Freelance Senior Account Director

ipa.co.uk - Jobboard; Tunbridge Wells; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

A creative agency in Tunbridge Wells is seeking a Freelance Senior Account Director for a 3-month term starting January 2026. The ideal candidate must have a strong background in creative agency environments, particularly within the beauty, luxury, or alcohol sectors. Responsibilities include leading campaigns, managing client relationships, and developing team talent. Candidates should possess strategic thinking, excellent problem-solving skills, and a proven track record in client success. This role requires in-person collaboration three days a week.

Qualifications

• Proven Senior Account Director from a creative agency background.
• Experience in beauty, luxury, or alcohol brands preferred.
• Strong track record of pitch wins and account growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end campaigns across various mediums.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders.
• Manage and develop members of the client service team.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Relationship management

Problem-solving

Team development

Commercial acumen

Job description

Freelance Senior Account Director - 17-12-2025

Southpaw Agency, Tunbridge Wells

We’re a diverse group of creators, producers, strategists, and client service pros, all united by a passion for brilliant work and a challenger mindset. And now, we’re looking for a Senior Account Director to join the team on a freelance basis from January 2026, for around 3 months. We are also open to an experienced Account Director with experience in a busy creative agency who feels ready to take the next step in their career.

We’ve driven brand growth for challenger brands across the beauty, premium drinks, lifestyle, and entertainment sectors - helping them shift behaviours, build communities, spark conversation, and shape culture.

We are also part of the global and award-winning advertising group, Hakuhodo, headquartered in Tokyo. Over the last 20+ years, Southpaw has collaborated with our 7,000 global colleagues to produce innovative and market leading solutions around the world.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead end-to-end campaigns across ATL, social, digital, and activation
• Build strong, trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders
• Partner with strategists and creatives to deliver bold, effective work
• Spot opportunities for growth, pitch new business, and convert ideas into results
• Protect and grow core client accounts
• Manage, support, and develop members of the client service team
• Keep commercials sharp and projects on track

What We’re Looking For

We want a proven Senior Account Director from a creative agency background, ideally with experience in beauty, luxury, or alcohol brands. You thrive on big challenges, have a track record of pitch wins and account growth, and bring the energy, curiosity, and hustle that define Southpaw.

You’ll bring:

• Strategic smarts and creative curiosity - furiously curious about everything
• Confidence leading high-value client relationships
• Calmness under pressure, with sharp problem-solving skills
• A collaborative style and passion for developing talent
• Commercial acumen and a knack for spotting growth opportunities

Big agency energy, local charm: Work on global clients from our converted warehouse in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, just 45 minutes from London Bridge. We are looking for someone who can work with us in person on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

We’re looking for someone who brings the hustle, protects and grows client relationships, and thrives on delivering outstanding results. If that’s you, get in touch! To apply or for more information contact [e-mail].

Southpaw is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the audiences we serve.

We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in advertising, including people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from non-traditional educational backgrounds.