Account Director

Award winning solutions marketing agency with focus on consumer promotions and shopper marketer agency seeks an Account Director for two of its offices in Fairfield County, CT and Nashville, TN.  The client will consider relocation.

The Account Director is responsible for the management of specified client relationships/businesses, the development of strategic direct and interactive plans, the write-ups of concepts and proposals, the presentation of ideas, the development of tactical plans, program execution including the creative process. 

The Account Director is expected to assist in the new business process along side the direction of a Group Director.  The Account Director is also responsible for the management, supervision, direction and evaluation of assigned direct reports.

Additionally, the Account Director is responsible for adding value to the clients business, thereby making himself/herself an invaluable member/partner of the client’s business team.

The role is broken down as follows:

Account Management

 • Develop, lead and manage the new business process starting with initial contact, through the concept development and presentation phase and all follow up.

 • Develop account management strategies for all assigned accounts.

 • Formulate account specific service tactics, utilizing team orientation.

 • Manage the agency account service effort.

  – Ensure service levels and tactics are keeping with strategic goals.

  – Monitor and direct expansion of management relationships.

  – Develop the account relationship for long-term association.

 • Service accounts personally and directly, updating and including senior management when appropriate.

 • Acquire client assignments.  Define, clarify and focus direction.

 • Build the knowledge base within the agency of the clients business.

 • Lead the development of all long-term account and/or related industry strategy.

 • Add value, expertise and knowledge.

Project Management

 • Develop, investigate and initiate project opportunities.

 • Communicate the client request to the appropriate agency departments and individuals.  Develop a close and effective working relationship with the creative teams.

 • Establish the timing and budget.

 • Shape concepts into programs.

  – Write or direct the writing of creative options and/or execution plans.

  – Coordinate creative efforts.

 • Participate in all assigned account presentations.

 • Follow-up and where needed, act directly to insure client satisfactions.

 • Provide continuous contact communication with the client, across appropriate levels, as well as with internal management.

 • Evaluate product quality on an ongoing basis.

Financial Management

 • Deliver on preset gross profit objectives – including those on exiting businesses and also from securing new business initiatives.

 • Coordinate project estimates internally and gain client approval pricing.

 • Manage internal resource costs against budgets.

Staff Management and Development

– Participate in the staff selection process.

– Be responsible for developing and mentoring department staff members.

– Provide staff members with realistic and measurable goals and objectives.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS

• The successful candidate will have a minimum of eight to ten years of combined direct and interactive marketing experience.  A mix of agency and client experience is preferred.  If coming from supplier level, experience on CPG brands is preferred.

• A superior track record of accomplishments in his/her business career that establishes credibility and commands respect to guide the client and his marketing people with wisdom and skill.

• Must be well versed and experienced in all aspects of consumer and trade marketing and areas of expertise in both direct and interactive marketing strategies including trial generation, loyalty programs, promotional aspects (i.e. sweepstakes), website builds and e-mail campaigns. 

• Must possess strong strategic planning skills, along with strong creative/conceptual development abilities.  Must be able to generate concepts/ideas independently and within groups.

• The ability to interface and communicate with the client at all levels

• The “ideal consultant” profile . . . confidence, innovativeness, creativity, analytical ability, communications skills, problem solving ability, aggressiveness, a team player and a “hands on” manager.

• Must possess excellent presentation skills.  Should be mature, personable, bright and polished.

• The ability and desire to build and manage their own business as well as make a

major impact on the growth and future of the agency.

• Should have high standards, a strong work ethic and be able to function autonomously, while retaining team membership and spirit.

Please submit your resume and salary history, requirements, and location.  To control volume and prevent my email box from blowing up – If you did not work at a marketing solutions agency with focus on consumer promotions or shopper marketing, please do not apply.  I appreciate your understanding and you can visit www.paladinstaff.com to see opportunities that may be a better fit for you.