At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead brand strategies and client relationships while driving innovative solutions.
- Company: ZEAL, an award-winning brand activation group with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and remote work support.
- Other info: Enjoy a dog-friendly office and a wealth of social events.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on leading global brands.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management and integrated campaigns, especially in FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
A bit about us
We are ZEAL, a brand activation group that helps fast-moving brands grow faster by turning apathy into action in the moments that matter most.
Powered by our ZEAL-EQ process, we create powerful emotional engagement, unlock hidden shopper buying triggers and give brands the ‘cheat codes’ to win in their key retail channels.
Born in Manchester, we are an independent group with 150 people across Manchester, London, Singapore and Los Angeles, delivering integrated activation across shopper marketing, experiential, partnerships, PR, social, influencer and digital.
We work with leading global brands including Nestlé, Carlsberg Britvic, Suntory, Kraft Heinz, Kellanova, Arla, Bacardi, Essity, Froneri, Weetabix and Revlon.
Our work has been recognised across the industry, including three consecutive IPM Agency of the Year titles (2023–2025), FMBE Brand Experience Agency of the Year 2026, and the Campaign Experience Awards’ Best Integrated Campaign (2025).
We have also been shortlisted for Independent Agency of the Year at the Campaign Agency of the Year Awards 2025 and are proud to be listed in Campaign’s Top 100 Best Places to Work.
Role in summary
As an Account Director, you’ll strategically lead a portfolio of brands. bringing innovative thinking to the table and leading day-to-day client relationships, working closely with them to solve problems across the consumer’s path to purchase.
You will take ownership of delivering the retained scope of work, alongside driving growth and leading an established team of account handlers.
- What you’ll be doing
- Delivering strategic direction to your client and team across your portfolio of brands
- Leading the delivery of projects with accountability for the fiscal targets, accurately forecasting contribution across your accounts, ensuring it is delivered as planned
- Working alongside the Group Account Director to identify and drive opportunities to grow your portfolio including contribution, new services, and new categories
- Effectively coaching and supporting your team, providing constructive and strength-based feedback to build confidence and skills whilst identifying opportunities for development.
- Reviewing and analysing the delivery of projects with a view to achieving future efficiencies whilst ensuring all work is delivered with the highest of standards and surpasses client’s expectations
- Actively developing your knowledge of the landscape in which your clients’ brands operate, keeping abreast of the latest developments in the marketplace, business performance and wider environmental influences and proactively sharing this with the wider team
- What you’ll bring to the role
- Proven experience working as an Account Director or similar level within an agency environment
- Experience delivering integrated campaigns, ideally within the FMCG space
- A background in people management with clear directive on how to best support and grow a team within client services
- Experience managing a brand portfolio in excess of £1m with proven abilities in growing client revenue
- The ability to effectively project manage briefs through an agency, working with multiple teams and touchpoints to deliver exceptional work
- How we reward you
- 24 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata)
- Contributory pension scheme
- Annual company bonus scheme (pro-rata)
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Assurance
- Continuous learning and development
- Enhanced parental benefits
- Additional benefits
- The last Friday of every quarter is a ZEAL Day off
- Christmas closure
- Work from home budget to help you achieve your dream set up
- Dog friendly offices
- A wealth of social events from our seasonal gatherings to our quarter review get togethers
No recruiters, please! We will reach out if we need support.
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Account Director employer: ZEAL Creative
At ZEAL, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. Our Manchester-based team enjoys a range of benefits including a generous holiday allowance, private medical insurance, and opportunities for continuous learning and development, all while working with leading global brands in a dynamic environment. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being and a dog-friendly office, ZEAL is committed to creating a rewarding workplace where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for ZEAL Creative and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like ZEAL Creative are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with ZEAL Creative on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at ZEAL Creative. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit ZEAL Creative. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of ZEAL Creative:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about ZEAL Creative’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ZEAL Creative
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at ZEAL Creative will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At ZEAL Creative, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
