Account Director

Department: Advertising

Location: London

Contract type: 6-Month FTC

Full Time/Part time: Full Time

Reporting into: Managing Partner / Project Management Lead

About Ogilvy: 

Ogilvy UK has been creating iconic ideas that deliver impact at scale for clients ever since David Ogilvy founded the company in 1948. Ogilvy UK specialises in bringing together brand advertising, customer experience marketing, PR, influence and consulting, all fuelled by Behavioural Science. Our world-class award-winning creative campaigns deliver solutions for clients including Molson Coors (owner of Madrí beer), Valeo Foods UK (owner of Kettle Chips and Rowse Honey), Argos, Mondelēz International, Unilever, TK Maxx and Pernod Ricard.  

In 2023, Ogilvy UK celebrated their 75th anniversary and was the most awarded agency in Europe. Ogilvy is home to the largest influencer marketing practice globally and hosts the world’s biggest festival of behavioural science and creativity, Nudgestock – now in its 12th year. 

The Role:

As a forward-thinking and inclusive creative agency, Ogilvy is expanding its team to meet the demands of executing global creative platforms in competitive markets. This growth opportunity is for a seasoned professional stepping into the role of Account Director. In this position, you will play a pivotal role in nurturing and expanding client relationships, inspiring teams and orchestrating impactful campaigns.    

As an Account Director, you will be critical to the successful execution of our global client’s pivotal growth initiatives, serving as a strategic partner to both the clients and our managing partners.  

Embracing a culture of agility and innovation, you will optimise processes and champion a continuous improvement mindset. By monitoring campaign outcomes through data analysis, you will drive enhancements and make strategic course corrections when needed. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Client Partnership & Multi-Market Leadership: 

• Serve as the primary client Point of Contact (POC) and trusted 'right hand' to managing partners for the client's critical growth initiatives, including a pan-European comms launch and a global NPD launch. 
• Expertly navigate complex multi-market client relationships and drive seamless cross-agency coordination as the lead strategic and creative partner. 
• Provide incisive strategic counsel to clients, aligning their global goals with effective, integrated campaign strategies across diverse international markets. 

High-Visibility Project Execution & Excellence: 

• Lead the planning, execution, and seamless delivery of high-visibility, international projects, upholding exacting standards for agency work, meticulous attention to detail, and precision in delivery. 

Organic Growth & Competitive Advantage: 

• Proactively identify, develop, and capitalise on organic growth opportunities within our client’s portfolio, directly contributing to the agency's profitability and long-term success. 
• Strategically defend against fierce competition in key markets, continuously positioning the agency as the preferred strategic and creative partner. 
• Collaborate effectively on wider new business initiatives, crafting compelling presentations that showcase the agency's capabilities and expertise across the client’s portfolio of brands. 

Creative & Industry Vision: 

• Foster a dynamic, creative, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages visionary thinking, pushes creative boundaries, and embraces diverse perspectives. 
• Maintain an open and adaptable mindset towards industry trends, staying abreast of the latest developments in creativity, marketing, and client landscapes to ensure our approach remains relevant and fresh. 
• Act as a dedicated brand ambassador, embodying and propagating agency values and culture both internally and externally. 

Requirements:

We are seeking an experienced Account Director with a proven track record in leading high-stakes, international, fully integrated campaigns across POE within a creative agency environment. 

Senior Client Leadership & Relationship Management: 

• Extensive experience in a senior client service role (Senior Account Director), demonstrably serving as a key client Point of Contact (POC) and trusted advisor to mid to senior level client stakeholders and agency Managing Partners. 
• Proven ability to expertly navigate and build strong, collaborative relationships within complex, multi-market client structures, specifically within global or pan-European contexts. 
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of driving strategic alignment and fostering productive partnerships with client and agency partners. 

International & Integrated Campaign Expertise: 

• Demonstrable expertise in leading the strategy, planning, and flawless execution of high-visibility, international integrated marketing campaigns for global brands. 
• Proficiency in driving cross-agency coordination and managing intricate project execution from strategic inception to seamless, multi-platform implementation. 
• Proven experience in adapting global brand consistency to suit local market nuances, particularly for major product launches across diverse territories. 

Commercial Acumen & Growth Focus: 

• A strong commercial mindset with a proven ability to identify, develop, and capitalise on organic growth opportunities within existing client accounts. 
• Experience in strategically defending against competitive threats and proactively contributing to wider new business opportunities. 
• Track record of successful budget management, ensuring cost-effective project delivery while aligning campaigns with overarching brand objectives and profitability goals. 

Strategic Thinking & Execution Excellence: 

• A keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to precision and exacting standards in all agency deliverables. 
• Exceptional skill in crafting and delivering compelling, high-impact presentations for senior clients and new business pitches. 
• Ability to manage multiple, complex international projects concurrently with a focus on operational efficiency and superior outcomes. 

Join our team in the role of Account Director, where you will spearhead impactful creativity and cultivate client relationships on a global scale. Shape campaigns and champion innovation.