Beauty therapist Jobs in Chicago, IL

JOB SUMMARY

The Account Project Lead (APL) is responsible for managing and guiding a team that handles client accounts and projects. This role ensures that team efforts align with client needs, company goals, and project objectives while maintaining strong client relationships. Speed to market is a key industry differentiator for Outform Group, and the APL plays a critical role in driving timely execution.

DIRECT REPORTS

The following positions report directly to the Account Project Lead:

• Sr. Account Project Managers
• Account Project Managers
• Account Project Coordinators

SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY

The Account Project Lead oversees team performance, resource allocation, escalation management, and cross‑functional collaboration to ensure successful delivery of client projects. This role balances leadership responsibilities with hands‑on project and client management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. 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.

2. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Operational Excellence

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Design, Engineering, Sales, Production, etc.) 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.

3. 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

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Success in this role will be measured by, but not limited to:

1. Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Team Effectiveness & Health : ≥ 90% of team members meeting or exceeding performance goals
• Leadership & Development: Completion of regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and development plans for all direct reports
• Client Escalation Management: Reduction in repeat or preventable escalations quarter over quarter

2. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Operational Excellence – KPIs

• Operational Execution & Accuracy: ≥ 95% accuracy in team’s project timeline tracking and system data entry
• Cross‑Functional Alignment: Improved handoff efficiency between teams (measured by fewer missed milestones or escalations)
• Process Improvement: Number of process improvements implemented annually and Measurable gains in efficiency (e.g., cycle time reduction, capacity increase)

3. Core Account Project Management Responsibilities – KPIs

• On-Time Delivery Rate: ≥95% of projects delivered on or before agreed date.
• Client Satisfaction: Positive qualitative feedback.
• Timeline Ownership: 98% milestones met without escalation
• Documentation Accuracy: 100% of quotes & order acknowledgments complete and on file
• Invoicing: ≥95% of invoices completed within 2 weeks of shipment
• Compliance: 100% adherence to company & project specific process & procedures

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

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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Working conditions are in a normal office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, and stand, using hands to handle, finger, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Occasionally, the employee must crouch or kneel. The employee must occasionally exert or lift up to 20 pounds. Successful performance requires good eyesight with or without corrective lenses. Requires long periods of time working at a computer and includes phone work.

DISCLAIMER

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

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