A Day in the Life of an Aico Relationship Manager

Looking back at my first 6 months with Aico, I am filled with a profound sense of accomplishment and growth. Joining the company as a Relationship Manager for West and South Yorkshire, I was eager to contribute to Aico’s mission of enhancing home life safety across the UK.

From the outset, I was impressed by Aico’s commitment to innovation and quality. The company’s extensive range of high-quality alarms, all developed and manufactured in Ireland, not only meet UK standards, but also offer a variety of sensor types to ensure comprehensive protection for every home. This dedication to excellence fuelled my enthusiasm for the role.

As a Relationship Manager, I engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, from social landlords to residents, educating them on the importance of home life safety and the innovative solutions that Aico offers. Learning about the HomeLINK Connected Home Solution, and how it leverages Internet of Things technologies, was particularly exciting as it demonstrates how modern technology can create safer and healthier living environments, addressing the evolving needs of our clients.

My previous experience in the electrical industry provided a strong foundation for my role at Aico, including:

1. Product Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of electrical products and components, which is crucial for advising customers correctly.
2. Inventory Management: Managing stock levels and ensuring the availability of products.
3. Sales & Negotiation: Understanding customer needs and negotiating prices and terms with suppliers and clients alike.
4. Customer Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong long-term relationships with clients, contractors, and suppliers is essential. This includes clear communication, problem-solving and addressing concerns effectively to ensure customer satisfaction.
5. Supply Chain & Logistics Management: I learnt about logistics, such as ordering, shipping, and receiving goods, as well as ensuring timely delivery to meet customer demands.
6. Compliance & Safety: Gaining knowledge of and ensuring adherence to electrical regulations, safety standards, and industry compliance is critical, providing quality, safe products to customers.

The support and resources provided by Aico have been instrumental in my professional development. Access to cutting-edge tools and a culture that fosters continuous learning enables me to stay ahead in the dynamic field of home safety solutions. Collaborating with a team of dedicated professionals who share a common goal has been both inspiring and motivating.

So, what does a day in the life of an Aico Relationship Manager actually look like? From early mornings fuelled by coffee to building lasting client relationships, here’s a glimpse into my typical workday:

• Wake up at 6.00 – First things first, anyone within the industry understands the importance of coffee!
• 6.15 – If I have the motivation and energy I like to go to the gym. I usually go 3 days a week!
• 7.15 – More coffee! The fuel of a Relationship Manager.
• 7.30 – Begin the working day by reviewing any updates from the previous day. This could include checking emails from clients, internal teams or and updates from senior management. I need to stay on top of any client enquiries, requests and any relevant news affecting the industry!
• 9.00 – Building strong relationships through face-to-face interactions is central to my role. I spend time with social landlords, housing associations, contractors and distributors, building strong relationships. Conversations with all differ, but the main principles remain the same: addressing concerns, delivering service updates, and providing tailored advice on portfolios, products, and issue management.
• 12.00 – Lunch. Anyone who works externally will understand the struggle to stay away from the fast-food chains, so I try to prepare as much as I can and take something tasty but healthy out on the road with me!
• 13.00 – More client meetings.
• 16.00–17.30 – Wrapping up the day: I like to review the days meetings and ensure all actions are recorded onto the CRM system, I may need to send follow up emails to clients with agreed upon next steps or provide answers to any unresolved issues from the meetings. Planning my next day is also essential to ensure a smooth workflow.

In addition to my daily tasks, since joining Aico I have had the opportunity to participate in community initiatives that highlight Aico’s commitment to corporate social responsibility. A memorable experience was collaborating with my colleagues, Tristan Potkins (Relationship Manager for North London) and Trevor Sawyer (Relationship Manager for East Anglia East), to assist in decorating efforts for a local project: refurbishing the main hall of the Oswestry Senior Citizens Club. This hands-on involvement not only strengthened our team bond but also reinforced our commitment to the communities we aim to support.

As I look back on my journey so far, I am proud of the contributions I’ve made and the relationships I’ve built. The journey has been challenging yet rewarding, and I am excited about the future. With Aico’s unwavering commitment to innovation and community, I am confident that we will continue to make significant strides in enhancing home safety across the UK.

Discover Aico and how they offer opportunities for career development here.