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- Tasks: Lead client accounts, manage media relations, and oversee exciting launch events.
- Company: Join AKA, a dynamic agency shaping London's premium hospitality scene.
- Benefits: Enjoy a creative work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of high-profile events and work with world-renowned chefs in a vibrant culture.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and strong media connections are essential.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Account Director
PR & Communications
Restaurants & Bars
We are looking for an ambitious Account Director , who is passionate about the premium hospitality sector that shapes London culture, to join our team of experienced digital creatives and public relations strategists who are fluent in the language and culture of communications. If this fits you, please keep reading and apply today!
At AKA, we live and breathe great stories about food, drink, travel and wellness on both local and global levels.
Here at AKA, our restaurants and bars team continued to dominate the London openings landscape with multiple high profile launches as well as a distinguished portfolio of retained clients.
Our luxury travel and wellness team continue to expand here at the London office with launches including boutique hotels and members clubs, as well as continued support for major international groups. Our VIP team has handled some of the most eagerly anticipated and high-profile events that take place in London.
We are fiercely independent and fully integrated, delivering tailored public relations, marketing consultancy, powerful digital and social media management, synergistic partnerships, high profile event production, and business development.
Overview of the Role…
Working closely with the Founders and Directors, the Account Director is the senior contact for clients and is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the agency.
You will play an integral role in growing the business and shaping its strategic direction alongside generating top-tier media coverage, overseeing launch events and working with world famous chefs.
Key Responsibilities…
Client Account Management
- Showcase expertise in consulting at senior levels within client organisations and be acknowledged as a part of the senior leadership team and an influential figure in the industry. We pride ourselves on the longstanding nature of our client relationships and the value we place on client council and strategic support
- Manage budgets across the board including client fee structuring to uphold profitability
Media Relations
- Forge and solidify weekly high-level media connections through face-to-face meetings
- Maintain and cultivate strategic media contacts (long-lead, short-lead, consumer media, trade and influencers), working to secure positive coverage for AKA clients in the media
- Secure tier one media large features using your wide experience across the entire media spectrum from broadcast to print
- Create top-tier key messages, media releases, Q&As, prepared remarks, standby statements, and other materials, including research, writing, editing, compiling, and dissemination across pertinent news and social media platforms
- Maintain active involvement in and relationships with creative communities including food, drink, travel, art, design and lifestyle communities
Campaigns and Strategy
- Strategise, execute, and manage national and global media relations campaigns across lifestyle, travel, food, drink and business media
- Create a media outreach strategy and timeline for launches aligned with the overall project schedule
- Work closely with Directors and project teams to smoothly incorporate creative programming into projects and ongoing client strategies, ensuring the successful execution of press and social media campaigns, special events, retail collaborations, and other deliverables
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of AKA’s vision, business goals, and the broader company context
- Ensure a minimum of 5 proactive media sell in pitches and 5 follow ups are conducted each week
- Capable of presenting and guiding credential decks for both clients and prospective new business
Business Development
- Proactive participation in agency growth and development of new business pipeline
- Regularly lead new business brainstorms and pitches, educating and inspiring the team to seek new business opportunities
- Build strong relationships across various levels within the client's organisation to explore new business opportunities
Leadership
- Inspire internal teams and oversee mid-level and junior team members, ensuring effective onboarding, training, development, and motivation to deliver exceptional work for AKA clients
- Actively oversee performance management, guiding probationary periods and performance evaluations, ensuring the setting and attainment of challenging and SMART personal development goals
- Champion the Company’s values and brand
Person Specification
- Proven leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire a team by encouraging cooperation, collaboration and partnerships through sharing knowledge, skills and expertise
- Ability to demonstrate strategic acumen consistently in day-to-day tasks
- Superior high-level media contacts across broadcast, print and digital
- Established relationships with influencers within AKA’s areas of focus, including, food and drink, bars, restaurants, hospitality, nightlife, travel, lifestyle, music, art and culture
- Able to identify communication opportunities across multiple media platforms
- Exceptional problem-resolution skills, including the ability to think creatively and prioritise multiple assignments in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Ability to be a team player in an environment that requires and rewards collaboration
- A sharp eye for detail is essential
- Extremely well-organised, methodical and efficient, with a good dose of common sense and initiative
- Ability to work efficiently in a high pressured and fast paced environment
- A flair for creativity, strategic thinking and innovation with the ability to constantly generate and implement new ideas effectively
- Excellent project management skills
- Discreet, professional and articulate, with excellent communication skills
- Strong MS Word skills; working knowledge of PowerPoint and Excel
- Strong negotiation and delegation skills
- Ability to be flexible with working hours
- International press contacts are desirable
At AKA, we believe in the power of diverse voices and inclusive communities. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strive to create a workplace that reflects the diverse clients and communities we serve.
Account Director employer: AKA Communications
Contact Detail:
AKA Communications Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the hospitality and PR sectors. Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars where you can meet influential figures and potential colleagues. Building relationships with key players in the restaurant and bar scene can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in food, drink, and hospitality. Follow relevant publications and influencers on social media to understand what’s hot in the industry. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your strategic thinking skills by preparing case studies of successful campaigns you've managed. Be ready to discuss how you approached challenges and what innovative solutions you implemented to achieve results.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership abilities by sharing examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing client relationships and driving business growth to align with AKA's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Account Director position. Understand the key responsibilities and person specifications, and think about how your experience aligns with them.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in public relations, client management, and media relations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and strategic thinking abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the hospitality sector and your understanding of AKA's vision. Mention specific campaigns or projects you admire and explain how you can contribute to their success.
Highlight Media Connections: In your application, emphasize your existing media contacts and relationships within the food, drink, and lifestyle sectors. Provide examples of how you've successfully secured media coverage in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at AKA Communications
✨Show Your Passion for Hospitality
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the premium hospitality sector. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with the industry, whether through previous roles or personal experiences, to demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Highlight Your Media Connections
Since media relations are crucial for this role, come prepared to discuss your existing media contacts. Be ready to share how you've successfully secured media coverage in the past and how you plan to leverage those connections for AKA.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to showcase your strategic acumen by discussing past campaigns you've managed. Highlight your ability to create and execute media outreach strategies that align with business goals, emphasizing your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasize Leadership Skills
As an Account Director, you'll be expected to inspire and lead teams. Share examples of how you've motivated team members, managed performance, and fostered collaboration in previous roles to illustrate your leadership capabilities.
