π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Consulting Account Management
πΉ Company: Microsoft
πΉ Location: Multiple Locations, Germany
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time
πΉ Category: Consulting & Sales
πΉ Date Posted: April 4, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 2-5 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving digital technology transformation for retail customers
- Leading the Microsoft Industry Solutions sales account strategy
- Developing and winning digital transformation opportunities
- Engaging at senior levels of customers to bring industry-relevant solutions
- Leveraging sales experience to execute against customer account plans
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the retail industry and Microsoft's solutions portfolio. It also demands excellent sales and customer engagement skills.
π Key Responsibilities
β
Drive digital technology transformation for a set of retail customers
β
Lead the Microsoft Industry Solutions sales account strategy for customers
β
Develop and win digital transformation opportunities leveraging the multi-functional Industry Solutions team
β
Engage at the most senior levels of customers to bring industry-relevant solutions
β
Leverage sales experience to execute against customer account plans
ASSUMPTION: This role involves frequent travel to customer sites and requires the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: 2-5 years of sales or consulting experience, with a focus on retail industry or relevant verticals
Required Skills:
- Proven sales experience, preferably in a consulting or solutions environment
- Strong understanding of the retail industry and its digital transformation trends
- Excellent customer engagement and presentation skills
- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Fluency in English, with proficiency in additional languages a plus
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with Microsoft's solutions portfolio
- Knowledge of Microsoft's Industry Solutions organization
- Familiarity with digital transformation strategies and best practices
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Microsoft's products and services is likely expected for this role.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: β¬60,000 - β¬90,000 per year (based on industry standards for similar roles at Microsoft)
Benefits:
- Health insurance and retirement plans
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Generous time off and paid holidays
- On-site fitness centers and cafeterias
- Employee discounts on Microsoft products and services
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours, plus additional hours as needed to meet customer demands
ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles at Microsoft. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Microsoft operates in the technology industry, with a focus on developing, manufacturing, licensing, and supporting a wide range of software products and services
Company Size: Microsoft is a large enterprise with over 180,000 employees globally. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects
Founded: April 4, 1975, by Bill Gates and Paul Allen
Company Description:
- Microsoft is committed to empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more
- The company's mission is to innovate and develop technologies that help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential
- Microsoft's culture values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, fostering an environment where employees can thrive
Company Specialties:
- Operating systems and productivity tools (e.g., Windows, Office)
- Cloud computing and infrastructure (e.g., Azure)
- Hardware and devices (e.g., Surface, Xbox)
- Artificial intelligence and mixed reality (e.g., Cortana, HoloLens)
Company Website: https://www.microsoft.com
ASSUMPTION: Microsoft's large size and diverse product portfolio offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth into senior roles or management positions
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Industry Solutions sales leadership team
Work Arrangement: On-site, with frequent travel to customer locations
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to senior sales or management roles within Microsoft's Industry Solutions organization
- Expansion into other areas of Microsoft's business, such as cloud computing or hardware development
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives, driving digital transformation for Microsoft's customers
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, given Microsoft's large size and diverse product portfolio.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspaces with a focus on employee well-being and productivity
Office Location(s): Multiple locations in Germany, with opportunities for remote work in some cases
Geographic Context:
- Germany is a major market for Microsoft, with a strong focus on digital transformation and innovation
- The country offers a high quality of life, with excellent education, healthcare, and cultural amenities
- Germany's central location in Europe provides opportunities for international travel and collaboration
Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with additional hours as needed to meet customer demands
ASSUMPTION: While this role is primarily on-site, there may be opportunities for remote work or flexible scheduling, depending on the specific office location and manager's preferences.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screen with a recruiter or hiring manager
- In-depth interviews with cross-functional teams, focusing on sales skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit
- Final interviews with senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Sales skills and customer engagement
- Industry knowledge and digital transformation trends
- Problem-solving and strategic thinking
- Cultural fit and collaboration
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant sales experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the retail industry and Microsoft's solutions portfolio
- Prepare examples of your ability to drive digital transformation and engage senior-level customers
- Research Microsoft's Industry Solutions organization and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values
ATS Keywords: Retail, digital transformation, sales, account management, customer engagement, industry solutions, strategic selling, consulting, technology adoption
ASSUMPTION: Microsoft's application process is competitive and thorough, with a strong focus on assessing sales skills and cultural fit.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft's solutions portfolio (e.g., Azure, Dynamics 365, Office 365)
- Salesforce or other customer relationship management (CRM) tools
- Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Presentation and collaboration tools (e.g., Teams, SharePoint)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft's products and services is expected for this role, as well as familiarity with industry-standard sales and collaboration tools.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- One Microsoft: We focus on innovation and are accountable to our customers and to each other
- Customers Obsessed: We strive to understand our customers and help them achieve their goals
- One Microsoft: We focus on innovation and are accountable to our customers and to each other
- Growth Mindset: We embrace lifelong learning and continuous improvement
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive, with a focus on teamwork and knowledge sharing
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on driving results and meeting customer needs
- Adaptable and resilient, with a willingness to learn and grow in a rapidly changing environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate a growth mindset in your approach to sales and customer engagement?
- How have you adapted to changes in the retail industry or other fast-paced environments?
- How do you collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to drive digital transformation for customers?
ASSUMPTION: Microsoft values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, fostering an environment where employees can thrive and grow.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Frequent travel to customer locations, which may require extended periods away from home
- Working with senior-level customers, who may have high expectations and demanding schedules
- Keeping up with the rapidly evolving retail industry and Microsoft's diverse product portfolio
- Balancing the need to drive sales results with a focus on customer satisfaction and long-term relationships
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and require strong sales skills, adaptability, and a customer-focused mindset.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other sales roles at Microsoft, this position focuses more on strategic consulting and digital transformation, rather than transactional sales
- In the broader technology industry, this role is similar to other consulting or solutions sales positions, with a focus on driving customer adoption of technology
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to senior sales or management positions within Microsoft's Industry Solutions organization, or expansion into other areas of the company's business
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and development within Microsoft's Industry Solutions organization and the broader technology industry.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a digital transformation strategy for a major retail customer, leveraging Microsoft's solutions portfolio and cross-functional teams
- Engaging senior-level customers to understand their business challenges and opportunities, and developing tailored solutions to drive growth and innovation
- Collaborating with Microsoft's product teams to provide customer feedback and influence the development of new solutions
ASSUMPTION: These projects demonstrate the strategic and consultative nature of this role, as well as the opportunity to drive meaningful impact for Microsoft's customers.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into Microsoft's broader strategy for driving digital transformation in the retail industry?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within Microsoft's Industry Solutions organization?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams within Microsoft, such as product development or marketing?
- What are the most significant challenges facing Microsoft's retail customers, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Microsoft support the work-life balance of its employees, particularly those in on-site roles with frequent travel?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a thoughtful and strategic approach to the role, as well as a focus on understanding Microsoft's culture and values.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your sales experience and achievements, with a focus on the retail industry and digital transformation
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of Microsoft's Industry Solutions organization and your fit for the role
- Prepare examples of your ability to drive digital transformation and engage senior-level customers
- Follow up with the recruiter or hiring manager within one week of submitting your application, to express your interest in the role and ask any questions you may have
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.