Account Director in London

We’re the UK’s leading premium publisher, and the people behind iconic media brands such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Country Living. We’ve created a working environment that encourages everyone to pull together. We never stop looking for brave new ideas. We’ll always try to develop and improve, we trust each other to do our best, and we have fun as we build on our heritage to make history.

The Role… As Account Director, you’ll sit at the heart of Hearst UK’s commercial engine, owning exceptional client service across high-impact, 360° campaigns - from pitch through to delivery and beyond. Working in close alignment with a designated group of Salespeople, you’ll lead the strategic and operational response for a diverse and exciting client patch spanning Automotive Tech, and a range of development clients. You’ll collaborate with some of the world’s most influential brands - from automotive powerhouses Jaguar Land Rover and Kia to tech leaders including Samsung, Meta and Pinterest. Just as importantly, you’ll play a key role in client development, nurturing brands new to the Hearst ecosystem and helping them grow into long-term partners. Acting as the central owner of each campaign, you’ll bring together cross-functional teams to shape best-in‑class ideas, oversee flawless activation, and deliver insightful post‑campaign storytelling that drives repeat investment and long‑term client retention.

Main Duties…

• Act as the key point of contact for all commercial operations teams and queries, challenging the status quo internally and externally to drive efficiency, improve processes and ensure revenue and servicing expectations are met for both Hearst and clients.
• Lead and co‑ordinate cross‑team collaboration to deliver strategic, innovative commercial responses across client verticals including Beauty & Luxury, Automotive Tech and Entertainment.
• Identify and drive opportunities to diversify and grow revenue within your client patch, including developing brands new to the Hearst business, in close partnership with Sales and the wider Hearst ecosystem.
• Analyse market behaviour, category trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities and inform proactive commercial recommendations.
• Interrogate client briefs and lead the briefing of relevant teams to deliver the strongest possible response, from top‑line budget feasibility through to fully integrated creative, media and production solutions.
• Own campaign activation and delivery, acting as the primary client contact, and deliver clear performance communication and insightful post‑campaign analysis to drive retention and future spend.

What We Are Looking For…

• Strong written and verbal communication, with confidence presenting to senior stakeholders.
• A flexible, personable team player who builds relationships at all levels.
• Sharp commercial awareness with a strong sense of urgency.
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills.
• A proactive, self‑motivated mindset with a solutions‑focused approach.
• Confidence navigating conflict and solving problems under pressure.
• Ability to deliver results in a fast‑paced, high‑expectation environment.

Your benefits at Hearst UK are more than just extras—they are tools to help you thrive in every part of life.

Hearst Exclusives - Only for You! Get adventurous with Good Housekeeping Taste and Beauty Testing Panels - yes, you could be trying the next big thing in beauty, food & drink. Snag luxe beauty steals at our legendary office sample sales - score big on top brands without breaking the bank!

Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing: Feel Your Best Stay healthy with Specsavers eye care, a company‑funded Health Cash Plan, and access to mental health support. Get active and stress‑free with discounted gym memberships and the Cycle to Work scheme. Embrace flexibility with a Location Flex and Holiday Exchange to take time when you need it. Take time to give back with a Charity Day and access wellbeing resources whenever you need them. Join one of our Hearst ERG Groups.

Financial Wellness - Boost Your Budget Plan ahead with a generous Workplace Pension, Income Protection, Life Assurance and Season Ticket Loan for easier commuting. Make smarter money moves using Salary Finance tools, Financial Wellbeing sessions, and Home Tech benefits to spread costs. Treat yourself with major discounts across London plus everyday savings via the HAPI at Hearst app.

Hearst UK is deeply committed to using our influential brands to reflect the world we want to live in – one that respects, protects, represents and uplifts the voices and opinions of all people. As a business, we recognise the significant benefits of creativity, collaboration and innovation that comes with diverse teams. Not only is diversifying the voices in our organization the right thing to do, but it also helps us to make powerful and exciting content that can be enjoyed by many more people. This is why we’re working to build a sense of true belonging within our business and foster a culture in which everyone feels heard.