Account Manager (12 Months FTC) at TBWA\ South Africa

Client Service / Business Management

• Day-to-day project management of all projects allocated to you on one or more accounts, from conceptualization through to production.
• Manage budget and be accountable for profit on all projects.
• Strengthen the relationship and profile of Account Management with all departments in the Agency.
• Support Account Directors and guide Junior Account Executives.
• Assist with New Business activities as and when required.
• Control creative output, schedules, cost estimates and financial control of production processes.
• Improve cost effectiveness and profitability.
• Take responsibility for managing internal and client status meetings.
• Ensure appropriate sign-off on all required project documentation .
• Ensure understanding of the effect of a job on the client's bottom line (ROI).
• Ensure that relevant case studies are acquired and kept for both team, new business presentations and web-site information.
• Ensure delivery of exceptional creative solutions.
• Assist in all relevant support activities - Boardroom bookings; relevant catering; equipment requirements; agenda; status reports; filing; scheduling of meetings.
• Leading and driving integration between various agencies working on the Client's account.

Client Relationship Development

• Have a clear understanding of the client's operational requirements and deliver briefs to agreed plans.
• Continuously provide updated information regarding status of work, while managing the client's expectations.
• Provide clients with full access to the range of services that are available within the TBWA\Group.
• Raise, develop and exploit opportunities for business development with existing and potential clients.
• Control information gathered about the Client through accurate contact reporting, clear project documentation on costs, copy and artwork instructions.
• Ensure Client and Agency is kept up to date with any developments on the account via attendance at relevant meetings, regular reviews.
• Track Client's and project profitability where appropriate.
• To manage the invoicing and financial administration within the team. To train the AE in the above and support Account Management and the Finance department with regards to Financial Reporting.
• Drive Aprais / Yardstick or other action plans & continuously drive an awareness of how all actions have an impact on the Aprais scores.
• Assist in the development of the Agency's relationship with the Client from Advertising supplier to Marketing Communication supplier to Brand Leader.
• Ensure understanding of the relevant client contract and relevant legal/regulatory guidelines.
• Ensure successful delivery of all client briefs on time and within budget.

Collaboration and Team Work

• Ensure that any relevant intelligence is shared with team members for learning across the Agency.
• Work with the team to ensure the above by prioritizing, delegating and managing each of the projects in hand and to ensure regular reviews with clients.
• Assist with collaboration across all disciplines in the Agency.

Financial Management

• Deliver the best solutions to your client and maximizing profit for your client and the agency.
• Ensure invoicing and financial administration of the highest standards to ensure timeous collection of income for the agency.
• Provide monthly forecasts and income reports to your team associates.
• Drive the ethics of cost control and income growth all the way through your team.
• To monitor all billings procedures carried out by Account team and alert Account.
• Management Director promptly to any likely changes to billing and Income or any potential write-offs.
• Manage Client and project profitability.

Core Expectations

• Set objectives, provide feedback and manage reviews.
• Create clear development plans for yourself and support the development of the team's skill pool.
• To receive coaching and mentorship in order to develop skills required to be an effective mentor and coach in the future.
• Adhere to company performance and behavior expectations, e.g. timekeeping, timeous completion of timesheets, Company Policies and Procedures, etc.

Job Requirements:

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Business, Marketing, Advertising, or related discipline).
• 2-3 years of experience in account management or sales, preferably within an advertising agency environment.