Advertising Account Manager in London

An Advertising Account Manager acts as the main point of contact between advertising agencies and their clients. The role involves managing client accounts, understanding their needs, and ensuring that advertising campaigns are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard. Account Managers work closely with creative teams, media planners, and clients to coordinate campaign activities, present proposals, and monitor progress. Strong communication, organisational, and negotiation skills are essential, as the job often involves juggling multiple projects and deadlines.

This career is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a fast‐paced, team‐oriented environment and are interested in the world of advertising and marketing.

Advertising Account Managers in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £45,000 per year, with senior roles reaching up to £60,000.

There are approximately 10,000 advertising and account management roles in the UK, with strong demand in London and other major cities.

Most Advertising Account Managers work around 37 to 40 hours per week, often with some overtime to meet client deadlines.

Focuses on managing online advertising campaigns for clients, including social media, search engines, and display ads. Specialises in building and maintaining relationships between brands and external partners to create successful advertising collaborations. Works on selecting the most effective media channels for advertising campaigns, ensuring that adverts reach the right audience at the right time.

Gain Relevant Education

• Complete A Levels or Equivalent: Take A Levels (such as Business Studies, English, or Media Studies) or an equivalent qualification to prepare for further study. Good GCSEs, especially in English and Maths, are essential for progressing to A Levels or equivalent courses.
• Obtain a Degree or Higher Education Qualification: Pursue a degree in advertising, marketing, business, or a related field. While it is possible to enter the field without a degree, most employers prefer candidates with a higher education qualification.
• Build Practical Experience: Undertake internships or work placements in advertising or marketing agencies. Look for summer internships, part‐time roles, or work experience opportunities in advertising agencies or marketing departments.
• Build a Portfolio and Network: Create a portfolio of your work and start networking within the industry. Attend industry events, join relevant professional bodies such as the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA), and connect with professionals through LinkedIn and other platforms.

Start and Progress Your Career

• Apply for Entry‐Level Roles: Look for entry‐level positions such as Account Executive or Junior Account Manager. Begin your career in roles where you support senior account managers, learn about client management, and contribute to campaign planning.
• Develop Skills and Advance: Take on more responsibilities and seek promotions to account management positions. Continuous professional development, such as attending workshops or completing industry‐recognised qualifications, can help you move up to senior Account Manager or Account Director roles.
• Explore Relevant Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships offer hands‐on experience and training while earning a wage.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

Carrying out routine financial activities and support for businesses and organisations of all types and sizes.

Sample Qualifications

An Advertising Account Manager and an Advertising Account Executive both work closely with clients to develop and execute advertising campaigns. The main difference lies in seniority, but in terms of qualifications and core responsibilities, they are quite similar, focusing on client relationship management and campaign coordination.

How to Become

• You can get into this job through a university course, a college course, working towards this role, or specialist courses run by professional bodies.
• University: You can get into advertising with a degree in any subject. Some employers may prefer it if you have a degree in a subject like advertising, marketing, business management, communications, or media studies.
• Entry Requirements: You’ll usually need 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree. There is no set route to become an advertising account executive.
• Experience: Employers value work experience, so it’s important to get as much as you can during your studies.

It’s a good idea to have a presence on social networking sites. You could also show your creative and communication skills to employers through your own blog or website.