Client Relationship Director

About Us

The Freeman Company is a global leader in events, on a mission to redefine live for a new era. With a data-driven approach and the industry’s largest network of experts, The Freeman Company's insights shape exhibitions, exhibits, and events that drive audiences to action. The integrated full-service solutions leverage a 99-year legacy in event management as well as new technologies to deliver moments that matter.

Summary

The Client Relationship Director owns audio visual (AV) client relationships and oversees project execution for medium to large accounts, growing and renewing business while delivering events on budget and billing them accurately. The role develops relationships with new and existing accounts, coordinates internal teams to achieve the client's vision, and partners with operations at AV branches from the first proposal through final invoice and collections.

This role operates at the Client Relationship Director level: it leads accounts with standard decision-making authority, works on complex accounts with fewer lines of business, and brings a solid, demonstrated understanding of the AV industry. This role is eligible to work a hybrid schedule based out of Dallas, TX.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Client Relationships & Sales

• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing internal and external clients, expanding client and enterprise relationships.

• Monitor, grow and upsell existing and new business, including selling products and services above and beyond the existing contract.

• Re-sign existing business and lead renewal conversations.

• Coordinate proposal requests, deliver stand-up presentations where necessary, and follow up to ensure successful sales closure.

• Update Salesforce and other company platforms throughout the sales process.

• Address customer complaints promptly and keep client communication open throughout the event lifecycle.

Pre-Sale, Estimating & Planning

• Support all pre-sale activities leading to production and fulfillment, including proposal preparation.

• Gather the information needed for accurate, competitive estimates by attending account team meetings and pre-production meetings.

• Assess scope and scale and identify the preliminary roles needed for the event team.

• Conduct site inspections as required.

Project Oversight & Execution

• Oversee execution of AV projects, coordinating team efforts to achieve the client's vision.

• Review orders with project managers and branch personnel to ensure accuracy and quality control.

• Monitor all departments to ensure deliverables are completed and meet deadlines.

• Maintain open communication between sales and operations teams at AV branches.

• Attend events to ensure maximum customer satisfaction.

Job Costs & Budget Management

• Manage job costs without compromising quality by regularly reviewing reports, identifying cost savings and considering price increases.

• Achieve budgeted costs on events managed, and engage business continuity resources for margin adjustments when needed.

• Manage budget updates to accommodate scope changes and additional billing, ensuring profitability.

Contract Management

• Manage contracts effectively, ensuring all terms are met and any issues are addressed promptly.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of contract terms, including advanced and approved payment terms.

Invoicing & Collections

• Ensure invoices are issued accurately and on time, and make every effort to avoid accruals.

• Complete final billing and invoicing as part of post-event close-out activities.

• Follow up on outstanding invoices and work with finance to resolve payment issues quickly.

Education & Experience

• The role requires 5-8+ years of relevant industry experience, including managing and coordinating projects and on-site event experience.

• Bachelor's degree preferred; a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant work experience is required.

• 5-8+ years of experience managing and coordinating projects, including on-site event experience.

• Demonstrated experience leading accounts in the AV or events industry.

• Software and systems experience in Salesforce and Workfront is a plus.

• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite and internet applications.

• Demonstrated understanding of the audio visual industry across all aspects of the role.

• Excellent customer service skills.

• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information and respond to questions from clients, customers and the general public.

• Proficiency in accuracy and the ability to prioritize across competing deadlines.

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts, such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions and percentages.

• Strong drive for personal growth and commitment to succeed.

Travel Requirements

Travel 25% to 50%

What We Offer

The Freeman Company provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Paid Parental Leave

• Life, Accident and Disability

• Retirement with Company Match

• Paid Time Off

Diversity Commitment

At The Freeman Company, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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