Account Director - Cape Town, South Africa - Saatchi & Saatchi (We Are Saatchi)

Description

Scope of the role

To implement and manage the successful creation, integration, development and roll-out of client campaign communication.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Strategically lead your portfolio of accounts and build strong, long lasting relationships
• Ability to offer sound recommendations and add real value that positively influences the business
• Identify and maximise new business growth in collaboration with the client
• Be the "go to" person on their (client) brand across all communication disciplines
• Collaborate with and act as a team player with the staff compliment
• Mentor, grow and act as a layer of support to your direct reports (Account Manager & BTA) as well as the broader Client Service team
• Work in and open and honest way with your line manager ensuring that issues are raised quickly
• Show value by identifying potential business opportunities for both the Agency, Groupe as well as Client
• Play an active role in working on new business pitches as and when required
• Nurture and grow your Account Manager from the start; support them in the operational and client relationship success of their day to day work
• Grow strong partnerships with the various allocated discipline individuals to ensure they are able to deliver work that generates measurable business results for the clients
• Support and maintain the host agencies culture across your team
• Work with your Account Managers, Account Directors and BUD to help shift your clients relationships from pure execution to become more consultative partners who add real value
• Proactively contribute to the on-going vision of the agency, leading by example and driving an innovative spirit within the (PO1) team
• Respect the operational processes at all times
• Responsible for client and employee reviews with the aim to improve scores year on year
• Ensure campaigns are fully integrated and deliver on brief requirements
• Take ownership of your accounts finances and ensure CE's and billings are completed on time as outlined by the Finance team
• Keep abreast of market developments, trends and innovation in order to identify potential opportunities for the agency and your clients (maintain industry best practice)
• Ability to scope projects from a resourcing and timing POV

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business Management / Marketing / Communication / Advertising
• Proficient in MS Office (i.e. Word / Excel / PowerPoint)
• Minimum 6 year's working experience in an Advertising Agency in Client Service with 1 year being an Account Director
• Proven experience in strategically leading client accounts
• Successfully identifying and driving new business opportunities
• TTL & Digital experience is essential
• A good command of the English language (both verbal and written)
• Excellent administration and organizational skills
• Strong time management skills
• Strong multi-tasking skills (ability to work on multiple briefs at any given time)
• Strong leadership skills
• Social media savvy
• Solid understanding of the brands you work on from a brand and in market POV

Personality Attributes:

• Team player with the ability to work independently

• Able to remain calm in a highly pressurized environment

• Assertive

• Proactive

• Resilient

• Approachable

• Proactive

• Energetic

• Creative "out of the box" strategic thinker

• Problem solver / solution driven

• Meticulous with attention to detail

• Other:
o Flexible to work beyond normal office hours (overtime if and when required)
o Comfortable to work from the Publicis Groupe office (on-site)