Strategic Account Team Lead
SMS Assist Summary
At SMS Assist, we’re not just in the business of fixing properties—we’re fixing an entire industry. Typically, facilities maintenance is tough work—both in the nature of the job (plumbing, HVAC, snow removal) and the lack of clarity throughout the experience. We decided a better way wasn’t only possible, but essential. Through our award-winning technology platform, built and powered by SMSers, we connect local contractors to our customers and help manage an experience that surpasses expectations.
Recognized on Forbes’ Cloud 100 list, Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500, Chicago Crain’s Top Tech Employers, and more, SMS Assist manages more than 186,000 properties where people live and work. Our customers’ livelihoods are in our hands—think a restaurant manager whose only fryer goes down on a busy Friday night or a family in Florida without power after a hurricane. We work across the industries that make up your community, including retail, food service, banking, residential, and more, and we help them find the right provider in our network (we call them Affiliates) in more than 45 trades.
We’re innovators, disruptors, and out-of-the-box thinkers. We set each other up for success in the office and for the perfect spike on the volleyball court during an intramural game. We’re community volunteers, karaoke partners, and lifelong friends. We’re passionate about the people we serve, and we give our all because we care. We want to make every property better, and we want your help to make it happen.
Job Summary
The Strategic Accounts Team Lead maintains the highest level of customer service performance by overseeing the actions of Account Representatives servicing their assigned client bases. The role is responsible for meeting client and SMS Assist’s financial and operational objectives, and delivering client support and account management results by coaching, leading by example, and supporting a team that drives continuous improvement. This role also is responsible for the success of the team, holding team members accountable for the results they achieve.
Responsibilities
Ensure total client satisfaction for assigned portfolio by managing a team of Account Representatives in the performance of their assigned responsibilities, holding them accountable for managing complex operational projects for clients of high strategic importance to SMS Assist
Achieve the client’s and SMS Assist’s financial objectives by evaluating the urgency and efficacy of requested work, determining appropriate resolutions of issues, and controlling to release of work to vendors; exercise budgetary approval authority and holds team members accountable for managing the client’s budget within the assigned portfolio to the client’s financial benefit
Develop professional relationships with client’s operational and functional managers and communicate the costs and benefits associated with service performance to ensure the client’s funds are allocated efficiently to meet their needs
Guide team members in the development of professional relationships with clients and vendors through collaborative communication, effective action on feedback, and occasional site visits
Closely monitor the operational and financial performance of all assigned operational teams to identify the root causes of process, approach, and/or program deficiencies; recommend resolutions to increase the client’s operational and financial efficiency
Enable and motivate team to proactively develop and implement solutions to complex and challenging client requirements that fall outside of standard procedure and historical precedent
Proactively manage direct reports’ response to client escalations in order to achieve resolution as quickly as possible, while escalating the most complex and consequential issues to department leadership with actionable recommendations for solutions
Identify the need to become engaged in potential issues prior to client escalation and work with team members to resolve high-priority issues; correctly identify issues that require escalation to department leadership, and raises them alongside actionable recommendations for solutions
Facilitate the two-way flow of information between team members and department leadership by maintaining continuous effective communication, leading team meetings, and providing complete and accurate team reporting to department leadership
Assist in the development and implementation of analysis tools to help the operations department identify trends and implement best practices for both internal and client business processes
Assist department leadership in the development and implementation of data tools to measure, track, and set standards for team performance; adhere to these goals and standards
Use KPIs and other quantitative indicators to manage team’s workflow and hold team members accountable to performance standards
Supervise team members’ work product and performance for quality, accuracy, and adherence to SMS Assist policy
Supervise and coach reports in preparation and delivery routine and ad hoc communications and qualitative reports to the client that are impactful and of high professional standards
Develop team members’ professional knowledge and competencies to continuously improve their performance and prepare them to take on increasing responsibility
Review team members’ performance; provides informal in-stride counseling and formal feedback at prescribed intervals
Contributes to the positive financial performance of the department by contributing to high service throughput volume and effective management of vendor costs
Ensures confidentiality of internal and external data
Performs ad-hoc projects and other duties as assigned
Professional Skills
Problem Solving - Advanced
Learning Agility - Advanced
Verbal Communication- Advanced
Written Communication - Advanced
Customer Service- Advanced
Relationship Management- Proficient
Prioritization - Proficient
Team Work - Proficient
Role Specific Skills
Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook required
Familiarity with Tableau or other data visualization packages a plus
People Management Skills
Proficient in basic people management processes
Proficient in leading a small team on a day to day basis, within a broader organization structure
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree
2-5 years of related, progressive work experience required
Other Relevant Qualifications
Prior people management experience a plus
Experience in call center or customer service management a plus
Experience in facilities management, maintenance management, or building engineering, maintenance trades, or related fields a plus
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Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities, and schedule may change at any time with or without notice.
SMS Assist is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) that welcomes and encourages all applicants to apply regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify and/or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital or parental status, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy or other reasons prohibited by law.