Job Description

This role is to the be the lead account handler on the brand, reporting into an integrated BD, and having direct management responsibilities of three junior account handlers, and dotted line responsibilities for the juniors in the wider team. The team is managed by an experienced Managing Partner with a deep Experience background, and knowledge of running integrated retail accounts.
We’re looking for someone with integrated experience (4-6 years of experience of working on strategic accounts) who has good CRM/loyalty knowledge. They will need line management experience and will have worked across large, integrated or retail brands in the past. Key is someone who’ll get “stuck in” to setting this client up, building the team, the processes and the culture. They need to be strategically and creatively focused with a fine eye for detail and the ability to work within a fast paced environment.

• Collaborates confidently with the rest of the team to connect the dots on briefs, and find the best strategic and creative solution to the client’s business problem.
• Is seen as a champion for the work with all those they come in to contact with.
• Demonstrates their ability for creative problem solving in how they approach every task – whether that’s identifying a way to improve the internal process, or co-creating an inspiring way to workshop a strategic challenge.
• Able to consider different angles on a brief – a nonlinear thinker.
• Takes responsibility for direction of the our brand, and is accountable for both the work, and the process.
• Understands that they are accountable for the actions of the account team reporting into them on projects; guiding them and intervening and managing up as required, as well as playing a supportive and guiding role to account handlers working on the other brands within company’s Group.
• Able to recognize the commercial implications of agency decisions and external influences, and manage the internal and client conversations arising from these.
• Will manage client expectations when having to charge more for out of scope work in a manner which does not expose the agency to financial risk
• Is well informed about the commercials of all projects they are responsible for, managing the team the ensure budgets are managed effectively.
• Contributes to growth of the account.
• Able to maintain strong partnership with internal stakeholders across all crafts in and support cross functional agendas for the benefit of the company and the client.
• Has strong relationship with their day to day clients and wider client stakeholders, and uses these relationships to help protect the work, strengthen the relationships and activate new opportunities.
• Approaches each task with a clear understanding of the business issue the client is trying to solve, and able to measure the brief against this and the strategy to ensure the right work is developed.
• Thinks laterally about how problems can be solved.
• Acts as an escalation point for the team in resolving issues.
• Supports the team in confidently navigating through problems

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave + 1 Volunteer Day
• Enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Shared Parental leave
• We have a flexible working policy with core working hours (10am – 4pm) and have launched our 2 Hybrid Working model
• Learning and development budgets plus Enhanced and ongoing wellbeing incentives and activities throughout the year
• Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Life Assurance x4 salary

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

You will lead on the Sainsbury’s part of the business. Armed with your experience and proven ability to think and do, you are able to problem solve, and create highly effective and fruitful working relationships with clients and colleagues. You have a solid understanding of integrated strategy, a proven track record partnering clients to deliver effective campaign work, and have a strong understanding of loyalty and CRM.
Keeping the whole team focused on working towards strategic objectives, you are a role model to your line reports, and others in the team, who seek you out as a source of advice and guidance. You set an example through your high attention to detail and passion for creative excellence.

• Has a relationship with mid/senior level clients that is one of trusted partner, based on proven track record.
• Is able to confidently lead conversations and problem solve in the moment as required, and act as a point of escalation for junior/mid clients.
• Understands the strategic, and business context the client is operating in and uses this knowledge to develop solutions and approach tasks in a way that is effective for the client and joins the dots across the client’s business.