Client Partner

The purpose of this role is to own the day-to-day client relationship and all elements of delivery, including implementation of the strategic vision for the client, delivery against financial targets, and building a trusted relationship with the client.

Job Description:

The Client Partner is passionate about building and driving successful client relationships and can effectively engage with senior and executive-level clients, as well as technical specialists and subject matter experts (SMEs). In this role, Client Partners focus on high-quality delivery and execution to ensure client satisfaction and business growth.

Key Responsibilities

This individual manages the growth and evolution of multiple client relationships ranging from €2–6 million in annual net revenue and is capable of leading complex, multi-dimensional engagements involving advisory services, data management, consulting, and large-scale technology deployments. This person is a high-energy leader with the ability to grow client relationships by presenting new strategies and innovative ideas.

The Client Partner is experienced in leading teams of consulting professionals as well as multidisciplinary teams within a matrix organization. These individuals also possess strong operational acumen in managing their clients’ business to achieve financial targets.

• Own overall client satisfaction and the ongoing growth and evolution of client relationships by ensuring successful delivery of work and cultivating strong partnerships.
• Manage a portfolio of accounts.
• Provide leadership and direction to cross-functional teams focused on delivering value and ensuring quality, while mentoring employees and creating opportunities for growth and development.
• Engage with executives, manage client expectations, reinforce value, identify cross-sell opportunities, and develop engagement approaches that build C-level relationships.
• Effectively manage all commercial aspects of the client relationship, including contracts, pricing, profitability, and internal revenue and profit forecasting.
• Accurately plan and forecast revenue growth to achieve net revenue and margin targets.
• Direct team activities to ensure collaboration, partnership, and effective use of the company’s full range of resources to support the business.
• Engage regularly with senior-level client contacts across all areas of the client’s business, delivering a continuous stream of business-building ideas while gathering relationship and performance feedback.
• Develop and drive growth and account plans, processes, and strategies that improve results for clients while expanding the account portfolio.
• Continuously increase knowledge of the client’s business and industry, often serving as the client’s first-line consultant.
• Provide leadership and direction to client and capability teams, fully leveraging all direct and indirect resources to ensure optimal productivity, service, communication, and quality within a matrix environment for assigned clients.
• Effectively plan work, communicate changes, and resolve issues to ensure that both client and company commitments are fulfilled.
• Work closely with the growth team to develop proposal and presentation content and strategies for new business opportunities.
• Effectively onboard new client relationships.
• Proactively ensure a highly engaged team staffed with top talent; hire, retain, develop, and motivate top-level talent that earns the trust and confidence of clients and becomes a key reason why clients choose to work with the company.
• Keep up to date with industry trends and best practices to proactively sell fit-for-purpose solutions and innovative ideas.
• Fluent in English and Dutch.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in a digital agency or consulting environment.
• Experience across a broad spectrum of digital consulting, including strategy, technology advisory, development, and design.
• Strong relationship and client management skills.
• Experience in account planning and strategic development.
• Ability to lead both internal and client-facing teams.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and pro forma models.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including presentations and client engagement.
• Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-changing environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a proven ability to meet high expectations consistently.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Additional Information

What We Offer

• A challenging role within a leading international organization.
• Coaching and personal guidance.
• Excellent development and career growth opportunities.
• A competitive salary with attractive secondary employment benefits.
• A dynamic and enjoyable work environment where hard work and teamwork go hand in hand with having fun together.

Where You’ll Work

You’ll join a talented, diverse team of professionals in our Amsterdam or Rotterdam office and work closely with our client’s teams.

About Merkle

Merkle is a leading data-driven customer experience management (CXM) company, delivering personalized experiences across platforms and devices for top global brands. With deep expertise in data, technology, and analytics, Merkle helps clients unlock powerful consumer insights and build hyper-personalized experiences.