Role: Account Director (with 2yrs experience at AD level – ready to step up to SAD) WHO WE ARE CellarDoor is a award-winning creative agency specialising in the Hospitality and Food & Beverage (F&B) market. Our team works across branding, strategy, interior / spatial design, campaign and digital communications across the UK and Middle East. Whether restaurant designs, global marketing campaigns or the creating full brand worlds, we challenge ourselves daily to produce world class creative (and want to become famous for it). We work with global brands and startups alike, include Caffe Nero, Compass Group, Honest Burgers along with a wide range of brands across MENA including Pickl, Bonbird and RARE. In the last 6 months we have launched restaurants across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Dubai, created a number of exciting new F&B brands and spaces which will open in 2025, launched a global Christmas campaign, been awarded 3 design awards, spoken on panels, lectured at University, hosted a drawing club and even learnt to be baristas. It is a busy and exciting time. WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR We are looking for a dynamic, ambitious and experienced Account Director to join our team, someone who has strong leadership qualities that can help lead, support, mentor and manage a small account team as well as work strategically and collaboratively with the design team. We need an experienced AD who has the capability to help nurture and grow our existing client base as well as be instrumental in developing new business opportunities. A passion for design and branding within the hospitality market is essential. We work with clients who push us daily to deliver exceptional work. The right candidate will need to be driven, passionate with a ‘can-do’ attitude – someone who is able to manage the pressures of working with high growth international clients and thrives on it. We're looking for someone with a passion for team management and organisation, someone who’s a quick thinker and problem solver and leader. Someone who has an eye for detail, great with time management of themselves as well as time management of teams. Someone who can see the bigger picture, working across multiple related projects, and over a range of clients at any one time. You’ll be leading a team to deliver a range of exciting projects bridging across our brand and interior teams, managing projects including the creation of new brands and spaces, printed and digital content, and communication strategies. Experience in this market and within a busy design studio is essential. We are looking for a self-starter who has strong team leadership and management, client relationship building, strategic leadership, financial forecasting and processes, scheduling processes and new business. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must. Key responsibilities: Team leadership: Lead, mentor and motivate a team, providing guidance, support, and management. Help the team and the business thrive through great management skills not only within your team but across the business Client relationship management: Cultivate and maintain strong, trusting relationships with key clients, always looking for growth opportunities. Be prepared to constructively challenge on all aspects of projects including creative feedback and fees Strategic leadership: Develop and implement strategic plans for client accounts, aligning with their business objectives and goals Business development: Identify and pursue new business opportunities, working closely with the design team to help deliver and present new business pitches Project oversight: Oversee the execution of design projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards Financial management: Manage account forecasts, track financial performance, and ensure profitability. Report bi-weekly to the management team and prepare monthly, detailed updates and long-range forecasting Market insights: Stay up-to-date on industry trends, market developments, and competitor activities to provide informed recommendations to clients and the wider team SKILLS NEEDED: Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in Account Director level within the design or creative industry, with a proven track record of managing multiple accounts and delivering growth Leadership skills: Great leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team Strategic thinking: Strong strategic and analytical thinking skills, with the ability to develop and implement effective account plans Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong client relationships Business acumen: Solid understanding of financial management, forecasting, budgeting, and profitability Industry knowledge: Good knowledge of the design, F&B industry, including trends, best practices, and emerging technologies Education: A degree in marketing, business, design, or a related field is preferred. WHY JOIN US? Innovative environment: Be part of a forward-thinking agency that values creativity and innovation Career growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement Collaborative culture: Work with a talented and passionate team in a collaborative and supportive environment Competitive package: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package Hybrid working : 2 days WFH, 3 office based THE AVAILABLE PACKAGE The opportunity to work with market leading brands and international clients £45-£65k (dependent on experience) Private Medical Healthcare (including dental, optical, mental health and cancer treatments) from 6 months of joining Annual profit share bonus Additional financial perks including New Business Referral Fee and Recruitment Finders Bonus Pension CellarDoor Supper Club (subsidised monthly team dinner or event) 31 days holiday (including Bank Holidays) - increasing up to an additional 3 days for long service Your birthday off (when it falls on a work day) Free parking nearby, with office parking spaces on a rotational basis First interviews to take place W/C 16th December