Account Director

Ogilvy South Africa Group; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading marketing agency in South Africa is seeking an Account Director to lead strategic client relationships and mentor the account management team. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving commercial success and ensuring creative excellence. A proven track record in managing large accounts and extensive agency experience are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of agency experience, with at least 3 years in a senior client service role.
• Strong experience in integrated marketing (ATL, BTL, Digital, and Retail).
• Proven track record of managing large accounts and leading teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary relationship owner for senior client stakeholders.
• Lead strategic conversations with clients to influence marketing direction.
• Own and deliver the financial performance of the client account.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

Commercial acumen

Presentation skills

Data interpretation

Education

Relevant degree in Communications, Marketing, or Business Management

Tools

Microsoft Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)

Job description

As the Account Director, you are the strategic and operational lead on the client account, responsible for driving the overall relationship, commercial success, and creative excellence of the business. You will lead and mentor the account management team, ensuring the agency delivers integrated, high-quality work that makes a measurable impact on our clients business. You will report directly to the Group Account Director.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Client & Relationship Leadership

Serve as the primary relationship owner for senior client stakeholders such as Marketing Directors and Senior Brand Managers.

Build trusted, long-term partnerships by proactively identifying opportunities to add value and drive growth.

Lead strategic conversations with clients, influencing marketing direction, creative strategy, and commercial decisions.

Champion collaboration, trust, and efficient ways of working between client and agency.

Understand client business dynamics, category trends, and audience insights to guide strategy and creative output.

Be a cultural and creative ambassador who inspires teams to deliver work that is both effective and award-winning.

Strategic & Project Leadership

Lead and oversee the delivery of all projects across the account, ensuring work is strategically grounded, creatively ambitious, and executed flawlessly.

Drive integration across disciplines such as strategy, creative, production, digital, and media to ensure cohesive brand thinking.

Translate client business goals into actionable agency briefs with clear objectives, deliverables, and timelines.

Anticipate challenges, manage risks, and ensure consistent delivery against client expectations and deadlines.

Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture within the account team through effective communication and coaching.

Own and deliver the financial performance of the client account, ensuring profitability, accurate forecasting, and growth.

Lead the development of quarterly forecasts, budgets, and fee negotiations in collaboration with the Group Account Director and Finance team.

Identify opportunities for organic growth and scope expansion, ensuring all out-of-scope work is correctly quoted and approved.

Monitor account profitability, manage job reconciliations, and oversee billing accuracy and timesheet discipline.

Support the Group Account Director in driving overall client revenue targets and margin improvements.

Drive the creation of case studies, thought leadership, and award submissions that build the agency's profile and credentials.

Champion diversity, inclusion, and equitable representation within client work and team structures.

Ensure creative and strategic work meets Ogilvy's standards for quality, innovation, and effectiveness.

Represent the agency at client, industry, and networking events, embodying Ogilvy's values and vision.

Lead, mentor, and develop Account Managers and Executives to ensure high performance and career growth.

Foster a collaborative and empowered culture that encourages ownership, curiosity, and excellence.

Conduct regular check-ins, performance reviews, and career development discussions.

Support and participate in internal recognition initiatives such as the Impact Awards.

Professional & Technical Skills

Proven leadership and strategic client management experience.

Exceptional presentation and communication skills at a senior stakeholder level.

Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage complex budgets and forecast revenue.

Deep understanding of advertising, digital, and integrated marketing processes.

Skilled in interpreting data, insights, and trends to shape strategic recommendations.

Proficient in Microsoft Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel).

Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities.

Level of Experience

Relevant degree in Communications, Marketing, or Business Management.

Minimum 57 years of agency experience, with at least 23 years in a senior client service role.

Strong experience in integrated marketing (ATL, BTL, Digital, and Retail).

Proven track record of managing large accounts and leading teams.

Job Behaviours

Creatively Driven: Passionate about great ideas and inspiring teams to deliver outstanding work.

Strategically Grounded: Understands the intersection of creativity, data, and business impact.

Adaptively Connected: Thrives in collaboration across disciplines and the wider Ogilvy network.

Relentlessly Curious: Always learning, exploring, and challenging the status quo.

Commercially Savvy: Balances creativity with business realities to drive sustainable growth.