Account Director

Purpose of the Job We are seeking a dynamic, commercially astute and culturally fluent Account Director to lead strategic client relationships across Italy and Germany for a prestigious global beverages client.This role will oversee the delivery of high-impact print, 3D point of sale materials (POSM) and branded merchandise solutions that elevate brand visibility and drive consumer engagement in on and off trade environments, and is pivotal in driving strategic growth, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering long-term partnerships with key client stakeholders.Reporting into the Regional Account Director, the Account Director will take full responsibility for the strategic and operational management of the accounts under their responsibility and managing the performance of their team, ensuring all work is completed in line with the SLA.This individual also needs to be a strong leader who can focus on the vision and strategies of the account, balance daily support needs with long-term strategy and successfully combine vision and reality into effective plans.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as the senior point of contact for client stakeholders in Italy and Germany, ensuring exceptional service delivery and strategic alignment with brand goalsDelivering operational excellenceWith the Regional Account Director manage the on and off-site Account Teams that operate in the areas of the clients business under your direction ensuring compliance to company operating procedureManage the personal development of your team members through, appraisals, one-to-one meetings, mentoring and trainingTake ownership of and resolve issues, quality concerns or corrective actionsDeveloping effective growth strategies and managing the opportunities for these ClientsWith the Regional Account Director; build client development plans for each yearAchieve and excel growth targetsManage overall financial performance of the account, risk analysis and remedyIdentifying risks to the account and putting in place strategies to manage these risksContract review and renewalDevelop strong relationships with senior key decision makersRegular MI reporting and production of account relationship plansKnowledge, Skills + ExperienceProven experience in account management or client services within print, POSM or branded merchandise - ideally for FMCG or beverage brandsFluent in Italian and / or German (business proficiency required); English fluency essentialStrong understanding of retail marketing, consumer engagement, and brand activation in the beverages sectorExtensive people management experience including performance management and team leadershipExperienced in taking responsibility for managing client service plans, KPIs, budgeting, forecasting and leadershipProven track record of operational management for client services departmentsSignificant experience in developing and maintaining client relationshipsAble to present account planning and strategy for retention, growth and added valueDemonstrable track record of successful client and contract managementCan anticipate internal and/or external business issues and develop risk mitigation strategiesExperience of managing department financialsHave in depth knowledge of Performance Improvement philosophy and implementationSignificant experience of managing work in a fast-paced retail environmentPrevious experience of presenting to Senior Management/Board levelStrong experience of dealing with large P+L budgetsExcellent interpersonal skills, able to develop positive relationships at all levels, with all types of people up to Board levelExcellent communication skills – verbal, written, presentation – with clarity of expressionDemonstrable people management skillsPassion for qualityPayTypeSalaryEmploymentIndicatorRegular#J-*****-Ljbffr