Senior Account Director

Alexandra Seitz
Alexandra Seitz | Hiring Manager

Posted 11 Oct, 2024

About you

We are seeking a Senior Account Director who understands that client relationships are the cornerstone of our success. This is a senior role for someone who is passionate about building long-term partnerships with clients and driving business growth through strategic, high-quality service. You’ll have experience leading key accounts, with a talent for nurturing trust and understanding the nuanced needs of luxury brands.

Behind the scenes you will seamlessly blend account direction with operational oversight, ensuring that multiple teams work efficiently and collaboratively towards the same outcomes.

If you are a motivated and strategic thinker with a deep commitment to client service and a track record of delivering impactful results, this role is your opportunity to elevate your career while shaping the future of our client engagements.

The role

As Senior Account Director, you will be the key to maintaining and growing our most valued client relationships. You will serve as the trusted partner clients rely on for strategic insights, innovative solutions, and proactive leadership. Working closely with our design, content, and digital teams, you’ll ensure that we consistently exceed client expectations while delivering commercially successful campaigns.

Your primary focus will be to foster long-term partnerships by understanding your clients’ unique goals and offering tailored solutions that not only meet but surpass their needs. You will also take ownership of the new business pipeline, leading strategic pitches and developing relationships that drive future growth.

I’ve discovered that clients appreciate when we bring unexpected, creative ideas that challenge their usual standards of luxury.

Key responsibilities

Client leadership & relationship management

  • Serve as the main point of contact for key clients, cultivating deep, trust-based relationships that ensure long-term engagement and satisfaction
  • Actively listen to clients, understanding their business challenges and translating these into strategic opportunities
  • Provide proactive, forward-thinking advice to help clients stay ahead in the luxury market, aligning creative and digital strategies with their business goals
  • Work collaboratively with internal teams to deliver seamless, results-oriented solutions that resonate with the client’s brand and audience
  • Act as a client advocate within Navigator, ensuring their needs are always at the forefront of our work and that we consistently deliver to the highest standard

New business development & client growth

  • Take full ownership of the new business pipeline, identifying and developing opportunities for both existing and potential clients
  • Lead the development and presentation of strategic pitches and proposals, effectively showcasing Navigator’s expertise in delivering luxury brand solutions
  • Build strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders within client organisations, positioning Navigator as their go-to partner for all creative and digital needs
  • Develop strategic account plans to ensure growth, retention, and long-term client satisfaction, identifying and capitalising on expansion opportunities

Project leadership & strategic delivery

  • Oversee the delivery of high-quality projects across branding, digital marketing, and creative content, ensuring they align with client expectations and commercial objectives
  • Provide strong project management leadership, blending account direction with team management to ensure effective, cross-functional collaboration
  • Proactively manage project challenges and maintain clear communication with clients to keep them informed and engaged
  • Monitor project performance, providing strategic guidance to ensure timely delivery and exceptional quality

Team leadership & mentorship

  • Lead and mentor the account management team, instilling a strong client-first culture that prioritises trust, collaboration, and commercial success
  • Support the professional development of junior team members, helping them to grow their skills in client management and account leadership
  • Foster a collaborative environment within the team, ensuring alignment between client needs and internal execution

Financial & performance management

  • Manage client budgets, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope while maximising value for both the client and Navigator
  • Analyse performance metrics, client feedback, and project outcomes to continuously refine our approach and deliver even greater results for clients
  • Provide accurate forecasting and financial reporting, ensuring account profitability and identifying opportunities for further growth

Thought leadership & industry engagement

  • Stay on top of industry trends, particularly within the luxury and digital marketing sectors, providing clients with fresh perspectives and innovative strategies
  • Represent Navigator at industry events, conferences, and client meetings, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner and thought leader in luxury marketing
  • Contribute to thought leadership content, case studies, and insights that showcase Navigator’s expertise to both clients and the wider industry

Position requirements

  • Minimum of six years’ experience in account management or client-facing roles, ideally within a branding, digital marketing, or creative agency focused on luxury or premium brands.
  • Proven ability to build, nurture, and grow strong client relationships that drive long-term success.
  • Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate client business goals into actionable strategies that deliver tangible results.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and ensure smooth, efficient collaboration towards shared outcomes.
  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and guide strategic discussions.
  • Experience leading pitches, writing proposals, and securing new business in a competitive market.
  • Demonstrable leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop junior talent.
  • Proficiency in project management tools, CRM software, and financial reporting.
  • A passion for the luxury sector and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities when working with high-end brands.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).
  • Ability to travel as needed to meet clients and support business growth.
Your primary focus will be to foster long-term partnerships by understanding your clients’ unique goals and offering tailored solutions that not only meet but surpass their needs.

What we offer

  • A senior role with the opportunity to shape the future of Navigator’s client relationships and business growth.
  • A dynamic and collaborative work environment, with close interaction with senior leadership.
  • Hybrid working model, with a minimum of two days a week in our central London office.
  • Competitive salary based on experience (£80,000 – £100,000 depending on experience).
  • The opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading luxury brands and deliver impactful, results-driven work.

How to apply

If you are an experienced client partner with a passion for luxury and a drive to shape the success of your accounts, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV, a portfolio of past client work, and a cover letter outlining your experience and why this role is the next step in your career to careers@navigatorinternational.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, offering employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Meet the team

Here you’ll not only do the best work of your life, you’ll make it so others can do the best work of theirs.

our team