Account Director

Publicis Groupe; Durban; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 100 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global communication firm in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking an Account Director to strategically lead client accounts, mentor the Client Service team, and drive new business opportunities. Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years' experience in an advertising agency with strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills. The role demands creativity, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills, with proficiency in MS Office. Join a dynamic team dedicated to impactful marketing transformation.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in an Advertising Agency in Client Service with at least 1 year in an Account Director role.
• Proven experience in leading client accounts and driving new business opportunities.
• Strong organizational and administration skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage account portfolios and client relationships.
• Mentor and support the Client Service team.
• Ensure successful campaign delivery and integration.

Skills

Leadership skills

Time management skills

Client relationship management

Problem solving

Creativity

Social media savvy

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Business Management / Marketing / Communication / Advertising

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Company description

Publicis Groupe is a global leader in communication.

The Groupe is positioned at every step of the value chain, from consulting to execution, combining marketing transformation and digital business transformation.

COMPANY VALUES

TRUST

Trust is the cornerstone upon which we build our relationships.

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of how a partner should behave.

We treat our people and our clients with respect, transparency and honesty.

TALENT

This is first and foremost a people business.

We are committed to ensuring Publicis Groupe is a destination for the best talent in our industry.

We value people as individuals, growing ourselves as we grow our client's business.

TRANSFORMATION

True transformation comes when we stop managing change, and instead initiate change.

We believe in our purpose to be the admired force for business transformation.

We believe that focusing on performance and results has the power to transform client business.

Responsibilities

To implement and manage the successful creation, integration, development and roll‑out of client campaign communication.

Main Responsibilities (include but are not limited to)

• Strategically lead your portfolio of accounts and build strong, long lasting relationships
• Ability to offer sound recommendations and add real value that positively influences the business
• Identify and maximise new business growth in collaboration with the client
• Be the "go to" person on their (client) brand across all communication disciplines
• Collaborate with and act as a team player with the staff compliment
• Mentor, grow and act as a layer of support to your direct reports (Account Manager & BTA) as well as the broader Client Service team
• Work in and open and honest way with your line manager ensuring that issues are raised quickly
• Show value by identifying potential business opportunities for both the Agency, Groupe as well as Client
• Play an active role in working on new business pitches as and when required
• Nurture and grow your Account Manager from the start; support them in the operational and client relationship success of their day to day work
• Grow strong partnerships with the various allocated discipline individuals to ensure they are able to deliver work that generates measurable business results for the clients
• Support and maintain the host agencies culture across your team
• Work with your Account Managers, Account Directors and BUD to help shift your clients relationships from pure execution to become more consultative partners who add real value
• Proactively contribute to the on‑going vision of the agency, leading by example and driving an innovative spirit within the (PO1) team

Operational

Respect the operational processes at all times

Responsible for client and employee reviews with the aim to improve scores year on year

Ensure campaigns are fully integrated and deliver on brief requirements

Take ownership of your accounts finances and ensure CE's and billings are completed on time as outlined by the Finance team

Keep abreast of market developments, trends and innovation in order to identify potential opportunities for the agency and your clients (maintain industry best practice)

Ability to scope projects from a resourcing and timing POV

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business Management / Marketing / Communication / Advertising
• Proficient in MS Office (i.e. Word / Excel / PowerPoint)
• At least 3-5 year's experience working in an Advertising Agency in Client Service with 1 year being in an Account Director role or similar
• Proven experience in strategically leading client accounts
• Successfully identifying and driving new business opportunities
• TTL & Digital experience is essential
• A good command of the English language (both verbal and written)
• Excellent administration and organizational skills
• Strong time management skills
• Strong multi-tasking skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Social media savvy
• Solid understanding of the brands you work on from a brand and in market POV

Personality Attributes

• Team player with the ability to work independently
• Able to remain calm in a highly pressurized environment
• Assertive
• Proactive
• Resilient
• Approachable
• Energetic
• Creative "out of the box" strategic thinker
• Problem solver / solution driven
• Meticulous with attention to detail