Senior Account Manager

e-Merge IT Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

e-Merge IT Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior Account Manager to lead strategic client campaigns in PR and integrated comms. You will manage relationships, mentor junior staff, and drive outcomes across earned, owned and digital channels for SA-based clients.

You will collaborate with senior stakeholders, shape media strategies, and deliver compelling storytelling alongside tight budgets and timelines. This role suits a proactive leader with a strong network in SA media.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years’ experience in PR, communications or an integrated agency.
• Strong understanding of the South African media landscape and established media relationships.
• Proven experience managing client accounts and integrated campaigns.
• Experience working with senior client stakeholders and spokespeople.
• Strong media relations, writing and storytelling skills.
• Excellent project, account and commercial management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple accounts and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience mentoring or managing junior team members.
• Strategic, commercially aware and proactive approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of integrated communications campaigns across earned, owned and digital channels.
• Manage day-to-day client relationships and lead client meetings and reporting.
• Develop proactive media strategies, news hooks, thought leadership and storytelling opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with South African media.
• Translate client objectives into clear strategies, campaigns and measurable outcomes.
• Manage account scopes, budgets, timelines and resources.
• Monitor campaign performance and provide meaningful recommendations.
• Brief and manage internal teams to ensure high-quality, on-time delivery.
• Mentor and support Account Managers, Account Executives and junior team members.
• Identify commercial opportunities and support strong, sustainable client relationships.

Skills

Media relations

Account management

Strategic planning

Client management

Campaign management

Job description

Who are we:

We are a culture-focused communications agency combining strategic thinking, creative storytelling, media expertise and digital craft to build brands that matter. Our team spans PR specialists, creatives, journalists, strategists and digital experts across South Africa, Africa and the UK.

Who are we looking for:

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Senior Account Manager with 5–7 years’ experience in a PR, communications or integrated agency environment. You will be confident managing client relationships, leading integrated campaigns and providing proactive communications counsel, with strong knowledge of the South African media landscape.

What will you do:

• Lead the planning and execution of integrated communications campaigns across earned, owned and digital channels
• Manage day-to-day client relationships and lead client meetings and reporting
• Develop proactive media strategies, news hooks, thought leadership and storytelling opportunities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with South African media
• Translate client objectives into clear strategies, campaigns and measurable outcomes
• Manage account scopes, budgets, timelines and resources
• Monitor campaign performance and provide meaningful recommendations
• Brief and manage internal teams to ensure high-quality, on-time delivery
• Mentor and support Account Managers, Account Executives and junior team members
• Identify commercial opportunities and support strong, sustainable client relationships

What will you need:

• 5–7 years’ experience in PR, communications or an integrated agency
• Strong understanding of the South African media landscape and established media relationships
• Proven experience managing client accounts and integrated campaigns
• Experience working with senior client stakeholders and spokespeople
• Strong media relations, writing and storytelling skills
• Excellent project, account and commercial management skills
• Ability to manage multiple accounts and deadlines simultaneously
• Experience mentoring or managing junior team members
• Strategic, commercially aware and proactive approach
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills