Interpersonal skills and cultural fit
• Industry knowledge and relevant experience

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience and achievements in your resume
• Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and Desjardins' values
• Prepare examples of how you've balanced client satisfaction and profitability in previous roles

ATS Keywords: Business account manager, client relationship, sales, negotiation, financial services, Desjardins

ASSUMPTION: The application process may involve assessments or case studies to evaluate your skills and fit for the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Teleconferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the team and the client's needs.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Member-centric
• Integrity
• Expertise
• Innovation
• Teamwork

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to client needs
• Results-driven and action-oriented

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you balance the needs of clients with the organization's objectives?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to negotiate a challenging agreement?
• How do you stay organized and manage your time when working with multiple clients?

ASSUMPTION: Desjardins values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a diverse portfolio of clients with varying needs and expectations
• Balancing client satisfaction with portfolio profitability
• Adapting to changes in the market or regulatory environment
• Working in a hybrid environment, requiring strong communication and time management skills

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong communication, strategic thinking, and a focus on client satisfaction.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to an account executive role, this position has a greater focus on client relationships and less on new business development
• In the financial industry, account managers often work closely with relationship managers and product specialists to provide comprehensive solutions to clients
• Career progression may involve moving into senior account management, team leadership, or specialized roles within Desjardins' extensive business network

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of client-facing activities, account management, and strategic planning within the financial industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive service plan for a struggling client to improve their satisfaction and profitability
• Negotiating a complex agreement with a client to balance their needs with the organization's objectives
• Analyzing client data to identify trends and opportunities for improved service and profitability

ASSUMPTION: These projects demonstrate the balance of client satisfaction, profitability, and strategic thinking required for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does the team support each other in managing client relationships and achieving business objectives?
• Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
• How does Desjardins approach professional development and career growth for account managers?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
• How does the organization support work-life balance for hybrid employees?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you make an informed decision about your career.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and Desjardins' values
• Prepare examples of how you've balanced client satisfaction and profitability in previous roles
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

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