Account Director
2 days ago
Birmingham
Account Director My client is seeking a permanent Senior Account Director or Account Director with management experience of 4+ direct reports to join them to play a pivotal role within their in-house creative agency, leading strategic client relationships, driving service excellence, and delivering high-profile projects across design, print and digital media. The role would suit someone who has enjoyed a career both agency and in-house and comes with a salary of £47 - £55k, plus very good pension scheme, generous 40-day holiday allowance and a host of other benefits. The role is based in Birmingham, in-office 3 days per week. The Opportunity This role sits at the heart of a busy, respected in-house creative agency and will take ownership of client relationships across a wide portfolio of work and look after a team of 5/6 within the account management team. My client is looking for someone who can bring credible senior-level account leadership, commercial awareness, and a strong understanding of what excellent creative delivery looks like, including digital innovation and change. This role will work closely with senior stakeholders, including Marketing Managers and senior academics/professional services leaders, helping to improve strategic planning and ensure the agency receives strong, insightful briefs aligned to organisational strategy. They will also deputise for the Director of the agency, supporting the operational running of the department when required. What you'll be responsible for: • Lead and develop strong, positive, long-term client relationships across multiple departments and senior stakeholder groups, • Drive best-in-class briefing, strategic planning and client management to support effective delivery, • Provide expert advice as a trusted marketing and communications advisor, • Lead the management of high-profile, complex, high-value projects with reputational and strategic impact, • Own regular reporting, project status updates and stakeholder communication rhythms, • Ensure financial delivery through accurate forecasting, budget input, target setting and timely billing, • Act as a key connector between clients, cross-functional internal teams and suppliers to deliver campaigns end-to-end, • Champion service improvement through structured feedback loops, wash-up sessions and client satisfaction processes, • Support and contribute to business development, pitching and expanding internal/external opportunities, • Help develop and embed a digital-first approach, leading the team through digital change and positioning the function as a centre of excellence Leadership & people development This is a true leadership role, responsible for managing and mentoring the account management team. My client is looking for someone who can elevate standards, build capability and create the systems, tools and culture that's needed to provide an exceptional delivery-focused service. You'll know how to coach others and lead confidently in a fast-paced environment, and build a motivated, accountable team. Who my client is looking for They're seeking a senior account management professional who brings: • Substantial experience in account management / client leadership (agency or in-house - a mix of both preferable), • Strong understanding of strategic creative delivery across design, digital, print and media, • Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management capability, with confidence influencing at senior level, • Strong commercial mindset including experience managing budgets, forecasting and delivery targets, • Proven experience delivering complex projects from start to finish, • Confidence challenging constructively and negotiating effectively, • Strong digital literacy and credibility, • Experience working with commercial brands and client-focused delivery, • Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail, • Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and responsible working practices, • My client would ideally like candidates educated to degree level in a relevant discipline (or equivalent experience). For candidates who would enjoy the blend of in-house with agency, and who love leading a team, this role could be perfect!