Account Director

London, England, United Kingdom

12/7/2024

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

We are the now and the next. The power behind the people building the future. We are born from the spirit of innovation. We are created from the idea that people around the world want more, need more, deserve more. We are the home of the global digital revolution. We are CNN.

To see what it’s like to work at CNN, follow @WBDLife on Instagram and X!

Your New Role…

CNN International’s Advertising Sales team is a dynamic group responsible for driving global revenue on all CNN platforms. We are now looking for an Account Director to lead our sales initiatives across Africa, and to take responsibility for the management of client and business development across the continent. Using your deep understanding of the African media landscape, experience working with the continent, strong leadership skills and a proven track record in sales and business development, you will play a critical role in implementing strategy for driving revenue growth, establishing strategic commercial partnerships, managing a legacy portfolio and expanding CNN International Commercial’s market presence.

This role will require extensive international travel.

Your Role Accountabilities…

• Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies tailored to the diverse markets across Africa, focusing on both short-term revenue goals and long-term growth.
• Drive the generation of new sales opportunities through proactive outreach, networking, and leveraging existing relationships to expand the client base.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and industry partners at the most senior levels, ensuring a deep understanding of their needs and objectives.
• Oversee and manage ongoing campaigns for legacy clients, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction, timely execution, and optimization of campaign performance.
• Track and analyse sales performance, delivering accurate and reliable revenue forecast.
• Lead all advertising and sponsorship activities and partners across Africa enabling them to maximize their business and brand-building potential internationally, on all of CNNI’s advertising and sponsorship platforms, reaching an elite audience of decision makers around the globe.
• Lead the pitching and negotiation process with clients, ensuring successful delivery of revenue targets through effective deal closure and relationship management.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking functions to enhance brand visibility and establish new business opportunities.
• Manage a team of sales professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience…

• Proven background in media sales, with a strong focus on the African market.
• Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets, with a record of success building large advertising and/or sponsorship partnerships.
• Deep understanding of cultural dynamics and business practices across different regions in Africa, enabling effective engagement with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Experience of leading and developing team members.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to develop and maintain senior relationships with advertisers at the client and agency level.
• Fluent in English, French language skills preferred.
  
  

Hybrid Working - This role is advertised as a Hybrid work model, that combines remote and in-office work, following our current company policy and to be agreed with your Line Manager. Subject to any applicable laws, WBD / your Line Manager reserves the right to change this working agreement where this is essential to business needs and upon reasonable notice to you.

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.