Account Director

Account Director

Location: London

Closing date: 29 July 2014

Salary: Competitive

UM (www.umww.com) is a global marketing communications agency that represents the world’s leading marketers and strategic thinkers for many highly regarded clients including Coca-Cola, Sony, Johnson & Johnson, L’Oreal, and Chrysler. As part of the Interpublic Group of Companies, UM has 151 offices in 130 countries and employs 3,600 creative thinkers and doers.

With the mantra, “Yes &,” UM offers a full spectrum of media services and is able to tap into a number of exclusive partner agencies so they deliver the most surprising results to clients. They recently were awarded “Media Agency of the Year” by Adweek/Mediaweek and named to the 2009 “A-list” by Advertising Age.

The Department

International Client Services (ICS) is UM’s International department based in London. ICS operates as a hub for European and global accounts including Exxon Mobile, Ecco, Zurich, Statoil, Tiffany & Co. and Skype to name a few.

The role

The Account Director (AD) will be responsible for working closely with our international clients to help define their marketing needs and objectives and then utilise the expertise within UM and the wider Mediabrands organisation to deliver relevant solutions to their businesses.

We work on a number of luxury brands so we are looking for someone who has the creative flair to bring our brands to life across a variety of media channels from social media through to partnerships with direct publishers.

You will also work closely with the international client leads to ensure that solutions are fully integrated into everything we do for our clients from central strategy to campaign planning. You will also be expected to help support local markets where cross over exists with clients, and ensure that UM are exhibiting one approach and clearly demonstrating the benefits of a network solution to clients in this regard.

Reporting lines

Reporting to Group Account Director (GAD)

Two direct report:

1x Senior Digital Account Manager

1x Account Executive

Peers

Analytics & Ad Operations Director

Strategy Director

Research Director

Key Responsibilities

Manage the day to day of the account reporting to the GAD

Working closely with the GAD and Strategy Director to support in all areas of account management, strategic development and market coordination

Identify incremental revenue opportunities

Work with Research and Strategy teams to ensure a flow of industry stories are sent to the clients

Support and advise local countries to ensure their media plans comply with the regional briefs

Strong ability to confidently challenge, question assumptions and recommendations that have been made to ensure the best possible delivery for the client

Develop close relationships with clients and agency partners

Work closely with media owners to ensure media partnerships are successfully developed and implemented

Market management across the UM network to ensure timely delivery of all requests

Ensure the team manages financial reconciliations successfully

Lead the Account Executive and the Senior Digital Account Manager to coordinate local market activity

Be an active contributor presenting in client meetings

Ensure curiosity, innovation and outsmarting are the key principles that guide the account

Enter campaigns to industry awards

Merchandise team’s work internally and externally

Have an understanding of the communications process beyond media

Inspire the team, leading by example, providing clear direction, feedback and support

Who you are

Essential

Experienced in an international media agency role

Local planning experience & exposure to international clients

Strong numeracy skills with a particular ability to analyse & interrogate numbers, producing compelling arguments for recommendations

Is a curious and inquisitive individual with an open, challenging and engaging approach

Knowledgeable and passionate about digital media, technology and fashion/luxury industry

Effective communicator, able to build and influence relationships at the highest level

Multiple languages desired in order to lead the teams in our fast developing markets (Russia, Brazil & China)

Highly organised with the ability to manage time across a number of different accounts

Able to multi-task

Excellent team player

Mature approach to problem solving

Have a strong desire to grow their knowledge base and skill set and take on new challenges