111 Best project planning Jobs in Surbiton (November 2025)

Senior Account Manager

4 days ago

Kingston Upon Thames

( Senior) Account Manager - Automotive Consumer Who we are We're Performance Communications — proudly employee-owned, one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work and the UK’s leading specialist agency in Automotive, Technology & Sports Brand Comms. We’re 60 strong, creatively driven, and fuelled by a passion for storytelling that actually moves the needle for our clients. Whether it’s dreaming up big campaign ideas, unlocking media opportunities, building influencer buzz, or crafting stories that stand out on social — no two days here are ever the same. We’re based in Kingston upon Thames and work hybrid: three days in-office, two from home, with occasional travel across the UK and abroad possible. The role Working on pan-European and global automotive consumer accounts, we are looking for a self-starter with an interest in cars. You should be a great writer for both traditional and social channels taking dull data and painting pictures with it. You’ve excellent client relations and can translate those conversations into projects that deliver great results. Suitable for someone seeking a new challenge within the automotive sector or looking to take the next step on the career ladder, the role requires an ability to drive the day-to-day management of client activity and plans, helping to ensure KPIs are achieved with the support of the Account Director. The successful candidate should be meticulous in adhering to processes to ensure the smooth running of the accounts, while providing reliable budgets and contributing creatively across brands. As well as showing leadership qualities and an ability to effectively manage junior staff, it is important that the individual can comprehend the often-complex nature of our clients’ businesses. We are looking for an enthusiastic account lead and content producer with a keen eye for a mainstream news story who can also turn ideas into effective campaigns. The Agency has a reputation for nurturing and developing talent and prides itself on being at the forefront of modern PR and communications. The role is pivotal within the Automotive teams at Performance. Not only will the person become a key contact for an exciting group of clients, they will also help ensure that all accounts are managed in an efficient manner. Reporting line & team The S/AM role reports to the Account Director and will help manage the day-to-day smooth running of a pan-European and global automotive consumer accounts, as well as supporting the wider team on creative comms and strategic planning. Experience required • A proactive, self-starter individual who has an interest in cars and the automotive world, • Must be a competent writer who is able to create focussed copy tailored to specific audiences or platforms e.g. news releases, website copy, LinkedIn or other social channels, • Has previous experience working on pan-European or global accounts, • An ability to manage and nurture junior staff, • Experience delivering campaigns and projects, • Agency experience, • Can demonstrate an ability to translate information (words and data) into engaging copy, • Experienced at effectively working with and managing client teams and the project delivery, • Ideally has experience within the automotive industry and industry media contacts, • Time management – the ability to logically plan, develop and execute plans, using the strengths of a team to ensure optimal delivery, • Excellent media relations skills, • Understanding of key social channels (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube etc), • Experience in technology, luxury goods and services would be useful, but the ability to identify and create compelling storytelling and content ideas that drive coverage and reach is more important, • A team player with the gravitas to deal with senior stakeholders Key accountabilities • To work within the Hub on a pan-European and global automotive consumer accounts, • Responsible for co-ordination of centrally-created assets for media and social channels – written, photography, graphic and video, • Working in the UK, but travel to Europe to attend media events, create content and meet with client teams, • Manage junior staff to ensure the maintenance of reporting and status updates for several accounts across the team; this may include status and coverage reports, digital project management tools, rolling release schedules, future features lists and deadlines, and media distribution lists, • Client management: develop excellent client relationships and be the main ‘go-to’ person for the client(s), • Dissect and understand the operations and business goals of all clients to ensure the creation of effective stories and campaigns, • While the role majors on client management, content creation and creative ideas, much of the team’s work demands a nose for media opportunities and a proactive approach to media relations, • Establish strong relationships with all client teams as well as key personnel elsewhere in the businesses. Ensuring direct access to key people who can provide data, information, opinion etc for relevant content is important, • Work with the AD and wider team to ensure quality control is adhered to where any content and written copy is concerned, • Plan, organise and prioritise workloads, including helping the AD with resource planning, and flagging any issues to senior staff members, • Research to provide market insights / gather information to support the creation of all forms of content, • Both draft and help oversee team production of copy, news releases / press kits, campaign and media materials; and drive the development of creative content or ideas, • Lead and help devise media distribution plans – a sound understanding and logical approach is key, • Will need to support the AD in thinking strategically about clients and the year ahead rather than just the day-to-day Behavioural competencies • A strong communicator who can upwards manage as well as prioritise their own work and the team supporting them, • A logical and clear thinker with a strong attention to detail and deadlines, • A self-starter who conducts themselves in a professional manner and is a good verbal communicator, • An ability to juggle conflicting priorities and work in a fluid and fast-paced environment, • Get the basics right – be passionate about good, simple and effective PR/comms with a strong eye for an editorial angle, • A desire to challenge and be challenged, • An appetite for progression and able to utilise constructive feedback from senior members of the team, • Quick learner, adaptable and pragmatic thinker, while being tenacious, results driven and resilient, • Highly motivated and committed with great attention to detail, • A team player with the gravitas to sometimes deal with senior stakeholders Why work with us As an employee owned business you become part of a bold, creative agency where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and your wellbeing is genuinely supported. Perks & Benefits Including... • Employee owned bonus schemes, • Private healthcare, • 28 days holiday, • Hybrid and flexible working, • £250 wellbeing allowance, • 4:30pm Friday finishes, • Personal and team social budgets, • Recognition awards, • Breakfast on office days, • Company-wide social events (legendary summer and Christmas parties), • Cycle to Work scheme, • Dog-friendly office, • Ongoing training & development

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