At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and elevate a talented team while managing major client relationships.
- Company: Join Equator, part of the innovative Propelis Group, in a vibrant Manchester studio.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, professional growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values critical thinking and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative space with passionate people and exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in client services within creative industries and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.
Equator, a division of Marks and part of the Propelis Group, is looking for an experienced Director of Client Services to step in for a period of 12 months and guide a talented team through a pivotal year. You’ll support a portfolio of major UK retail and branded clients, provide senior leadership to a group of developing Account Directors, and bring the commercial and strategic judgement needed to keep work flowing smoothly and profitably.
Equator’s Manchester studio is a place people want to be — a beautiful red-brick space full of charm, energy and genuine collaboration. You’ll feel the buzz of designers, strategists, production specialists and client teams working side-by-side, sharing expertise and building great work together. The culture is inclusive, warm and grounded. People support each other, celebrate strengths, and aren’t afraid to ask questions. You’ll join a leadership team that values critical thinking, fairness, commercial awareness and continuous improvement — without the ego.
In this role, you’ll have the freedom to shape how the team grows, how clients are supported, and how we continue to deliver exceptional packaging and adaptive design work across a broad, interesting portfolio. If you are seeking an interim, senior role with real influence, real people, and a genuinely great atmosphere, you’ll feel at home here.
What you’ll do:
- Lead, coach and elevate a team of Account Directors, helping them grow confidence, capability and critical-thinking skills.
- Act as senior point of contact across a varied client portfolio, ensuring exceptional service and long-term partnership.
- Bring commercial clarity to pricing, forecasting and scopes, protecting both the work and the business.
- Partner with Department Directors to deliver efficient, “right-first-time” creative and production workflows.
- Support pitches, strategic conversations and high-profile projects with calm, senior-level oversight.
What you’ll bring:
- Senior client-service experience within a creative, packaging or branding environment.
- A people-first leadership style with a knack for developing talent.
- Strong commercial instincts and confidence navigating complex client and internal dynamics.
- The ability to problem-solve, steady the team and keep momentum in fast-moving environments.
About Propelis: Marks and Equator are part of Propelis Group. Propelis is a portfolio of global marketing services and technology companies with a combined legacy of 150+ years, 2,000+ clients, 9,000 employees, and operations across 30 countries. Propelis provides the scale and support of a global organization while preserving the unique culture and identity of each company in its portfolio.
Director of Client Services in Bolton employer: Marks
Equator, part of the Propelis Group, is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Manchester, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. As a Director of Client Services, you will lead a talented team in a beautifully designed studio, where creativity thrives and every voice is valued. With a focus on continuous improvement and a supportive leadership team, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact while enjoying a dynamic atmosphere filled with passionate professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Client Services in Bolton
✨Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like Marks can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.
✨Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities
Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like Marks; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.
✨Join Corporate Management Forums
Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like Marks.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Client Services in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.
Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at Marks and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.
Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research Marks's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks
✨Show Off Your Leadership Stories
For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.
✨Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks
In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.
