At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business and nurture high-profile brand accounts in the retail sector.
- Company: Global leader in in-store merchandising with a passion for developing people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to sustainability and innovation in retail.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail while making a real impact on shopping experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and account management within retail or brand environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
You might not know it, but every time you go grocery shopping, chances are you are using at least one of HL’s products. HL is a global leader in in-store merchandising and communication, helping customers to create a better shopping experience around the world. Founded in 1954, HL today is present in more than 70 countries and solutions can be found in 350,000 stores, supporting customers to grow sales, inspire shoppers, drive automation, and reduce waste.
We’re looking for a commercially driven Account Director to drive new business opportunities across the UK market, as well as lead and grow a portfolio of high-profile brand accounts. This is a strategic, client-facing role focused on developing long-term brand partnerships, identifying growth opportunities, and delivering commercially impactful solutions across brand activations within the retail environment. You’ll play a key role in both nurturing existing relationships and opening new doors, helping shape the next phase of growth for the business.
Key Responsibilities:- Leading and developing strategic relationships with major brand and FMCG clients, acting as the primary commercial contact
- Driving new business activity through networking, prospecting, referrals, and market opportunities
- Identifying and converting opportunities within existing and prospective accounts to support revenue growth
- Developing and delivering account growth strategies aligned to client objectives and commercial targets
- Building strong partnerships with key stakeholders across brand, marketing, procurement, and retail teams
- Owning commercial performance across accounts, including revenue growth, forecasting, profitability, and margin management
- Leading commercial negotiations, proposals, and contract discussions at senior level
- Collaborating with creative, design, production, and operational teams to deliver innovative brand solutions
- Ensuring best practice across internal processes and CRM management
- Monitoring market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities to support strategic growth
- Supporting pitches, presentations, and business development initiatives to expand the client portfolio
- Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, providing insight-led recommendations and commercially focused solutions
To succeed in this role, we are looking for the following skills and experience:
- Proven experience in Business Development and Account Management within brand environments, retail marketing, POS, shop-fit, experiential, or related sectors
- Strong track record of developing client relationships and delivering commercial growth
- Experience managing or growing high-value brand or FMCG accounts
- Commercially astute with experience managing revenue targets, forecasting, and profitability
- Confident communicator with strong presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Proactive and opportunity-focused mindset with the ability to identify and convert new business opportunities
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on account leadership
- Comfortable working cross-functionally in fast-paced, client-led environments
- Existing network or experience within brand, retail, or FMCG sectors advantageous
- Work in a business with global scale – where people are empowered to make decisions locally.
- Grow with a company which has big ambitions – both for the business and our employees.
- Help us improve the shopping experience and drive sustainability in retail.
- Competitive salary and benefits and a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Account Director in Essex employer: HL Display UK - The better shopping experience
HL Display is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where employees are empowered to make impactful decisions. With a strong commitment to employee growth and sustainability in retail, HL provides competitive salaries and benefits, alongside opportunities for professional development across its global operations. Join us in shaping the future of shopping experiences while being part of a passionate team dedicated to driving innovation and commercial success.
Contact Detail:
HL Display UK - The better shopping experience Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Account Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers or clients, come prepared with insights about market trends and how you can help them grow. This will position you as a trusted advisor and make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After meeting someone or having an interview, send a quick thank-you note or message. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reinforce those connections.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talent like you. By applying directly, you’ll have a better chance of getting noticed by our hiring team. So, don’t wait – take that step and show us what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Account Director role. Highlight your experience in business development and account management, especially within brand environments or retail marketing. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can drive new business opportunities. Be sure to mention any relevant experience with high-profile brand accounts.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements. Did you exceed revenue targets or successfully grow a portfolio? We love numbers, so quantify your successes to make a strong impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at HL Display UK - The better shopping experience
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into HL's products and their impact on the retail environment. Understand their market position and recent developments. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute to their growth.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and nurtured client relationships in the past. Highlight specific instances where your efforts led to significant commercial growth, as this aligns perfectly with the role's focus on developing long-term brand partnerships.
✨Be a Problem Solver
Think about potential challenges HL might face in the retail sector and come prepared with insight-led recommendations. This proactive approach will show that you’re not just a fit for the role but also a strategic thinker who can add value from day one.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Since the role involves presentations and negotiations, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Use mock interviews to refine your communication skills, ensuring you can effectively convey your strategies and insights during the actual interview.
