A leading communications company has an opportunity for an account director to join their team.
Overview:
Providing product- and client-related insights/direction to client-focussed services is a key objective of this role.
The Senior Client Services Manager will work closely with the Director, Client Services, other members of the client service team along with business development, operational services and the client company in ensuring that the service and deliverables provided to the client are of the highest level and meet the objectives in terms of cost, quality and desired outcomes.
The Senior Client Services Manager will work with business development on issues relating to project confirmation and once projects are established will lead on providing feedback to clients regarding ongoing project status and cost management. A focus for the Senior Client Services Manager is the organic growth of existing business and the expansion of business activities within the larger client company.
The Senior Client Services Manager will be a point of constancy to the client through the business development process and implementation of account and project teams, providing a consistent client/agency interface.
The primary role is to co-ordinate and deliver an efficient, effective and profitable service on client accounts & projects. Excellent communication skills will assist in developing and maintaining client business. The Senior Client Services Manager will ascertain and respond to client needs and keep up to date with the clients' market situation in order to offer proactive information and support.
Key Responsibilities
Client Liaison:
- Attend client meetings/conferences as required
- Provide point of constancy for client
- Work with Business Development to supply/confirm client agreement
- Confirm roles/responsibilities at the start of each project
- Provide regular status reports to client about ongoing projects
- Knowledge of client personnel and client’s business environment
- Develop good understanding of client’s product and marketing environment
- Contribute to development of client marketing strategy and thinking, as appropriate
- Proactive in interaction with clients
- Establish and maintain a role as a consultant/advisor to client
- Maintain regular contact regarding strategic direction of the account, staffing and other issues as appropriate
Growing New & Existing Business:
- Prepare pitches and proposals for additional business opportunities with new and existing clients
- Up selling – identifying additional activities with existing clients that add value to client
- Cross selling – networking with the client organisation to acquire new projects/accounts outside current spec (could be in conjunction with Business Development team)
Account Management:
- Ensure all roles and responsibilities are clearly defined at the start of the project and this information is relayed to all members of the project team and client
- Involve relevant individuals in team meetings and discussions to ensure that client business needs are optimally addressed
- Assist in developing strategic programme and finalising programme activity and budget with client (aiding development of the strategic, creative direction of accounts)
- Shaping the long-term strategic direction of the account and ensuring current activities and budgets provide future opportunities
- Ensure strategic focus of all materials/programmes delivered
- Review content of all materials and programmes being delivered to ensure client’s needs are being met.
- Maintain strategy overview of accounts, including keeping abreast of suitable sponsorship opportunities
- Maintain an overview of programme tactics
- Keep abreast of external issues/events/changes in the external environment and regularly review their impact upon programmes and client objectives
- Ensure team understanding of client corporate values and personality profiles of individual clients
- Liaise appropriately with all relevant departments, providing information that may assist them in their day to day work
- Drive brainstorming for account expansion and account development planning
Financial Management:
- Responsible for establishing and confirming financial arrangements with client
- Maintain awareness of financial status of accounts at all times
- Responsible for ensuring invoices are dispatched on time an in accordance with the client/project agreement
- Responsible for regularly reviewing and providing accurate phasing of budgets to client ensuring forecast and capacity reports are accurate
- Project reconciliation
- Management of £500k - £1m fee income, with appropriate support
Line Management:
- Take proactive approach to training and mentoring of other staff members
- Take on line management responsibilities, where appropriate
Package:
A generous package of salary and benefits will be offered to the successful candidate
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