CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER
PURPOSE:
This position’s primary responsibility will be to manage the client relationship with our Managed Service customers. In this role, the Client Success Manager will: serve as the primary client contact, provide coordination between the client and our delivery resources in the event of delivery escalations, ensure clients expectations are properly managed, deliver client reporting, and provide proactive support for future technology solutions. This position will also be responsible for working with the internal team on upsell opportunities for the assigned client base.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Develop consistent long-term partnerships with customers to ensure mutual success and value realization.
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Focused on the Day-to-day management of assigned client accounts typically these will be within Ascend's managed client tier accounts.
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Understand short and long-term customer goals and objectives and recommend additional technical solutions and/or Ascend services.
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Coordinate the planning, design, and systems engineering work necessary to build and address client requirements.
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Manage client communication structure (Service Point of Contact, escalation contact, etc.).
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Communicate, and report on issue resolution and billing or agreement questions from assigned clients.
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Act as the primary client liaison on behalf of Ascend.
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Engage assigned accounts on both an ad-hoc bases, as well as on a defined schedule for status updates, operational review, growth discussion, and relationship building.
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Delivery of required periodic reporting (routine business reviews, number of tickets, status of tickets, SLAs for response and resolution, availability of infrastructure, etc.).
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Work with clients to renew contracts ahead of termination dates and align to latest service agreement templates with use of sales calculators.
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Work as one team with other team members such as BDE's, Architects, Engineers, SOA’s, and Client Success Associates.
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Coordination during an outage and coordination of proactive maintenance notices.
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Identify and communicate systemic issues to the operations team for remediation and resolution.
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Understand business needs and requirements of existing clients and help turn those goals into projects and proposals.
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Maintain structured account plans that detail short and long-term IT plans.
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Assist with positioning other Ascend capabilities to existing clients.
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Drive the development/enhancement of Ascend methodologies, processes, and approaches to enhancing the client experience.
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Other Responsibilities as assigned by management
MINIMUM SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
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Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, MIS, Business, or similar degree
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6 + total years of progressively responsible roles relating to technical services and client-facing in the consulting or managed services industry.
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Must have experience managing a variety of teams, including small engagements as well as large initiatives.
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Passion for client service and creating great client experiences, with an attitude of “going above and beyond” to exceed expectations.
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Strong project management methodology background, including schedule, scope, issue and risk management experience, change management, strategic planning and analysis.
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Strong communication skills to be able to work with clients and present to C-level executives.
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Thoroughly and accurately understand issues and analyze the problem in a systemic fashion.
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High performing Client Success Managers have a demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles, work with a team to achieve sales goals, and articulate ideas clearly and concisely in a variety of settings.
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Self-starter with ability to build relationships, communicate product knowledge, and close deals quickly.
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Ability to solve problems with critical thinking, integrity-based judgment, and strong decision-making skills.
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Strong collaboration skills and ability to work closely and effectively with team members across departments and at all levels of the organization.
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Proven track record or willingness to learn with a highly skilled team in developing new relationships with customers and ability to translate client business needs into solutions.
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Must have firm understanding of infrastructure and application development technologies, including Microsoft Operating Systems, O365, VMWare and Citrix virtualization technologies, networking knowledge, storage and backup solutions, anti-virus programs and experience supporting custom third-party applications.
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Experience in developing work plans, project scopes, pricing estimates, and presentations to be able to assist in selling work to clients.
At Ascend Technologies we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only fundamental values but also powerful drivers of innovation, growth, and success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.
CORE VALUES
We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have the willingness and ability to demonstrate Ascend core values:
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Committed to Client Success: Our actions and our words always align with the best interest of the client.
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One Team: We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility and respect and do what it takes to find innovative solutions.
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Integrity: We are unquestionably committed to doing the right thing even when it is hard.
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Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for keeping our commitments to our clients, our communities, and one another.
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Transparency: We create open lines of communication with each other and our clients, fostering relationships founded on candor and trust.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to sit, stand, and bend for the duration of shift. The position is mainly sitting, with occasional lifting up to 50 lbs, such as laptop, server equipment, and, driving to the work site to meet with client(s).
Starting Salary: $70,000
Location: Chicago or immediate vicinity