Investment Account Director in Manchester

At Talon, our mission is to unlock the full potential of out of home, making it more effective, creative, measurable and sustainable than ever. We’re passionate about OOH and are on a mission to drive the growth of this sector within the media industry. In just over a decade, our desire to offer intelligent, creative, technology-led OOH solutions and a full-service OOH offering saw us grow into a team of over 450+ people located in key cities across the globe. In that time, we have been awarded for our approach to our people, our clients and our industry. We hire the finest talent to help us unlock the full potential of the Out of Home (OOH) environment for our clients; and pride ourselves on the individuals who represent our business.

THE ROLE

The role of the Investment Account Director is to work closely with the Head of Investment (HOI) and Head of Client (HOC) to help manage/direct our regional agency’s portfolio of accounts. The role is to aid in overseeing the investment elements of all OOH campaigns within this agency remit. The Investment team are primarily responsible for the trading and delivery of our agencies and clients’ campaigns and ensuring that we are hitting any measurement and commercial targets. As an Account Director within the team, you will play an essential role in enabling us to fulfil this remit. The Account Director will be a driven individual, who works well across a wide range of tasks and is focused on delivering the best outcomes for our clients. The ideal candidate needs to be reliable with a high level of attention to detail.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

• Work with the team to service the range of clients within our Manchester office at the highest level possible.
• In conjunction with the HOI and HOC, be responsible for, and oversee, all trading & negotiation across assigned agency business.
• Oversee non-Investment trades with the planning team and ensure that pricing is appropriate and commercial objectives are being met.
• Be the gatekeeper of options and bookings going through Plato.
• In conjunction with the HOI, HOC and Planning Business Director (BD), assist in writing and implementing key client strategies.
• Alongside the HOI to drive delivery of commercial and PRF targets across the agency group.
• In conjunction with the HOI, manage the audit process both internally and externally. Attend audits where necessary.
• Work with the commercial and planning teams to manage/allocate our commercial commitments.
• In conjunction with the HOI and HOC, endeavour to pro-actively grow and develop key client business alongside the planning teams.
• Actively focus on developing spend from lapsed, dormant and non-OOH spending clients.
• Implement and direct the planning team in pushing specific initiatives.
• Alongside the HOI, ensure delivery of Agency, Client and Media Owner value banks across the Manchester business.
• Barter - work with the agency barter leads, MO's and barter companies, to ensure effective delivery of our client’s barter requirements.
• Develop relationships with the key Investment/teams at our agencies. Be the main point of contact for all Investment requests from them, including PRFs updates/pitches etc.
• Nurture and hold strong relationships with key media owner contacts - Head of Dept level etc.
• Develop, maintain and nurture relationships with our contacts at the Auditing companies.
• Assist in overseeing the delivery of market stats / market intelligence/generator pieces/deals (including short term incentive deals). Identify weaker market points and collate and distribute proactive deals.
• Ensure Monthly agency update reports are collated and updated.
• Comprehensively understand the media owners, their business and be an internal & external brand ambassador.
• Maintain strong relationships with all media owner contacts and enhance relationships with more senior contacts.
• Provide expertise for the assigned business area, externally & internally communicating any relevant changes in the marketplace.
• Strive for maximum efficiency in plan creation and workflow process.
• Actively contribute to tools, systems and communication creation to improve the output of the team.
• Develop and grow industry knowledge through attendance of internal and external training programmes.
• Contribute to the training and development of managers and executives within the team and the wider company.
• Explore new and innovative ways of servicing the needs of clients within Manchester portfolio.
• Comply with all company and departmental policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate proper care and respect for corporate assets.
• Understand Talon philosophy and specialist business unit’s offerings and communicate them appropriately.
• Share knowledge and best practice across the team and business.
• Assist in wider company initiatives including new business pitches, Cogs, etc.
• Champion sustainability and advocate the value of positive social and environmental impact within your team.
• Participate in projects and initiatives which drive Talon’s commitment to positive social and environmental causes. E.g., charity partnerships, volunteering, carbon offsetting etc.
• Role model the Talon values and behaviours to help ensure the best possible culture and tone is set throughout Talon.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Commercially aware, looks for new opportunities and ways to generate added value.
• Negotiation and innovative trading ability.
• Accomplished OOH pricing/market knowledge.
• Ability to work as part of a team, supportive and collaborative.
• Communicative and relationship building oriented.
• Enthusiastic and driven.
• Willingness to share knowledge and further personal development.
• Strong time management skills are essential.
• A high level of attention to detail.
• Proactive and good multitasking skills.

AS WELL AS

• Previous experience working at Account Investment Director level.
• Proven extensive knowledge of buying and auditing OOH.
• Relevant experience in an Out of home specialist or other directly relevant background.
• Experience of servicing a range of clients/media owners at a senior level.
• Strong numeracy & analytical skills.
• Accurate and acute attention to detail.
• Experience of managing people.
• Microsoft office suite skills – particularly Excel.

WHY US

“The best thing about working at Talon is the space, time and expertise I’ve been given over the years to grow and develop my skills.” Client Director at Talon

OUR VALUES AND HOW WE WORK TOGETHER

• WE ARE BOLD - As industry provocateurs and pioneers, we respectfully challenge the status quo, take pride in our people, big ideas and partnerships.
• WE ARE HUMAN - We are a diverse collective of changemakers who value respect, fairness, and integrity and expect the same in return.
• WE ARE SMART - Our trailblazing spirit and learning centric culture ensures our knowledge provides maximum value to each other and our clients.

Talon is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive. We seek to employ and develop a workforce representative of the markets that we serve and brands that we represent.