Company Description

Digitas Liquorice is the Connected Marketing agency, built on the principle that there are better ways for brands to connect with people. We leverage comprehensive data, technology, creative, media and strategy capabilities to deliver Media-Fueled Creativity via connected Solutions that include Connected Campaigns, Social Marketing, Brand Experience, CRM & Loyalty, and Marketing Transformation. Digitas Liquorice South Africa has Head Offices in JHB and CT with over 220 Unicorns delivering connected end-to-end solutions for our clients across SSA. Visit www.liquorice.co.za for more about us and what we do. We are also connected to 6 600 Digitas Unicorns across over 30 countries and 50 offices around the world. 

We are  a full-service agency with modern creative & media, data, and technology services all under one roof.   We are connected in the way we think and the way we work. At the heart of our company are great people that we call Unicorns. Our Unicorns are open, bold, and curious and love to solve complex problems for clients in unique ways.

We’re looking for a Group Account Director who has a passion in Client Service Excellence with sound knowledge of digital marketing .You’ll need to have your finger on the pulse of Client Relations & Management, social media platforms, trends and opportunities.

Got what it takes? We’d love to hear from you. 

Digitas is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits any forms of Discrimination or Harassment. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees in line with our Employment Equity Plan. All appointments will be based on qualifications, experience and best fit but preference will be given to candidates from designated groups. 

Job Description

The Group Account Director (GAD)  will be responsible for overseeing multiple account teams and ensuring the successful management and growth of client relationships in line with budgets, pitch opportunities, retention & CS excellence integration.

Support the BUD, Client and Agency teams by ensuring management and monitoring of the timelines and milestones of short and long term strategic, creative & financial objectives for ongoing success.Pro-actively escalating issues to BUD as needed to prevent Client escalation.Living shared values and core behaviours of  Publicis Group AfricaInculcate core values and behaviours in the culture, beliefs and behaviours of the Account Directors team membersMaintain excellent intercompany and interdepartmental communication and knowledge transfer

Day to Day:

Client Management:  serves as the main point of contact for high-profile clients, building and maintaining strong relationships, understanding their needs, and ensuring client satisfaction.Team Leadership: lead and mentor account teams, providing guidance, direction, and support to ensure the successful execution of campaigns and projects.Strategic Planning: Responsible for developing strategic plans and objectives for client accounts, working closely with clients and internal teams to align strategies with business goals.Business Development:  identify new business opportunities, pitch ideas to potential clients, and work to expand the agency's client base.Financial Management: Manage account budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure profitability while meeting client expectations.Campaign Oversight: Oversee the development and implementation of advertising and marketing campaigns, ensuring they are delivered on time, on budget, and meet quality standards.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments such as creative, media, and research to deliver integrated solutions that meet client objectives.Performance Evaluation: Assess the performance of account teams, provide feedback, and implement strategies for continuous improvement.

Growth and Profitability:

Assist BUD in driving the optimisation and harmonisation/integration of the various departments and PGA affiliated agencies.Ensure maintenance of implemented resource & infrastructure optimisationEnsure maintenance of implemented best-practice (both directions)Maintain efficiencies, economies of scale & resource optimisation

Talent:

Assist BUD to retain and grow the best Account Management talent in the industry, acting as a role model for jnr Account Management members.Support knowledge transfer, knowledge sharing and up skilling through relevant & appropriate learning/teaching channelsProfessional maturity to effectively collaborate with other agencies (e.g. Media, Activation, production & PR) partners.

Operational Excellence:

Monitor and manage the workflow process, escalating to BUD where necessary.Monitor standards and implement client feedbackback and measurement systems for agency growth and reputational managementAssist to optimise internal resource allocation and utilisationThe ability to scope projects from a resourcing and timing point of view.Solid writing, speaking & presenting skills in English.Develop Junior Account Management team members to mentor them in creating and seamlessly delivering on integrated campaigns.

QualificationsTertiary qualification: Relevant Marketing Diploma/DegreeAdvanced marketing qualifications would be an advantageProject Management qualification will be an advantage

Experience: 

At least 4-5 years of relevant experience in the advertising industry.At least 2 years of experience in a leadership capacity. Top talent who has demonstrated ability to manage scaled campaigns in all areas of brand building (communications, experiences and technology).Solid writing, speaking & presenting skills in English.

Behavioural Competencies:

Strategic ThinkingInspirational LeadershipBusiness AcumenProblem solving & descision making skillsStrong analytical & reasoning skillsClient relationship buildingLeading a Team

Critical Success Factors:

Implementation of operational processMotivating and inspiring junior team membersOperational accountabilityFinancial Management on a senior levelWriting briefs for the interal studioStrong interpersonal skills,Strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of both client needs and agency capabilities.Driving growth, fostering innovation, and maintaining the agency's reputation for excellence in client service and campaign execution.

Additional Information

Interested candidates must please submit a concise updated CV for consideration.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within 2 weeks after submitting your application, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

Publicis Groupe is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and prohibits any forms of Discrimination or Harassment. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees in line with our Employment Equity Plan. All appointments will be based on qualifications, experience and best fit but preference will be given to candidates from designated groups.