Account Manager

Ascent Global Logistics•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

The Account Manager is responsible for managing our customers’ import/export brokerage and freight forwarding needs, which includes overseeing all operational and account management tasks throughout the lifecycle of an engagement. Demonstrate critical thinking and make key decisions on behalf of our customers throughout the lifecycle of the shipment. Upon receipt of an initial customer request, the Account Manager is responsible for requesting and analyzing various shipping options and making a recommendation to the customer based on price, transit time, routing, and specific customer requirements. Monitor the loading, departure, transit, arrival, and final delivery of the shipment for any issues that may arise. If unforeseen events occur, the Account Manager must problem solve, relying on past experience and extensive knowledge of Federal Maritime Commission and U.S. Customs regulations, and partner internally and externally to resolve the issue to our customer’s satisfaction. Serve as the direct point of contact with assigned customers to ensure prompt and accurate service to exceed customer expectations. May be required to prepare and execute documents for U.S. Customs and other government agencies to obtain proper release and duty payment. Quote rates by partnering with our internal quote department and utilize critical thinking skills to determine best routing and carrier options for our customers and the business of Ascent. Ensure billing is accurate and timely. Maintain and help create Company policies related to credit, pricing, account management, and required service deliveries. Act as power of attorney to sign official documents for the Company. Maintain and organize all records for a client’s transactional event(s). Stay informed on various legal requirements to maintain compliance under import/export regulations throughout the world. Prepare letters of credit. May make visits to customer locations with the General Manager or the assigned Sales Executive. Receives guidance for overall objectives; work with operations and within company and department policies and guidelines using independent judgment to achieve assigned objectives. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required. College degree helpful.
3-5 years industry experience required.
Language Skills: Relies on written and verbal communication. Able to read, analyze and interpret financial reports, industry journals and legal documents. Able to respond to verbal and written inquiries or complaints from customers. Able to effectively present information to customers, prospects, top management, and public groups. Communicates internally with all departments at the corporate office, with other terminals, third parties agencies, customers and prospects.
Technical Experience: International logistics-all modes, understanding of customs process
Office Skills: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and ten-key skills.
Mathematical Skills: Ability to apply concepts such as percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, rates, area, circumference, and volume.
Specific Skills: Must possess a current valid driver’s license. Involves a high degree of responsibility for working with, safeguarding, and controlling highly restricted information, knowledge, or important confidences and criterion-related to research and development of customer data, future plans, policies, business prospects, finances, etc. the release of which could have a detrimental effect and impact on the company’s affairs or undermine its competitive position. Must be self-motivated, able to maintain confidentiality, honest, friendly, punctual, and organized, have a positive attitude and be able to work unsupervised.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects. Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form Prioritize, organize, and delegate assignments.
Physical Demands: Light physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature.

Nice To Haves

CES or CCS Preferred, LCB Helpful

Responsibilities

managing our customers’ import/export brokerage and freight forwarding needs
overseeing all operational and account management tasks throughout the lifecycle of an engagement
Demonstrate critical thinking and make key decisions on behalf of our customers throughout the lifecycle of the shipment
requesting and analyzing various shipping options and making a recommendation to the customer based on price, transit time, routing, and specific customer requirements
Monitor the loading, departure, transit, arrival, and final delivery of the shipment for any issues that may arise
problem solve, relying on past experience and extensive knowledge of Federal Maritime Commission and U.S. Customs regulations, and partner internally and externally to resolve the issue to our customer’s satisfaction
Serve as the direct point of contact with assigned customers to ensure prompt and accurate service to exceed customer expectations
prepare and execute documents for U.S. Customs and other government agencies to obtain proper release and duty payment
Quote rates by partnering with our internal quote department and utilize critical thinking skills to determine best routing and carrier options for our customers and the business of Ascent
Ensure billing is accurate and timely
Maintain and help create Company policies related to credit, pricing, account management, and required service deliveries
Act as power of attorney to sign official documents for the Company
Maintain and organize all records for a client’s transactional event(s)
Stay informed on various legal requirements to maintain compliance under import/export regulations throughout the world
Prepare letters of credit
May make visits to customer locations with the General Manager or the assigned Sales Executive