Manager, Account Executive in Sheffield

As a growing communications agency with over 30 years’ experience, Counter Context prides itself on fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation, ensuring that every voice is heard, every perspective is respected, and every contribution matters, both within our teams and in the way we engage with clients, communities, and stakeholders.

This role is ideal for a communications professional with experience delivering consultation and engagement projects who is ready to take greater ownership and grow their client management and commercial skills. Our clients are shaping the transition to net zero, delivering sustainable travel infrastructure, regenerating communities, and delivering nationally significant projects. Whether it’s major infrastructure schemes, place-based regeneration programmes, or renewable energy developments, our work influences decision-makers, empowers communities, and builds trust between stakeholders.

As an Account Manager primarily focused in our Transport & Sustainability Team, you will be responsible for managing a variety of projects, building rapport with clients and stakeholders and delivering high quality outputs to support effective and impactful engagement and consultation. We are looking for someone with excellent organisational skills, a desire to learn and a passion for quality and excellence.

The Role

This role requires effective day‑to‑day management and delivery of consultation and engagement projects. As an Account Manager, you will be accountable for delivering high‑quality work across assigned projects, ensuring outputs are accurate, consistent, and delivered on time, working under the guidance of Senior Account Managers and Directors. You will manage defined workstreams and projects, coordinating delivery across internal teams through effective delegation, maintaining strong client relationships, and ensuring activity aligns with agreed objectives, budgets, and timescales. You will take responsibility for managing actions, risks, and outputs, escalating issues where appropriate and supporting the smooth running of projects.

The role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and confidence working directly with clients, stakeholders, and communities. You will balance hands‑on delivery with effective client service, contributing to high standards of quality and professionalism across all work. This role is suited to someone who is confident managing multiple defined projects or workstreams, but who also values guidance and collaboration as they continue to develop toward senior-level responsibility.

Key skills and competencies

• Client and stakeholder credibility at a project level, with confidence managing day‑to‑day relationships and communicating clearly and professionally.
• Developing commercial awareness, including understanding and managing budgets, scopes, and opportunities to add value for clients.
• Strong delivery discipline, demonstrated through effective prioritisation, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple live projects.
• Collaborative team working capability, supporting colleagues and contributing positively to a high‑performing team culture.

As an Account Manager, you will be a hands‑on practitioner responsible for the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of day‑to‑day project delivery. Working closely with Senior Account Managers and Directors, your key accountabilities will include:

• Quality-Assured Project Delivery & Implementation – Deliver communications and engagement strategies across your projects, taking responsibility for defined workstreams and outputs while supporting senior colleagues to meet overall project objectives.
• Project, Quality & Financial Management – Manage project timelines, actions, risks, and outputs; ensure work is delivered efficiently and to agreed quality standards; and play a key role in project financial management including budget tracking and invoicing.
• Client & Stakeholder Relationships – Act as a trusted day‑to‑day client contact on assigned projects, building positive relationships and engaging effectively with communities, local stakeholders, and project partners.
• Business Development Support – Contribute to proposals, tenders, and pitches, and support opportunities to grow existing accounts by identifying ways to add value for clients.
• Team Collaboration & Development – Delegate and feedback effectively, supporting the development and mentoring of Account Executives and Senior Account Executives, step up when the opportunity or need arises, and contribute positively to a supportive, high‑performing team culture.

At Counter Context, you will have the opportunity to work at the forefront of some of the UK’s most high-profile and complex projects, from regenerating places and delivering critical infrastructure to shaping sustainable transport and energy solutions. Our work has a direct impact on how communities develop, how people live and travel, and how businesses and government communicate.

You’ll manage projects that require both critical thinking and hands-on delivery, working with senior decision-makers and diverse stakeholders. You’ll be empowered to own problems, find solutions, shape decisions and play a visible role in how projects succeed.

Career development

We recognise the importance of balance and support, offering flexibility alongside a range of wellbeing-focused benefits. Salary from £34,000 depending on experience ~ Permanent, full-time position, although we are also happy to discuss fixed-term options ~ 28 days annual leave, rising to 36 days with length of service, plus bank holidays ~ Cash plan through Westfield Health ~ Hybrid and flexible working options ~ 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling support ~ Social and networking opportunities throughout the year ~ Enhanced family leave policies ~ Enhanced pension contributions, alongside salary sacrifice options through Scottish Widows.

We know that different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences make us stronger as a team and help us deliver better outcomes for our clients and the communities we work with.