Cogs has been placing account directors for years and know all there is to know about what it takes to getting selected for this role. Working in the advertising, digital or marketing sectors, an account director ensures the smooth production of campaigns – from briefing designers and copywriters, to managing budgets and possibly a team of executives.
An account director is primarily responsible for the management of relationships with clients. As the senior point of contact for an agency’s customers, the account director also co-ordinates the resources needed to service projects, builds strategic operational plans and balances the expectations of clients with the execution of creative work.
Often, they will be expected to plan campaigns and successfully develop business accounts creatively and financially, while playing a positive role in an agency’s new business program.
Typical activities
– Taking a lead in clients’ marketing and advertising strategies
– Leading a team to provide the utmost level of client service
– Liaising with clients at a senior level on a day-to-day basis
– Promoting the expansion of business with existing clients
– Working with other senior managers to generate new accounts
– Completing projects to a specific schedule and within an agreed budget
– Using your skills to push clients, and the agency, creatively and strategically
Skills required
Every agency will be looking for different skill sets, so an account director needs a wide range of abilities. These include:
- Significant experience in professional client relationship management
- A background in advertising, design or marketing
- The ability to plan and strategize at a senior level
- A persuasive and confident approach to creative projects
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Effective team management capabilities
- A keen attention to detail and budgetary restraints
- Full awareness of creative processes and techniques – including digital platforms
On the whole, this is an office-based role and you will spend time in meetings and briefings, as well as remaining in close contact with key clients. Occasional travel is usually required for client visits, new business presentations, planning and brief taking. Although your commitment will tend to be standard office hours, deadlines or the demands of a client may see you working early or late to ensure continued success.
Looking to hire an account director or want to get hired? Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help.
