Snr Account Manager

LKDA Strategic Creative Advertising; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative advertising agency in Pretoria seeks an Account Director. The role includes leading client engagements, developing strategies, and managing teams to deliver effective marketing solutions. Candidates should have over 6 years of industry experience, strong leadership skills, and a track record of client satisfaction. This position emphasizes creativity, strategic thinking, and business development for successful client partnerships.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of related experience, preferably within an Agency.
• Hands-on experience and understanding of relevant tools and platforms.
• Experience in working with management levels within client organizations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple client accounts, ensuring seamless execution.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships.
• Lead the development of innovative and impactful creative solutions.

Skills

Team-leading experience

Excellent writing skills

Strong verbal and presentation skills

Detail-oriented and organised

In-depth knowledge of branding

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Tools

Office 365

Chase

Job description

Overview

As Account Director, you will lead the day-to-day client engagement and develop strategic recommendations with the Head of Strategy, that address the client's business problems to solve in a marketing and consumer context. Manage and collaborate with a team of agency personnel to deliver on client needs and achieve favourable outcomes for the client that result in agency profitability / overall financial health and ensure projects meet client expectations and are delivered on time, and within budget.

You will be required to work with Agency specialists to lead the client to new marketing solutions that they may not have considered in their own operations and planning processes pitches ideas to clients. Lead client engagements, develop strategic recommendations, manage teams, and drive successful creative campaigns, ensuring client satisfaction and agency profitability.

Skills and Qualifications:

• 6+ years of related experience (Industry experience within an Agency preferred)
• Team-leading experience
• Excellent writing skills
• Strong verbal and presentation skills with the ability to speak knowledgably with executives and clients
• Detail-oriented and organised; proactive and enthusiastic; able to juggle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Knowledge of working software (Office 365, Chase etc.)
• In-depth knowledge of branding, creative processes, digital marketing, and campaign deployment
• Experience in working with management levels within existing organization / client organizations.
• Hands-on experience and understanding of relevant tools / platforms
• Good research, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Experience in working across multiple industries.
• Experience in setting up and growing teams to meet needs across skills, geographies and industries.
• Proven experience in account management, creative strategy, and project management.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and manage teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Relationship Management:

• Oversee multiple client accounts, ensuring seamless execution campaigns across B2B and B2C markets.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact, while driving long-term partnerships.
• Establish and grow strong relationships with senior client stakeholders by demonstrating industry knowledge and attention to detail
• Understand client needs, goals, and challenges.
• Manage client expectations and ensure satisfaction.

Strategic/Consultation Leadership:

• Develop and present creative strategies and campaign plans.
• Lead the development of innovative and impactful creative solutions.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.
• Provide strategic guidance to internal teams and clients.
• Make strategic decisions and provide a clear sense of direction for each brands actions. Take risks and make difficult decisions with integrity and honesty.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to clients and prospects.
• Initiate, implement, and inspire a big picture vision around a portfolio of brands.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the marketplace and our client’s business including various media and distribution channels
• Understand industry/market trends and the success factors critical to the organization’s long-term sustainability and competitiveness

Project Management:

• Typical day-to-day management of clients and their requests including presentations, documentation, and client activity administration
• Manage all aspects of client campaigns, providing excellent client service while maximizing business opportunities and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standard.
• Management and handling of key client briefs, projects and requests(both written and actual briefing) and client approval
• Ensure the excellence of projects andeffectively manage and interpret client feedback; guide/leadteam to implement projects smoothly and effectively
• Manage multiple projects and campaigns simultaneously.
• Oversee the execution of creative projects, from ideation to delivery.
• Maintain quality control across all deliverables, ensuring alignment with brand standards and marketing best practices.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Monitor project performance and make adjustments as needed.
• Work with the digital team to understand media performance and KPIs to determine performance, then relating actionable next steps to clients.
• Initiate, create, and develop client presentations and lead with confidence while actively listening to the client.
• Account planning and resource management /forecasting
• Financial control of billings and third party costs

Team Leadership:

• Lead and motivate a team of creative professionals.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to team members.
• Manage multi-faceted teams, delegate work appropriately, and ensure the team remains challenged and inspired.
• Foster a collaborative and creative work environment - Collaborate with creative, strategy, media, and production teams to deliver integrated and effective marketing solutions.
• Take ownership of the quality of creative responses in conjunction with Creative Director
• Ensure creative team motivation and working processes
• Assume responsibility, and demonstrate proactive and energetic working attitude

Business Development:

• Drive business development efforts by identifying new opportunities, pitching to potential clients, and expanding account portfolios.
• Support Strategist / Creative Director in developing initiatives for new business or expanding existing business
• Contribute to the overall growth and profitability of the agency.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging marketing technologies, and Gen AI tools to bring innovative solutions to client projects.