Account Director, Technology & Automotive

Hearst; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Specsavers eye care

Health Cash Plan

Mental health support

Discounted gym memberships

Cycle to Work scheme

Location Flex

Holiday Exchange

Charity Day

Wellbeing resources

ERG Groups

Job summary

Hearst UK is seeking an Account Director to own client service across high-impact 360° campaigns for automotive and technology clients, in close alignment with sales teams. You will guide cross-functional teams from pitch to delivery and deliver post-campaign storytelling that drives repeat investment.

You will lead campaigns for top brands, manage Account Managers, and drive revenue growth through strategic thinking and proactive client recommendations.

Qualifications

• Own campaign delivery and act as the main client contact.
• Line manage Account Managers and provide coaching.
• Lead strategic commercial responses with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Act as the main point of contact for commercial operations, improving ways of working to meet revenue and service expectations for Hearst and clients.
• Line manage 1 or more Account Managers, providing direction, coaching and performance management.
• Lead cross-team collaboration to shape strategic commercial responses.
• Grow and diversify revenue across your client portfolio through innovative thinking and strategising.
• Track category trends and competitor activity to spot opportunities and shape proactive client recommendations.
• Interrogate client briefs and brief the relevant teams, from budget feasibility to integrated creative, media and production solutions.
• Own campaign delivery as the day-to-day client contact, reporting on performance and producing post-campaign analysis that drives repeat business.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with confidence presenting to senior stakeholders.
• A flexible, personable team player who builds relationships at all levels.
• Sharp commercial awareness and analytical skill
• Excellent time management, prioritisation and workflow management
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a strong sense of urgency
• Calm under pressure, comfortable navigating conflict and delivering at pace
• Strong people leadership - developing direct reports while influencing colleagues across the wider business

Skills

Client service

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-team collaboration

Revenue growth

Campaign management

Communication skills

Time management

Job description

Job Description

We are the UK's leading premium publisher, home to iconic and influential media brands including Esquire, Men's & Women's Health, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Harper's Bazaar, Digital Spy, Cosmopolitan, Red and more. At Hearst UK, we don't just create content - we shape culture.

Our workplace is driven by passion, shaped by authenticity and powered by creativity. We back bold ideas, act with an entrepreneurial mindset and continually evolve to meet the moment - while respecting the legacy that's brought us here. We believe in each other's potential and push boundaries together to create meaningful impact, both across the media landscape and in people's lives.

We're proud of our heritage - but even more excited about making history.

Hearst UK operates an in office policy with flexible Friday's. Our office is based at House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, St James's, London, SW1Y 4AJ, where teams collaborate in person and connect across brands and functions.

Salary - Circa £45,000-£50,000 + 20% Commission - Salary is dependent on experience and will be assessed in line with the candidate's skills, knowledge relevant expertise.

The Role

As the Account Director, you'll own client service across high-impact 360° campaigns - from pitch to delivery and beyond - leading the strategic and operational response for an Automotive and Technology client patch, in close alignment with a designated group of Salespeople. You'll work with some of the world's most influential brands, including Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Samsung, Meta and Google.

As the central owner of each campaign, you'll bring cross-functional teams together to shape best-in-class ideas, oversee flawless activation, and deliver post-campaign storytelling that drives repeat investment and long-term retention.

Main Duties

• Act as the main point of contact for commercial operations, improving ways of working to meet revenue and service expectations for Hearst and clients
• Line manage 1 or more Account Managers, providing direction, coaching and performance management
• Lead cross-team collaboration to shape strategic commercial responses
• Grow and diversify revenue across your client portfolio through innovative thinking and strategising
• Track category trends and competitor activity to spot opportunities and shape proactive client recommendations
• Interrogate client briefs and brief the relevant teams, from budget feasibility to integrated creative, media and production solutions
• Own campaign delivery as the day-to-day client contact, reporting on performance and producing post-campaign analysis that drives repeat business
• Strong written and verbal communication, with confidence presenting to senior stakeholders
• A flexible, personable team player who builds relationships at all levels
• Sharp commercial awareness and analytical skill
• Excellent time management, prioritisation and workflow management
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a strong sense of urgency
• Calm under pressure, comfortable navigating conflict and delivering at pace
• Strong people leadership - developing direct reports while influencing colleagues across the wider business

Benefits

(Your benefits at Hearst UK are more than just extras-they are tools to help you thrive in every part of life.

Hearst Exclusives - Only for You!

• Get adventurous with Good Housekeeping Taste and Beauty Testing Panels - yes, you could be trying the next big thing in beauty, food & drink.
• Snag luxe beauty steals at our legendary office sample sales - score big on top brands without breaking the bank!

Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing: Feel Your Best

• Stay healthy with Specsavers eye care, a company-funded Health Cash Plan, and access to mental health support.
• Get active and stress-free with discounted gym memberships and the Cycle to Work scheme.
• Embrace flexibility with a Location Flex and Holiday Exchange to take time when you need it.
• Take time to give back with a Charity Day and access wellbeing resources whenever you need them.
• Join one of our Hearst ERG Groups.

Financial Wellness - Boost Your Budget

• Plan ahead with a generous Workplace Pension, Income Protection, Life Assurance and Season Ticket Loan for easier commuting.
• Make smarter money moves using Salary Finance tools, Financial Wellbeing sessions, and Home Tech benefits to spread costs.
• Treat yourself with major discounts across London plus everyday savings via the HAPI at Hearst app

Hearst UK is deeply committed to using our influential brands to reflect the world we want to live in - one that respects, protects, represents and uplifts the voices and opinions of all people. As a business, we recognise the significant benefits of creativity, collaboration and innovation that comes with diverse teams. Not only is diversifying the voices in our organization the right thing to do, but it also helps us to make powerful and exciting content that can be enjoyed by many more people. This is why we're working to build a sense of true belonging within our business and foster a culture in which everyone feels heard.