Account Director: 2026 Talent Academy

Baltic Apprenticeships; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading training provider in the UK is offering an exciting opportunity in their Account Director Talent Academy. This programme is ideal for driven individuals looking to enhance their career towards a Junior Account Director role. Participants will receive personalized development plans and mentorship from experienced leaders, focusing on skills needed for account management and acquisition. Applications close on 13th October, so interested candidates should apply via Bamboo.

Benefits

Tailored development

Access to senior mentoring

Community of peers

Qualifications

• Demonstrate a strong performance record in your current role.
• Show a clear vision for your career progression.
• Be willing to embrace new opportunities and challenges.
• Align with the KSBs required for the Account Director role.

Responsibilities

• Upskill in Account Management or Acquisition.
• Work under the guidance of a mentor.
• Prepare for future responsibilities as a Junior Account Director.

Skills

Strong track record of performance

Vision for career progression

Willingness to learn and adapt

Alignment with KSBs for Account Director

Job description

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Account Director Talent Academy 2026

Location: UK
Division: Sales
Programme Duration: ~18 months (Individual development plans will vary)
Applications Close: 13th October
Programme Lead: Shelby Cooper

About the Programme

We're excited to announce that applications are now open for the second round of our Account Director Talent Academy. The first cohort was a huge success, with participants demonstrating outstanding growth, ambition, and tangible business impact. Building on that foundation, this next intake will be more structured, more personalised, and focused on supporting participants to achieve their long-term career goals. The programme will run over approximately 18 months, with each successful applicant receiving an individual development plan, tailored to their ambitions and development needs.

How the Programme Works

Participants will initially remain in their current departments, undergoing a structured period of upskilling in either Account Management or Acquisition.

• You will continue to be managed day-to-day by your current manager, ensuring continuity in your current role.
• Shelby Cooper, Programme Lead, will act as your mentor, guiding your development and preparing you for future Account Director responsibilities.
• Once the upskilling phase is complete, participants will transition fully to work with Shelby and focus on accelerated development towards a Junior Account Director role.

This approach ensures a structured, supported, and effective development journey, with clear milestones and expectations.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking ambitious, driven individuals who are ready to take the next step in their careers and commit to developing the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to become future Junior Account Directors.

You should be able to demonstrate:

• A strong track record of performance in your current role
• A clear vision for your career progression
• A willingness to learn, adapt, and embrace new challenges
• Alignment with the KSBs (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours) required for the Account Director role

Application Process

Stage 1 - Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit a 500-word Expression of Interest via Bamboo, outlining:

• Why you feel the time is right for you to apply
• What you want to achieve through the Academy
• Why you want to be part of this journey

Deadline for EOI submissions: 13th October

How to apply: Submit EOI to Bamboo

Interview Process

Stage 2 - Panel Interview (Early November)
Successful applicants at the EOI stage will be invited to a final interview consisting of two parts:

1. Presentation (10 minutes + 5-minute Q&A)
   • Present your case on why you're ready to elevate your sales career.
   • Choose to either:
     • Showcase an account growth strategy, or
     • Present an acquisition sales strategy, outlining how you would acquire a specific new customer, including the sales techniques and approaches you would use.
   • Presentations will be strictly timed at 10 minutes.
2. Competency-Based Interview (30 minutes)
   • Questions will be based on the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) linked to the Account Director role and the Talent Academy curriculum.

Meet Your Programme Lead

Shelby Cooper will lead the 2026 Talent Academy. With over a decade at the company, Shelby brings strategic insight, a deep understanding of the business, and a passion for developing talent. Her leadership and commercial success make her the perfect mentor to guide the next generation of Account Directors.

Why Apply?

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Access tailored development and mentoring from senior leadership
• Build strategic skills in account growth and acquisition
• Position yourself for a future Account Director role within the business
• Join a community of ambitious peers on a shared growth journey

If you're ready to take the next step and commit to becoming a future Account Director, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now via Bamboo before 13th October.