At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting campaigns and build strong client relationships in a creative environment.
- Company: Join Southpaw Agency, a diverse team passionate about innovative work.
- Benefits: Freelance role with flexible working and the chance to grow your career.
- Why this job: Make an impact on global brands while working in a vibrant Tunbridge Wells location.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in account management within a creative agency, especially in beauty or luxury.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
We’re a diverse group of creators, producers, strategists, and client service pros, all united by a passion for brilliant work and a challenger mindset. We’re looking for a Senior Account Director to join the team on a freelance basis from January 2026, for around 3 months. We are also open to an experienced Account Director with experience in a busy creative agency who feels ready to take the next step in their career.
We’ve driven brand growth for challenger brands across the beauty, premium drinks, lifestyle, and entertainment sectors - helping them shift behaviours, build communities, spark conversation, and shape culture.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Lead end-to-end campaigns across ATL, social, digital, and activation
- Build strong, trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders
- Partner with strategists and creatives to deliver bold, effective work
- Spot opportunities for growth, pitch new business, and convert ideas into results
- Protect and grow core client accounts
- Manage, support, and develop members of the client service team
- Keep commercials sharp and projects on track
What We’re Looking For:
We want a proven Senior Account Director from a creative agency background, ideally with experience in beauty, luxury, or alcohol brands. You thrive on big challenges, have a track record of pitch wins and account growth, and bring the energy, curiosity, and hustle that define Southpaw. You’ll bring:
- Strategic smarts and creative curiosity - furiously curious about everything
- Confidence leading high-value client relationships
- Calmness under pressure, with sharp problem-solving skills
- A collaborative style and passion for developing talent
- Commercial acumen and a knack for spotting growth opportunities
Big agency energy, local charm: Work on global clients from our converted warehouse in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, just 45 minutes from London Bridge. We are looking for someone who can work with us in person on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We’re looking for someone who brings the hustle, protects and grows client relationships, and thrives on delivering outstanding results. If that’s you, get in touch!
To apply or for more information contact Naomi.bruce@southpawagency.com. Southpaw is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the audiences we serve. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in advertising, including people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from non-traditional educational backgrounds.
Freelance Senior Account Director employer: Institute of Practitioners in Advertising
Contact Detail:
Institute of Practitioners in Advertising Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Senior Account Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get that interview, let your passion for the role shine through. Share your experiences and how they align with the company’s values. Remember, they want to see the real you, not just a polished version.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions for Account Directors and practice your responses. Think about how your past experiences can demonstrate your strategic smarts and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Senior Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for creative work shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re excited about the opportunity to contribute to our team and help drive brand growth.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in your application. We’re particularly interested in your background with beauty, luxury, or alcohol brands, so don’t be shy about showcasing those achievements that align with what we do at Southpaw.
Be Authentic: We love authenticity! Don’t hesitate to let your personality come through in your writing. Share your unique perspective and how it can add value to our diverse team. Remember, we’re looking for someone who brings energy and curiosity!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of getting noticed, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Institute of Practitioners in Advertising
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Southpaw Agency's work and their clients. Familiarise yourself with their campaigns in beauty, luxury, and alcohol brands. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare specific examples of your past achievements, especially those related to pitch wins and account growth. Be ready to discuss how you've built strong client relationships and led successful campaigns, as this is crucial for a Senior Account Director role.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
Southpaw values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about how you've worked with strategists and creatives in the past. Highlight instances where your collaborative approach led to innovative solutions or successful project outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that reflect your curiosity about the agency's future projects or their approach to client relationships. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their ongoing success.