Role t itle Senior Account Manager Hours Full time: 0 9:0 0 – 17: 3 0 Reports to Account Director Managing: Account team Salary l evel Competitive salary and benefits Location Guildford or London Purpose of Role A Senior Account Manager drives an account. They should be capable, confident and energetic with a good understanding of their clients’ business, industry and competitive market in corporate communications and the media and be able to demonstrate both strong media communications skills as well as expert client management ability. A Senior Account Manager should be able to carry out the execution of the overall strategy as detailed by their Account Directors, ensuring that objectives and KPIs are being adhered to, and that their accounts are well organised and being run smoothly and profitably, achieving high client satisfaction levels. They should also take an active role in developing and winning new business, from the initial approach and research stage, through to development of strategic plans and creative proposals, and leading pitch teams as and when required. Responsibilities Account Management and Direction Demonstrate a good understanding of the client’s business, industry and competitive market and contribute strategic understanding of all aspects of an integrated communications strategy to meet a client’s business requirements Contribute to the design of the communications strategy and demonstrate a strong understanding of the objectives and requirements. Execute the day-to-day communications strategy, managing up to the Account Director and overseeing junior staff. Run and manage the client activity calendar or planner. Proactively remind Account Directors and more junior staff of forthcoming planned activity and events to ensure it is executed in a timely manner. Keep abreast of external issues and events and regularly review impact on programme and client objectives. To lead meetings. Ensuring that preparation for the meeting is well organised and that Account Director or senior company member are fully briefed on meeting contents Ensure all meeting materials, e.g. agenda, media reports, contact report etc. are prepared accurately. Build good relationships with your client at the appropriate level and support in the overall management of client relationships to the best of your capability. Running account-handling teams in a structured manner, ensuring that the team is fulfilling the plans on time, and achieving the results as agreed with client. Ensure ownership and responsibility for projects for all members of the team Maintain regular proactive contact with the client by phone and email. Media Skills Complete understanding of how the media works in the particular areas in which you operate - the opportunities available and building relationships with journalists, etc. Drive the media relations programme for all clients as laid out in the PR or activity plan. Know the relevant journalists and cultivate relationships with them. Pro-actively seek and identify publicity opportunities to ensure that the maximum level of coverage is achieved for your client, project, etc. Oversee programmes of media promotional activity, such as competitions and reader offers, etc. Competent in all verbal approaches to journalists - consumer, business-to-business and trade - to sell in ideas and discuss opportunities. Accustomed to active (rather than passive) communication. Competent in basic media tactics (on and off the record). Plan and manage the organisation of events ranging from workshops, photocalls, press conferences, openings, training days etc. on behalf of clients. Understand and advise on media handling including interview briefings, developing Q&A’s, exclusives, embargoes and crisis communications. Writing coherent and factually accurate press releases and copy that requires minimal amends from the Account Director and clients. Ability to draft feature copy for trade, consumer, corporate and business publications for clients that is well informed and appropriate to the end user with minimal client or media amendment Amending and improving press releases, internal copy for newsletters etc. drafted by account executive. Cultivate opportunities rather than simply react to requests. Account Profitability Responsibility to adhere to administrative requirements (reporting, timekeeping, expenses, invoices) Maintain a focus and awareness of account profitability and work with your Account Director to ensure the account is kept profitable.