Account Manager/Account Director

Ithemba Recruitment- Sourcing Top Talent; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Account Manager/Account Director in Johannesburg. The role involves leading client relationships, ensuring financial targets are met, and managing strategic account engagements. Candidates should have a strong background in client service, particularly in FMCG, with at least 5 years of ad agency experience. Strong project management, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential. This position promises a collaborative and fast-paced work environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in client service with FMCG experience in ad agencies.
• Experience managing digital campaigns from concept to roll-out.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to thrive under pressure and adapt quickly.

Responsibilities

• Strategically lead clients while ensuring financial targets are met.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients.
• Compile effective briefs for strategic departments.
• Manage client meetings and produce accurate reports.
• Drive business development opportunities.

Skills

Project management

Client relationship management

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Creative thinking

Tools

CHASE

Workbook

Job description

About the job Account Manager/Account Director

Key purpose

The companyis looking for an experienced Account Manager/ Account Director to manage and handle a key account while also ensuring consistent strategic direction, the achievement of financial targets, and complete client satisfaction.

Duties and responsibilities

• Strategically lead clients and display business knowledge and acumen: by giving innovative solutions and providing high-level client service excellence & satisfaction.
• Strategic account management: Using your skills to push clients, and the agency, creatively and strategically guide and lead the team to provide the utmost level of client service through effective ongoing client engagement resulting in a meaningful contribution to the client's business growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients: liaising with clients on a day-to-day basis and acting as supporting a point of contact for clients.
• Accurate Problem Definition: Ensure the client's "ask" is understood by CS and accurately communicated to all role-players by ensuring brief content is clear, concise, and adequately descriptive.
• Compile detailed/informative briefs: for creative and strategic departments and ensure swift turnaround time of briefs.
• Successfully develop business accounts creatively and financially: Identify business development opportunities and promote the expansion of business with existing clients.
• Meet existing and new business financial targets.
• Experience in managing digital campaigns from concept through to final roll‑out.
• Understand brands and their integrated digital marketing communication needs.
• Effective and efficient project management of tasks: Completing projects to a specific schedule and within an agreed budget.
• Adherence to internal systems and contributing to team effectiveness.
• Ensure that you are well prepared for client meetings and produce accurate and timely contact reports after each client meeting.
• Liaise with colleagues in Traffic, Creative team, Production, and other departments to ensure a job is actioned.

Qualifications and experience

• FMCG and corporate brand and marketing communications experience advantageous
• At least 5 years of ad agency experience in client service with FMCG experience
• TTL, including Digital experience advantageous
• Excellent project management ability, and agency process and systems knowledge. CHASE/Workbook proficiency is advantageous.
• Valid driver's license and own transport.
• Knowledge and exposure to all media platforms and production and printing outputs.
• Outstanding organisational capability, operational skills, and attention to detail.
• Patient and level-headed, but full of energy and the ability to thrive under pressure.
• Proactive, agile, and leading in approach to client service.
• Keen on delivering quality, innovative solutions for clients.
• Able to hit the ground running.
• Significant experience in professional client relationship management.The ability to plan and strategize at a senior level.
• A persuasive and confident approach to creative projects.
• Effective team management capabilities.
• Keen attention to detail and budgetary restraints.
• Full awareness of creative processes and techniques including digital platforms.

Requirements beyond the spec

• Can think on their feet and be able to be 10 steps ahead of the client and lead them
• Can think strategically, be able to understand the brand, and provide correct feedback and input into the creative work and the business
• Can run and lead client relationships and meetings without the Group Accounts Director having to be involved in every detail
• Can do the standard client service admin costings, liaison and fulfill projects beginning to end, manage budget, bring in revenue for the business, etc.
• Can work across multiple accounts and provide support to their team members