Account Director

Higher Education Account Director – One Advanced

We are seeking an exceptional Higher Education Account Director to join our sales team at One Advanced, a leading software supplier to the UK's higher education sector. As a key member of the sales team, you will cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with our existing customer base, drive growth, support their strategic objectives through our leading software solutions, and influence One Advanced's go‑to‑market strategy.

You will also provide visibility with senior leadership and become a sector ambassador at industry events.

• Develop and maintain strong, strategic relationships with c‑suite and key decision‑makers within our higher education customer base, understanding their business needs and identifying opportunities to drive growth and adoption of our software solutions.
• Cultivate and maintain a deep understanding of our customers' strategic objectives, including their plans for finance, spend, and governance systems, as well as their approaches to apprenticeships and other key initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including product development, professional services, and support teams, to ensure seamless, end‑to‑end customer support and that our solutions meet evolving needs.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans, setting clear objectives, targets, and metrics for success, and driving growth through targeted sales initiatives and account management activities.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to customers on effective use of our software solutions, leveraging sector knowledge and product expertise to drive adoption and maximise ROI.
• Work closely with the sales team to identify and pursue new sales opportunities within existing accounts.
• Contribute to the development of our go‑to‑market strategy for the higher education sector, providing insights on market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity.
• Act as a sector ambassador, representing One Advanced at industry events and strengthening our reputation in higher education.
• Provide leadership within the sales team by mentoring colleagues and sharing best practices.
• Use data‑driven insights to identify opportunities for innovation and improved customer outcomes.
• Proactively manage risks to customer satisfaction and revenue, ensuring long‑term partnerships.

• A proven track record of success in account management or sales leadership within the higher education sector, ideally focusing on finance, spend, and governance systems, and/or apprenticeships.
• A deep understanding of the UK higher education sector, including its key challenges, trends, and initiatives.
• Strong relationships with key decision‑makers in higher education, or the ability to build them quickly.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers, colleagues, and other stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience influencing at board or executive level, with the ability to shape strategic direction.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action.
• Demonstrated ability to balance customer advocacy with commercial outcomes.
• A self‑starter with a strong work ethic, able to work independently and as part of a high‑performing team.
• A customer‑centric approach, with a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving long‑term success.

• 26 days’ holiday + bank holidays (and the option to buy more) plus 1 paid volunteering day every year
• Exceptional family leave: 26 weeks fully paid maternity/adoption, 4 weeks fully paid paternity, 22 weeks fully paid shared parental leave, plus 5 days paid bereavement leave
• Robust sick pay of up to 13 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support
• Private medical insurance for everyone, no medical‑history exclusions

• Performance‑based rewards tailored to your role, from company‑wide bonuses to OTE and commission structures
• Income protection: up to 75% salary for 5 years if you ever need it

• Skills Hub learning platform with leadership pathways, future‑manager training, and a huge online library
• Access to external training and apprenticeships

• Match It! – Fundraise for a cause close to your heart and One Advanced will match part of the funding
• Pennies from Heaven – donate the pennies from your pay check to help make a difference without lifting a finger

• ULEV car scheme with 1,000+ models
• Dental insurance, Health Cash Plan, Critical Illness Cover, Partner Life Cover