Group Account Director

Machine_ is a creative solutions agency represented across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, and is home to over 75 adventurous minds. At Machine_ we don’t believe that intuition and gut feel are enough. That’s why everything we do starts with an insight. Our team of experts uses these insights to create impactful and accountable solutions that touch consumers at every point in their connected world. 

Machine_ is part of Publicis Groupe, one of the fastest-growing global networks. 
 

Scope of the role

To implement and manage the successful creation, integration, development and roll-out of client campaign communication.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Strategically lead your portfolio of accounts and build strong, long-lasting relationships
• Ability to offer sound recommendations and add real value that positively influences the business
• Identify and maximize new business growth in collaboration with the client
• Be the “go to” person on their (client) brand across all communication disciplines
• Collaborate with and act as a team player with the staff compliment
• Mentor, grow and act as a layer of support to your direct reports (Account Manager & BTA) as well as the broader Client Service team
• Work in and open and honest way with your line manager ensuring that issues are raised quickly
• Show value by identifying potential business opportunities for both the Agency, Groupe as well as Client
• Play an active role in working on new business pitches as and when required
• Nurture and grow your Account Manager from the start; support them in the operational and client relationship success of their day to day work
• Grow strong partnerships with the various allocated discipline individuals to ensure they are able to deliver work that generates measurable business results for the clients
• Support and maintain the host agencies culture across your team
• Work with your Account Managers, Account Directors and BUD to help shift your clients relationships from pure execution to become more consultative partners who add real value
• Proactively contribute to the on-going vision of the agency, leading by example and driving an innovative spirit within the (PO1) team
• Respect the operational processes at all times
• Responsible for client and employee reviews with the aim to improve scores year on year
• Ensure campaigns are fully integrated and deliver on brief requirements
• Take ownership of your accounts finances and ensure CE's and billings are completed on time as outlined by the Finance team
• Keep abreast of market developments, trends and innovation in order to identify potential opportunities for the agency and your clients (maintain industry best practice)
• Ability to scope projects from a resourcing and timing POV

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business Management / Marketing / Communication / Advertising
• Proficient in MS Office (i.e. Word / Excel / PowerPoint)
• Minimum 6-8 year’s working experience in an Advertising Agency in Client Service with 2 year being an Account Director 
• Proven experience in strategically leading client accounts
• Successfully identifying and driving new business opportunities
• TTL & Digital experience is essential
• A good command of the English language (both verbal and written)
• Excellent administration and organizational skills
• Strong time management skills
• Strong multi-tasking skills (ability to work on multiple briefs at any given time)
• Strong leadership skills
• Social media savvy
• Solid understanding of the brands you work on from a brand and in market POV

Critical Skills:

Leadership:

Being someone who is respected in the industry and seen to be at the helm by clients, peers and the team. Effective leaders take a personal interest in the long-term development of their companies and employees, driving both to achieve their best.

Change Agent:

Change agents provide both the technical know-how and the social support needed the organization to learn and adopt new lean practices. Change agents use their knowledge and contacts to detect and diffuse challenges that might otherwise threaten to derail transformation efforts.

Communication, Connector & Collaborator

Through communication everyone feels their voice is being heard and it is one of the best ways to create a culture where everyone feels valued. 

Connecting effectively with others builds strong bonds that develop loyalty, weather difficulties, and help the team succeed as a whole. 

Collaboration leads to best leverage the talents of others and foster an environment where people feel safe to express their ideas.

Got what it takes? We’d love to hear from you.

Candidates to kindly submit a concise resume for review. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within 2 weeks after submitting your application, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

Publicis Groupe is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and prohibits any forms of Discrimination or Harassment. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees in line with our Employment Equity Plan. All appointments will be based on qualifications, experience and best fit but preference will be given to all candidates from designated groups.