Company description An award-winning global public relations firm focused on building influence to deliver meaningful impact on business and the world Overview As a Senior PR Account Manager at MSL, you are on top of everything happening in your portfolio of clients – you know what needs to happen and you ensure it is completed. You identify any potential issues in advance and display problem-solving skills to rectify any issues alongside your Account Director. You are the primary point of contact for clients. With the help of your team (Account Executive and Account Manager), you ensure reporting is "slick" and accurate. You own the editorial content and plans for clients and you are involved in Strategy Development with your Account Director. You ensure monthly billing is done effectively and work with your Account Director /Senior Account Director to ensure profitability for your stream. Responsibilities Demonstrate real-time knowledge of all client activities, ensure status documents are updated, lead client status meetings and take ownership for initiatives Effectively delegate tasks, ensuring timeous completion and quality Responsible for specific projects from start-to-finish Develop, alongside your Account Director / Senior Account Director, strategic and tactical client proposals, plans and calendars Write effective content for your full client portfolio and display proficient editing skills; effectively brief the content team when specialist help is needed Drive journalist relationship-building initiatives within the team, across your client portfolio Develop solid media relationships, and oversee the effective running of your team’s entire media relations process Write and pitch excellent quality, relevant story angles to targeted media displaying creativity and an understanding of newsworthiness Participate in daily news desk/media meetings and ensure relevant news and angles are marked and shared with clients Ensure your team regularly updates media lists, informs the broader agency of media changes, compiles tailored media lists per client content piece, and ensures master client media lists are kept updated Responsible for planning, compiling and editing of client review documents/ presentations/ reports Participate in client review meetings with your team Accurately review billing arrangements for clients and ensure monthly billing is done timeously Work with your Account Director / Senior Account Director to ensure your stream is profitable Ensure effective time recording and reporting (daily, accurate data logged on Chase, as per Groupe deadlines) Ensure daily coverage tracking, regular reports and timeous client coverage updates are executed Ensure quality, timeous monthly reports are delivered, and drive new reporting ideas and processes wherever improvements can be made Identify opportunities for new business and maintain an organic growth of existing business and business retention Draft excellent proposals and pitch presentations, in conjunction with your Account Director / Senior Account Director Assist your Account Director / Senior Account Director with key staffing decisions Act as a role model and mentor junior staff (i.e. personal development / coaching / workshop development etc.) Assist with conducting appraisals for junior staff Keep abreast of industry trends and industry best practice Qualifications A tertiary qualification in Public Relations At least 5 years’ experience in PR with 1 year as a Snr PR Account Manager At least 2 years working experience in a PR Agency B2B and corporate client experience Proficient in MS Office (i.e. Word / Excel / PowerPoint) A great command of the English language (both verbal and written) Excellent presentation skills Strong negotiation skills Strong time management skills Strong research skills (assimilation and presentation of information) Excellent knowledge of the South African media landscape (with an interest in the broader African media landscape) Social media savvy Additional information Team player with ability to work independently Ability to remain calm in a highly pressurized environment Ability to accept constructive feedback and learn from it Mature and honest Confident Positive with a “can do” attitude Assertive (never aggressive) Reliable Resilient Problem solver Solution and deadline driven High EQ Energetic, enthusiastic and willing “to go the extra mile” Meticulous with attention to detail Other: Flexible to work beyond normal office hours (overtime if and when required) Comfortable to work on alcohol brands (if and when required) Comfortable to work on-site (at the Agency)