Account Director

Hogarth Worldwide; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly motivated Account Director to join their dynamic team. In this role, you will oversee key client accounts, lead a talented team, and drive business growth through strategic management and operational excellence. Your expertise in integrated campaigns, particularly in video production, will be crucial as you navigate the fast-paced world of client services. This innovative firm embraces a hybrid working model, allowing you to balance office and remote work while contributing to exciting projects that shape the future of content experience. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and are passionate about client success, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Client Service with 2-3 years as an Account Director.
• Experience in integrated campaigns across Print, Digital, and Video.

Responsibilities

• Manage key client accounts and foster strong relationships.
• Support business growth and financial management activities.
• Ensure operational excellence in video production processes.

Skills

Client Relationship Management

Financial Management (P&L, Budgeting, Forecasting)

Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

Project Management

Technical Understanding of Video Production

Integrated Campaign Management

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Tools

Spreadsheet software

Job description

Hogarth is the Global Content Experience Company. Part of WPP, Hogarth partners with one in every two of the world's top 100 brands including CocaCola, Ford, Rolex, Nestl, Mondelez, and Dyson. With a breadth of experience across an extensive range of sectors, Hogarth offers the unrivaled ability to deliver relevant, engaging, and measurable content across all channels and media, both established and emerging. The number of channels at our fingertips, the need for speed, and the drive for mass personalisation all mean that brands need different solutions. Our global team of over 7500 craft and technology experts brings together creative production and innovation to help clients navigate this exciting and everchanging world of today's content experience.

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients, and communities. Working at WPP means being part of a global network of more than 100,000 talented people dedicated to doing extraordinary work for our clients. We operate in over 100 countries with corporate headquarters in New York, London, and Singapore. WPP is a world leader in marketing services with deep AI, data, and technology capabilities, global presence, and unrivalled creative talent. Our clients include many of the biggest companies and advertisers in the world, including approximately 300 of the Fortune Global 500. Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging, and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow.

We have embraced a hybrid working model which allows our employees to split their time between the office and other locations. The expectation is that working life at Hogarth will involve working from the office for an average of 4 days per week for most people. Please speak to the Talent Acquisition team to find out more information.

What does an Account Director do at Hogarth

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Account Director to join our dynamic team. As an Account Director, you will be responsible for the overall management of key client accounts, leading and developing a team, and contributing to the growth of our business. You will be the primary point of contact for client and internal escalations, ensuring smooth and efficient operations while fostering strong, long-lasting relationships. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of integrated campaigns, particularly in the video production space, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Reporting lines and key stakeholders:

This role reports to the Production Lead / Group Account Director Johannesburg.

You will work closely with the Johannesburg and Cape Town teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Account Management:

1. Assume overall responsibility for the successful management of assigned client accounts.
2. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders, managing their perceptions and expectations.
3. Act as the primary point of contact for client escalations, proactively resolving issues and communicating effectively.
4. Understand and adhere to contractual obligations, commercial arrangements, and SLAs.
5. Liaise with Print Production / Broadcast teams to ensure client requirements are met and resolve any issues or complaints to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
6. Maintain a deep understanding of the client-agency and Hogarth relationships and how they interact.
7. Coach and develop team members to ensure their success through personalized development plans.
8. Provide guidance and support to team members in their day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.
9. Foster a collaborative and positive team environment.

Business Growth & Financial Management:

1. Support the Group Account Director (GAD) in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
2. Work closely with the GAD on P&L management, forecasting, and budgeting.
3. Prepare cost estimates and support the SAM / AM in their cost estimation process, providing final sign-off.

Operational Excellence:

1. Make informed decisions and solve problems based on sound knowledge and experience.
2. Work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
3. Understand the technical elements of video production including formats, delivery options, uploads, compression, and web platforms (YouTube, etc.).
4. Possess knowledge of the editing and post-production process for video.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Client Service.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience as an Account Director leading a team.
• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• Experience working with / for a production facility is a strong advantage.
• Experience working with / for an advertising agency is a strong advantage.
• Proven experience working on integrated campaigns (Print, Digital, and Video) is essential.
• High level of IT literacy including proficiency in spreadsheet software.
• Excellent prioritization, time management, and attention to detail.
• Resilience and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Fluent oral and written English is essential; other languages are desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, customer-focused, and proactive.
• Clear understanding of international brand challenges.

Skills:

• Client Relationship Management
• Financial Management (P&L, Budgeting, Forecasting)
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
• Project Management
• Technical Understanding of Video Production
• Integrated Campaign Management

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

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