An account director oversees one or more key client accounts within a company. The account director will drive client strategy and be a key point of contact for all queries and issues. Account directors are generally tasked with building relationships, growing client accounts, overseeing client work. They often have commercially driven targets to work towards.
Who can I work for?
Account directors are found in any company that works with clients, such as a PR or marketing agency or a business, which supplies products such as beer to pubs or fuel to petrol stations.
Where and when can I work?
There is a vast array of opportunities across the UK, although work within agencies or large companies is more easily found in major cities. Account directors must be flexible in their working hours to ensure client work is delivered on time. This may involve working outside of normal office hours or at the weekend, doing anything from answering emails to being in the office to send work across to meet your client's deadline.
What can I earn?
Account directors can earn very good base salaries and are often part of a bonus system linked to commercial targets. The average salary range is between £35,000 and £55,000 plus bonus.
What are the benefits?
Working closely with clients to understand their businesses and build strong relationships. A varied workload of projects that need many different skills to deliver.
Many account directors have the opportunity to travel and attend events. There are also extremely good financial rewards and often the opportunity for extra benefits such as a company car or phone and to be part of a bonus system.
Are there chances of promotion?
From account director, you can become a senior account director or group account director. You may also have the chance to step up to a managing director role.
What will I be responsible for?
Driving client strategy and ensuring their requirements are met and exceeded where possible. Account directors are responsible for driving business growth through existing clients and new business. This involves extensive action planning, monitoring and forecasting of account plans and budgets. Managing and leading a team, offering direction and support to ensure all members of the team deliver to the client's expectations.
Do I need any experience?
Most account directors have at least four to six years of experience in their sector as an account manager and before that as an account executive. Experience of managing staff and project management are also essential.
What attributes are needed?
Account directors must be confident leaders with excellent communication and presentation skills. You must be able to lead and motivate a team and advise clients. Strategic thinking is a key trait, alongside an excellent commercial awareness. You also must be flexible and customer-service focused in your approach.