Account Manager

Ogilvy; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A global marketing agency is seeking an Account Manager in Johannesburg to oversee client accounts and manage project teams. Responsibilities include enhancing client relationships, quality control of projects, and supporting recruitment activities. Suitable candidates should have strong project management skills and be proficient in business writing. This role requires effective communication and negotiation abilities, aimed at improving client service and retention.

Qualifications

• Strong project management skills are essential.
• Exceptional time management and organizational abilities are required.
• A deep understanding of strategic and creative brand content is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the secondary owner of the client relationship.
• Manage client communication effectively.
• Oversee project teams and ensure quality control.
• Develop case studies and PR materials.

Skills

Project management skills

Written and verbal communication

Presentation skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Business writing

Understanding of strategic and creative content

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Traffic Live

Job description

Job Summary

As an Account Manager, you will be responsible for managing a client account and serving as the primary project owner. This may involve overseeing a single large account or multiple medium-sized accounts.

An account consists of multiple projects and is considered a Key Client (KC) of Superunion Africa. Depending on the account, you will report directly to the Client Service Director and/or Business Unit Director.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Serve as the secondary owner of the client relationship at the account level, working with Marketing Managers (MM) and Brand Managers (BM).
• Handle client communications effectively at MM and BM levels.
• Build, strengthen, and grow the relationship between the agency and the client, focusing on middle management.
• Manage the project team (including account support, strategy, and creative) and workflow.
• Achieve overall profit margins, targets, and farming objectives for the account.
• Oversee, report, and ensure quality control for each project within the account.
• Develop and implement approaches and processes supporting the company's overall procedures.
• Identify, interview, and assist in recruiting candidates for the account group.
• Support recruitment activities, including initial interviews, with your line manager.
• Implement internal processes to enhance efficiency on each project.
• Provide weekly forecasts on finances, staffing, and potential for account growth.
• Ensure agency standards, directives, and processes are followed daily.
• Drive the development of case studies and PR materials for major projects to enhance agency reputation.
• Apply relevant theories and methodologies in daily activities.
• Engage in continuous learning through reading and research relevant to projects.
• Assist in developing and implementing processes and systems with the Client Service Director and/or Business Unit Director.
• Scope and negotiate fees with support from senior management.
• Support the development of KC plans and quarterly forecasts.

Role-specific Professional and Technical Skills

• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Solid presentation skills tailored to MM and BM levels.
• Ability to manage large clients with multiple projects.
• Exceptional time management and organizational abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Proficient in business writing.
• Deep understanding of strategic and creative brand content.
• Knowledge of global and local business operations and reporting.
• Understanding of local reporting standards and practices.
• Experience in design, strategy, and production processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and Traffic Live.

Job Behaviours

• Leading from the front: Champion positive change, create direction, and promote high performance.
• Team player: Demonstrate passion for objectives and collaboration.
• Accuracy: Attention to detail and commitment to quality reporting.
• Showing interest: Understand team members' diversity, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Being agile: Adapt approach to meet client expectations.
• Continuously learn by participating in seminars, research, and self-education.
• Communicate effectively by persuading, influencing, and negotiating to find solutions.
• Client-centric approach: Focus on building lasting partnerships, improving service, and client retention.
• Collaborating: Work with key stakeholders to achieve agency goals.
• Being resilient: Make decisive actions and see them through despite challenges.