Senior Account Manager

Role: Senior Account Manager

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Job type: Permanent – Hybrid

Why QS?

At QS, we believe that work should empower you. That’s why we foster a flexible working environment that encourages every employee to own their career whilst thriving personally and professionally. Our company values underpin everything we do – we collaborate, respect and support each other.

It’s our mission to empower motivated people around the world to fulfil their potential through higher education, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities that change lives.

Our diversity makes us stronger. By sharing our experiences, we learn from one another and achieve more together, driving progress across the sector.

At QS, you’ll be responsible for implementing real change in the international higher education landscape. You’ll take on meaningful challenges that see a positive impact across the business and the wider sector.

We’re confident you’ll feel right at home here. QS was named as one of Newsweek’s Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces® in the UK (October 2023) – recognition of the respect, trust and appreciation that drive our culture every day and as a gold-accredited Investors in People organisation – putting us among the top 28% of workplaces globally – it’s official: QS is a place where everyone can thrive.

As a Senior Account Manager, this is what you’ll be doing:

At QS, we are driven by a simple but powerful mission: to enable motivated people anywhere in the world to fulfil their potential through educational achievement, international mobility, and career development. As Senior Account Manager, ANZ, you will play a pivotal role in advancing that mission by building trusted partnerships with universities and higher education institutions across Australia and New Zealand.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine strategic relationship management, partnership growth and sector expertise to help institutions achieve their goals while maximising the value and impact of QS solutions.

Working with a diverse portfolio of clients, you will identify opportunities, deepen engagement, strengthen long-term partnerships and connect institutions with the data, insights and services they need to enhance student outcomes, reputation and performance. If you are passionate about higher education, enjoy building meaningful relationships and want to make a tangible impact across the sector, we'd love to hear from you.

Role responsibilities: 

For prospective and existing clients within their portfolio, the Senior Account Manager – ANZ will have a key focus on the following core overarching responsibilities across client relationship management, partnership growth and portfolio performance to ensure they are successful in their role.

Client Relationship Management:

• Build and nurture strong, lasting relationships with senior and executive-level clients to ensure retention and satisfaction.
• Engage with all levels of the client organisation, utilising internal stakeholders and senior leadership as needed to support these relationships.

Partnership Growth & Commercial Management:

• Develop and implement strategic account management plans with clear KPIs, conducting quarterly reviews to track progress.
• Take ownership of portfolio performance objectives, supporting retention, renewal and sustainable growth outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to expand partnership value and adoption of QS services, aligned to client priorities and institutional objectives.

Client Engagement & Support:

• Act as the primary point of contact for client queries, ensuring prompt and effective resolution of any issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product development, operations, business intelligence, and finance, to deliver on client needs.
• Organise and attend quarterly client meetings, presenting key reports and aligning on commercial objectives.
• Apply AI-enabled tools and insights responsibly to strengthen account management, improve client engagement and identify opportunities for partnership growth, while maintaining sound judgement, data confidentiality and compliance with QS policies.

Strategic Contribution:

• Provide strategic input into client group initiatives, helping to shape the direction of accounts and mitigate risks to retention and satisfaction.

Any other additional duties as required

Key skills and experience

• Strategic Account Management & Commercial Growth: Proven experience in managing executive-level client relationships, driving partnership growth and supporting commercial outcomes.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong ability to identify opportunities and risks, and emerging client needs, with a track record of supporting retention, renewal and sustainable portfolio growth.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus.
• Organisational Abilities: Excellent organisational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines effectively.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to drive client success.
• Professionalism: High level of professionalism in client and internal interactions.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive problem-solving skills, with the ability to perform well under pressure.
• Industry Engagement: Willingness to attend and speak at industry conferences and events, with the flexibility to travel interstate and internationally as required

So, who are we and what do we do?

QS is the world leader in higher education services, analytics, insights and intelligence. From consultancy to student mobility, academic partnerships to branding solutions, our services power both institutional and individual success. We’re behind the world’s most widely read university rankings (Meltwater 2023). Our QS World University Rankings® reach hundreds of millions, shaping decisions and guiding futures.

Since launching in 1990, our impact and influence have only grown. Today, we work with more than 2,000 of the world’s leading higher education institutions, over 12,000 employers, and governments seeking change and socioeconomic development through higher education.

Join QS and you’ll join an 800-strong community of problem-solvers, creators, collaborators and change-makers based in 40+ countries and 11 international offices, including Australia, Malaysia, India, Romania, Singapore, France, Germany, the USA and our headquarters in London.

With every talented new hire, business acquisition and bold initiative, we’re strengthening our reach and delivering even greater value to institutions and learners worldwide. Are you ready to shape the future of higher education?

Like what you’ve heard? Great, apply now!

As a candidate, we know the application and interview process can be daunting and so it’s important that you have a great experience with us. Our dedicated Talent Team will work hard to ensure you are fully informed at all stages and you are really excited by this opportunity to do meaningful work in the education space.

Equal opportunities

QS Quacquarelli Symonds is proud to be a fair and equal organisation where everyone has the same opportunity to achieve their full potential, irrespective of their background or personal attributes. We celebrate our diversity and believe through sharing our experiences we can learn from one another, be stronger together, and enable our business to thrive.