Account Director

Account Director

Work location: Hybrid working in Bristol office (3 days onsite 2 WFH), with UK travel.

Our Strategic Partnerships (SP) team is currently looking for its 5th Account Director, to form a new pod withing the team, and lead our key Strategic Partnership accounts, whilst being responsible for their success and growth. Aside from client partnership growth, managing and mentoring a team of Senior Account Managers and Account Managers, you will establish effective working processes to ensure clients needs are met. Through responsive communications, excellent delivery and added value with innovation and new technologies. You’ll work closely with the Group Account Director & Director of Strategy to ensure the seamless operational running of client accounts, nurturing team dynamics, and fostering inter-office collaboration with Paid Media, SEO and Analytics.

Responsibilities

Customer Success:

• Reporting to and working closely with Group Account Director to ensure client retention and growth.
• Leading on key Hybrid accounts and managing a team of Senior Account Managers and Account Managers.
• Foster a culture of training and development, through personal development plans created and implemented across the team, with annual and bi-yearly reviews for every team member.
• Encourage strategic campaign thinking through up-to-date market and media knowledge, that you will regularly impart on your team and clients.
• Ensure the Senior Account Managers have operational management of key accounts, ensuring a seamless client experience for Strategic Partnerships.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding and embedding our services in line with their marketing objectives.
• Supporting Group Account Director on the implementation of new processes to build time efficiencies and consistency across planning, communication and reporting.
• Ensure excellent campaign delivery – through upholding quality standards, testing and optimisation for our digital campaigns and ongoing management and optimisations for third-party activity.
• Be the primary point of contact for client escalation within your team, with a clear internal and external action plan that is closely managed for quick issue resolution.

Team Management and Collaboration:

• Supporting the implementation of planning, communication and reporting processes that are aligned and understood across teams for time efficiencies, quality and consistency.
• Provide supportive leadership and clear development objectives to team members, including conducting performance reviews and facilitating career progression.
• Developing strong team morale and setting the standard for work ethic and company values.
• Supporting the development of reports and dashboards that fully meet the needs of our strategic client partners.
• Working closely with the Group Account Director, Director of Strategy, CEO and Financial Controller to ensure seamless processes of financial and team performance, fostering AI software across the team.

New Business Development:

• Supporting Marketing and Bids team on new opportunities and encouraging SAMs to attend pitches, or attend yourself as required.

Strategic Client Influence:

• Position yourself as a strategic guide for clients, helping them to realise their business objectives.
• Working with Group Account Director to communicate both short- and long-term visions for innovation, whilst ensuring delivery for our client's immediate recruitment needs.
• Participate in high-level discussions with clients, shaping the direction of the partnership.
• Demonstrate thought leadership and industry expertise to strengthen client confidence.

Long-Term Aspirations:

• Enhance leadership skills with paid Management Training Programme L3-5.
• Expand your influence among clients, establishing yourself as a key strategic advisor.
• Take a long-term client-centric approach to planning.
• Lead the UK's most successful accounts team in the Higher Education sector!

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience leading key client accounts in digital media.
• Degree educated.
• Experience of working in Higher Education desirable but not mandatory.

Perks & Benefits

• £25 monthly contribution to your physical health costs (e.g. gym membership).
• Paid training for career accreditations.
• Internal mobility options and established career paths.
• Team rewards, incentives (early Friday finish) & away days.
• Friday drinks, office away days and Summer/Winter Parties (we love a get together!)
• Free fruit and a free weekly breakfast on Wednesdays.
• Hybrid working in Bristol