Account Director / Senior Account Director

Role:  Account Director / Senior Account Director (with 2yrs+ experience at AD level)

CellarDoor:

We are an award-winning creative agency specialising in Hospitality and Food & Beverage.

We build brands, spaces and experiences in real life across the UK and Middle East, partnering with brands to help support their business objectives and deliver exceptional creative – no matter the size of project.

With a dedicated client service team, brand team and interior architecture team, we provide wrap around creative support that measures success not just on creative output but the rigor of our process, ensuring our clients don’t just end up with a beautiful designs, but have an exceptional experience.

We are an incredibly ambitious design studio. We design and think like customers because that is what we are. All of the brands we work with we champion, love and celebrate. The working relationships we nurture are deep and meaningful, allowing us to create work that can truly make a different.

We are looking someone to lead our Client Services team.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for a dynamic, ambitious and experienced Account Director to join our team, someone who has strong leadership qualities to mentor a small account team as well as work strategically and collaboratively with the design team. We need an experienced AD who has the capability to embed in our existing client base as well as be instrumental in nurturing, growing developing new opportunities - both organically as well as driving new business. A passion for design and branding and drive for the exceptional is essential.

You’ll be leading a team to deliver a range of exciting projects, across both our brand and interior teams, from creating new brands and spaces, designing printed and digital content, marketing, advertising and everything between. Experience in this market and within a busy design studio is essential. We are looking for a self-starter who has strong team leadership and management, client relationship building, strategic leadership, financial forecasting and processes, scheduling processes and new business. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must. 

We work with clients who push us daily to deliver exceptional work. The right candidate will need to be driven, passionate with a ‘can-do’ attitude  – someone who is able to manage the pressures of working with high growth international clients and thrives on it.  We're looking for someone with a passion for team management and organisation, someone who’s a quick thinker and problem solver and leader. Someone who has an eye for detail, great with time management of themselves as well as time management of teams. Someone who can see the bigger picture, working across multiple related projects, and over a range of clients at any one time.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Team leadership: Lead, mentor and motivate a team, providing guidance, support, and management. Help the team and the business thrive through great management skills not only within your team but across the business
• Client relationship management: Cultivate and maintain strong, trusting relationships with key clients, always looking for growth opportunities. Be prepared to constructively challenge on all aspects of projects including creative feedback and fees
• Strategic leadership: Develop and implement strategic plans for client accounts, aligning with their business objectives and goals
• Business development: Identify and pursue new business opportunities, working closely with the design team to help deliver and present new business pitches
• Project oversight: Oversee the execution of design projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
• Financial management: Manage account forecasts, track financial performance, and ensure profitability. Report bi-weekly to the management team and prepare monthly, detailed updates and long-range forecasting
• Market insights: Stay up-to-date on industry trends, market developments, and competitor activities to provide informed recommendations to clients and the wider team

SKILLS NEEDED:

• Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in Account Director level within the design or creative industry, with a proven track record of managing multiple accounts and delivering growth
• Leadership skills:  Great leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team
• Strategic thinking: Strong strategic and analytical thinking skills, with the ability to develop and implement effective account plans
• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong client relationships
• Business acumen: Solid understanding of financial management, forecasting, budgeting, and profitability
• Industry knowledge: Good knowledge of the design, F&B industry, including trends, best practices, and emerging technologies
• Education: A degree in marketing, business, design, or a related field is preferred.

Why join us?

• Global clients: The opportunity to work with market leading brands and international clients
• Innovative environment: Be part of a forward-thinking agency that values creativity and innovation
• Career growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Collaborative culture: Work with a talented and passionate team in a collaborative and supportive environment
• Competitive package: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working : 2 days WFH, 3 office based

The Package:

• £45-£65k (dependent on experience)
• Private Medical Healthcare (including dental, optical, mental health and cancer treatments)
• Pension
• Annual profit share bonus
• CellarDoor Supper Club
• 30 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
• Holiday increases by 1 x day per year when working 3 years+
• (up to a maximum of 3 additional days holiday)
• 2 x Creative wellness days
• Your Birthday off when it falls on a work day
• Free parking nearby, with office parking spaces on a rotational basis