Senior Account Director (Corporate) in London

Purpose of the role

The Senior Account Director (SAD) will work on notable multi-market energy, industry and technology clients with UK and international colleagues. They will drive the highest levels of consultancy and client service to retain and grow profitable clients. Providing counsel on reputational resilience, risk preparedness and live crisis response, this experienced account leader will have the ability to develop strategic, insights/data-led corporate campaigns that engage diverse stakeholders on multiple channels. Working with senior client contacts and leading executive communications programmes, the SAD will develop strong, authentic, memorable narratives that underpin external and internal communications. The SAD will spot opportunities to grow existing clients and play a significant role on new business pitches and onboarding wins. Understanding the macro-economic, political and cultural trends that clients face, they will bring holistic thinking to tackling client briefs and problem solving. The SAD will help drive the cascading of business across the network and forge strong relationships with international colleagues. Engaged with the evolving artificial intelligence landscape, the SAD will champion and adopt AI-driven insights and tools to elevate strategic communications and drive superior client outcomes.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop strong relationships and trust with clients, providing strategic consultancy and initiatives for retention and organic growth.
• Promote an integrated communications and multi-channel storytelling mindset to deliver a cohesive offer to clients.
• Brief the creative engineering team to bring concepts to life for cross-disciplinary and multi-channel campaigns.
• Run executive media relations programmes, including media training, for senior clients.
• Oversee media relations activity, maintaining strong personal relationships with journalists, bloggers, influencers and analysts across national, trade, vertical and social media channels.
• Consult with clients on media opportunities in relation to the news agenda.
• Ensure that KPIs and service agreements are defined and met.
• Identify and secure upsell/cross-sell opportunities with existing clients, plus client and services cascade opportunities across the network.
• Participate in credentials and pitches for multi-market prospects, helping to develop the strategic insight, strategy and messaging.
• Help build a high calibre and motivated team: set objectives for line reports and support strengths and professional development.
• Promote a culture of innovation and curiosity for continuous professional improvement.
• Contribute to “all hands” meetings, press briefings, training sessions and attend socials.
• Be a collaborative, encouraging, supportive member of the London HQ team.

About you

Ambitious, dynamic and positive, you have proven experience of leading and growing corporate communications business. You have an impressive track record of retention and organic growth of existing clients as well as of helping to win accounts. A strategic thinker, with an interest in purpose and ESG, you enjoy counselling c-suite clients and devising stakeholder engagement campaigns that build trust and drive change. You are empathetic and collaborative with the aptitude to coach and motivate client teams to deliver service and work of the highest order. Mission-focused and commercial, you have a “sleeves rolled up” mentality and like to exceed goals, deliver results and make a positive impact. You thrive in a flexible, open-minded, “can do” environment.

Additional requirements

• In-depth experience in corporate reputation, strategic positioning and behavioural change campaigns; ideally, experience in issues and crisis management.
• Passion for, or experience in, sustainability and environmental initiatives is valued.
• Understanding of trends and issues impacting corporate reputations and complex stakeholder audiences.
• Experience working on international energy and b2b technology brands.
• Interest in the strategic applications of AI in comms; proactive in leveraging AI innovations to drive business growth and operational efficiency.
• High level of business acumen, including successful commercial management.
• Understanding of diverse international cultures, communication styles, values, practices.
• Relationship builder who connects quickly; deft at navigating stakeholder relationships and networks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; an articulate and convincing presenter.
• Ability to problem solve, project manage, prioritise and multi-task.
• Integrity, humility, self-drive/initiative – and a sense of humour!

Key internal relationships

• Director / Global Client Lead Schneider Electric (London) – line manager.
• Senior Vice President, EMEA (London HQ leader).
• Account Directors / Managers / Executives (London and across the network) – line reports.
• Global Executive Creative Director (London) + Global Creative Operations Director (London).
• Vice President International Client Engagement (London) / Client Engagement Manager, UK.
• Senior Vice President, Global HR (London).
• Financial Controller, UK.