Account Project Lead - Beauty

Job Summary

The Account Project Lead (APL) manages and guides a team that handles client accounts and projects. This role ensures alignment with client needs, company goals, and project objectives while maintaining strong client relationships.

SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY

• Oversee team performance, resource allocation, escalation management, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful delivery of client projects.
• Balances leadership responsibilities with hands-on project and client management.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Performance Management:
• Lead and manage members of the APM team, including prioritization of work and resource allocation.
• Resolve interpersonal or work-related conflicts to maintain collaboration and morale.
• Provide mentorship and guidance on client management, problem-solving, and best practices and prepare them for future career advancement.
• Manage client escalations and act as senior support when needed.
• Define and communicate clear team objectives and performance goals.
• Monitor team performance and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Model proactive behavior, offering sound advice and support when the team needs it.
• Adapt schedule to support the team as needed, stepping in whenever help is required.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Operational Excellence:
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the team is well-equipped to deliver client expectations.
• Facilitate effective communication across the APM team and other internal teams to ensure alignment on objectives and timelines.
• Ensure team members accurately track project timelines and enter project data into internal systems in a timely manner.
• Ensure early identification and timely escalation of project timeline risks.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Reduce bottlenecks and improve workflows within the account management function.
• Core Account Project Management Responsibilities:
• Support Sales initiatives by assisting with client needs, proposals, and account coordination.
• Maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and ongoing engagement.
• Manage projects to ensure timelines, deliverables, and milestones remain on track.
• Ensure accurate and timely entry of project data into internal systems.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, SOPs, contract terms, estimates, credit requirements, and quality standards.
• Generate client invoices accurately and without delay immediately following project completion.

KEY INTERFACES (NON-REPORTING)

• Commercial Team
• Design / Industrial Design
• Estimating / Finance & Credit
• Engineering / Tech
• Production / Purchasing
• Logistics / Warehouse
• Clients
• Senior Leadership

Qualifications

• Team Orientation: Experience in leading or mentoring teams, including task prioritization and performance management.
• Leadership & Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates ability to lead, coach, and develop team members. Has the ability to set clear expectations, goals, and performance standards. Experience providing constructive feedback and driving continuous improvement.
• Client-Facing Experience: Experience serving as an escalation point for client or delivery issues.
• Operational & Organizational Skills: Proven ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement operational improvements.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, multiple workstreams, and cross-functional teams.
• Systems: Excellent working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams; ERP and CRM experience; proficiency in Smartsheet (or similar project management tools) preferred.
• Communication: Clear, concise verbal and written communication; professional, effective email etiquette.
• Execution & Ownership: Plans, organizes, and prioritizes effectively; rigorous attention to detail; follows through on verbal and written commitments.
• Decision-Making: Acts quickly, escalates appropriately, and takes a firm stand when needed without being abrasive.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.

Leadership Attributes & Personal Characteristics

• Proactive, decisive leader with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Self-starter who brings new ideas; flexible and effective amid change and complexity.
• Quick learner who embraces new challenges and changing priorities.
• Strong track record of accountability and reliability.
• Directs cross-functional teams with clarity and drives continuous improvement.
• Seeks to understand others’ viewpoints and team challenges.
• Operates with urgency; presents problems with solutions.