Account Manager - Automotive Consumer

Position outline
From the award-winning agency that conceived the world’s first self-cleaning car, unveiled a new watch at 35,000 feet, organised a super-car street race in Dubai, created the world’s first glow-in-the-dark car paint and drew a one-kilometre-wide car in the sand, we have an exciting new role for an account manager or senior account manager to join our award-winning creative comms agency.
Working on globally renowned automotive and motorcycle brands, we are looking for a self-starter with an interest in cars and/or bikes. You should be a great writer for both traditional and social channels taking dull data and painting pictures with it. You’re comfortable in front of clients and can translate those conversations into projects that deliver great results.
Suitable for someone seeking a new challenge within the automotive sector or looking to take the next step on the career ladder, the role requires an ability to drive the day-to-day management of client activity and plans, helping to ensure KPIs are achieved with the support of the Account Director. The successful candidate should be meticulous in adhering to processes to ensure the smooth running of the accounts, while providing reliable budgets and contributing creatively across brands.
As well as showing leadership qualities and an ability to effectively manage junior staff, it is important that the individual can comprehend the often-complex nature of our clients’ businesses. We are looking for an enthusiastic account lead and content producer with a keen eye for a mainstream news story who can also turn ideas into effective campaigns.
The Agency has a reputation for nurturing and developing talent and prides itself on being at the forefront of modern PR and communications. The role of AM is pivotal within the Automotive teams at Performance. Not only will the person become a key contact for an exciting group of clients, they will also help ensure that all accounts are managed in an efficient manner.
Located in Kingston-Upon-Thames, this job would be split between office (3 days a week – Tues, Wed, Thurs) and home – with occasional travel across the UK and abroad possible.
Reporting line & team
The AM role reports to the Account Director and will help manage the day-to-day smooth running of the agency’s growing group of consumer accounts, as well as supporting the wider team on creative comms and strategic planning.
Experience
A proactive, self-starter individual who has an interest in cars and the automotive world
Must be a competent writer who is able to create focussed copy tailored to specific audiences or platforms e.g. news releases, website copy, LinkedIn or other social channels
An ability to manage and nurture junior staff
Experience delivering campaigns and projects – creating, tracking and reconciling budgets
Agency experience
Can demonstrate an ability to translate information (words and data) into engaging copy
Experienced at effectively working with and managing client teams and the project delivery
Ideally has experience within the automotive industry and industry media contacts
Time management – the ability to logically plan, develop and execute plans, using the strengths of a team to ensure optimal delivery
Excellent media relations skills
Strong client relations
Understanding of key social channels (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube etc)
Team management, supporting junior team on career progression, running monthly check ins and support on annual reviews
Key accountabilities
Manage junior staff to ensure the maintenance of reporting and status updates for several accounts across the team; this may include status and coverage reports, digital project management tools, rolling release schedules, future features lists and deadlines, and media distribution lists
Client management: develop excellent client relationships and be the main ‘go-to’ person for the client(s)
Dissect and understand the operations and business goals of all clients to ensure the creation of effective stories and campaigns
While the role majors on client management, content creation and creative ideas, much of the team’s work demands a nose for media opportunities and a proactive approach to media relations
Establish strong relationships with all client teams as well as key personnel elsewhere in the businesses. Ensuring direct access to key people who can provide data, information, opinion etc for relevant content is important
Work with the AD and wider team to ensure quality control is adhered to where any content and written copy is concerned
Plan, organise and prioritise workloads, including helping the AD with resource planning, and flagging any issues to senior staff members
Research to provide market insights / gather information to support the creation of all forms of content
Both draft and help oversee team production of copy, news releases / press kits, campaign and media materials; and drive the development of creative content or ideas
Lead and help devise media distribution plans – a sound understanding and logical approach is key
Will need to support the AD in thinking strategically about clients and the year ahead rather than just the day-to-day
Deliver core projects start to finish as the main lead, with support from AD
Behavioural competencies
A strong communicator who can upwards manage as well as prioritise their own work and the team supporting them
A logical and clear thinker with a strong attention to detail and deadlines
A self-starter who conducts themselves in a professional manner and is a good verbal communicator
An ability to juggle conflicting priorities and work in a fluid and fast-paced environment
Get the basics right – be passionate about good, simple and effective PR/comms with a strong eye for an editorial angle
A desire to challenge and be challenged
An appetite for progression and able to utilise constructive feedback from senior members of the team
Quick learner, adaptable and pragmatic thinker, while being tenacious, results driven and resilient
Highly motivated and committed with great attention to detail
A team player with the gravitas to sometimes deal with senior stakeholders
Confident in client relations and counsel
Why work with us
We believe that Performance Communications is a great place to work. But don’t just take our word for it. In a recent employee survey, 100% of people said they would recommend Performance to a friend, 96% said Performance is a fun place to work and 92% said they enjoyed their job.
We also offer a wide range of perks and benefits including:
Flexible working, pension, health insurance, Cycle to Work scheme, fitness club allowance, regular training for everyone, social activities, charity work, fresh fruit, competitive holiday allowance, and mindful about work/life balance.