Account Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Account Director

🔹 Company: Jones Knowles Ritchie

🔹 Location: London, England, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Advertising Services

🔹 Date Posted: April 25, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional brand identity and architecture projects.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships, becoming a trusted advisor and driving organic account growth.
• Developing and implementing client development plans to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities.
• Demonstrating excellent commercial and business acumen, with a hunter/growth mentality.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, client management, and project leadership skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in account management within a brand design agency, with experience working on global CPG clients.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead and manage key client relationships, becoming a trusted advisor and driving organic account growth.

✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional brand identity and architecture projects from end to end.

✅ Develop and implement client development plans to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities.

✅ Demonstrate excellent commercial and business acumen, with a hunter/growth mentality.

✅ Lead and motivate a team with multiple disciplines, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

✅ Have sharp communication skills, with the ability to influence and persuade both clients and internal stakeholders.

✅ Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices, bringing fresh insights and ideas to the team and clients.

ASSUMPTION: The role requires a strong understanding of the branding process, from strategy to execution, as well as the ability to manage multiple workstreams and prioritize effectively.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Marketing, Business, Design) or equivalent experience.

Experience: 2+ years in an Account Director role within a brand design agency, with experience working on global CPG clients.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of organic account growth and client development.
• Excellent commercial and business acumen.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and prioritize effectively.
• Curiosity and excitement for the future of branding.
• Experience working on packaging design and brand identity design projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working on motion/sonic identity projects.
• Experience running global brand identity design system projects.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio demonstrating their ability to deliver high-quality branding projects and drive client success.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £60,000 - £80,000 per annum (AI-estimated, based on market research and company size)

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package, including health insurance and pension contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the agency.
• Flexible working arrangements, with a hybrid work model.

Working Hours: Full-time, with a standard workweek of 37.5 hours, typically Monday to Friday. Some flexibility may be required to accommodate client needs.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and the company's size. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Jones Knowles Ritchie is a global branding agency, specializing in design strategy, packaging design, and visual brand identity. They work with a diverse range of clients across various industries, including consumer goods, retail, and finance.

Company Size: With 201-500 employees, Jones Knowles Ritchie offers a mid-sized agency environment, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: In 1990, Jones Knowles Ritchie was founded in London and has since expanded to include offices in New York and Shanghai.

Company Description:

• Jones Knowles Ritchie is a global branding agency that helps brands be distinctive everywhere.
• The agency is committed to equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity, or expression.
• Jones Knowles Ritchie is known for its collaborative and inclusive work environment, with a focus on fostering talent and creativity.

Company Specialties:

• Design Strategy
• Packaging Design
• Visual Brand Identity
• Creative Strategy
• Branding and Identity
• Brand Creation
• Identity Systems
• Design Management
• Account Management
• Entrepreneur
• Marketing Strategy
• Design Strategy
• Brand Management
• Client Services
• Marketing Services
• Brand Design
• Creative
• Storytelling
• Narrative
• And Strategy

Company Website: www.jkrglobal.com

ASSUMPTION: Jones Knowles Ritchie is a well-established agency with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality branding projects. The company values creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity, making it an attractive option for talented branding professionals.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: The Account Director role is a senior-level position, typically reporting to a Group Business Director or similar role.

Reporting Structure: The Account Director will lead a team of account managers and other discipline-specific team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with a hybrid work model that combines office-based work with remote flexibility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Group Business Director or similar role, overseeing multiple accounts and teams.
• Expansion into new markets or client sectors, driving business growth and innovation.
• Development of specialized skills or expertise, such as motion/sonic identity or brand architecture.

ASSUMPTION: The Account Director role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the agency, as well as the chance to work on high-profile, global branding projects.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Jones Knowles Ritchie's London office is located in the vibrant Shoreditch neighborhood, offering a creative and collaborative work environment.

Office Location(s): Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6JJ, GB

Geographic Context:

• London is a major global hub for the advertising and branding industries, offering ample opportunities for networking and professional development.
• The Shoreditch neighborhood is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its diverse range of restaurants and bars.
• The office is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday to Friday, with core hours of 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Some flexibility may be required to accommodate client needs or project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The London office provides a dynamic and creative work environment, with ample opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications.
• First-round interview with the hiring manager to discuss the role, responsibilities, and career growth opportunities.
• Second-round interview with a cross-functional team, focusing on client management, project leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Final interview with the agency's leadership team to discuss the candidate's strategic thinking, business acumen, and overall fit for the role.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Client management and relationship-building skills.
• Project leadership and team management abilities.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Communication and influencing skills, both written and verbal.
• Cultural fit and alignment with the agency's values and mission.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for the Account Director role.
• Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality branding projects and drive client success.
• Research Jones Knowles Ritchie's clients and industry trends to show your understanding of the agency's focus and market landscape.
• Practice common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your qualifications and fit for the role.

ATS Keywords: Account Management, Client Advocacy, Brand Identity Design, Brand Architecture, Commercial Acumen, Team Leadership, Collaboration, Project Management, Communication, Curiosity, Growth Mentality, Packaging Design, Emotional Intelligence, Influencing, Problem Solving, Client Development, New Business Development

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Jones Knowles Ritchie is designed to assess the candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on their ability to deliver exceptional branding projects and drive client success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
• Client relationship management software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the client and project requirements, but a strong working knowledge of industry-standard software is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Be Distinctive Everywhere
• Collaborate and Create Together
• Embrace Change and Growth
• Be Curious and Open-Minded
• Act with Integrity and Respect

Work Style:

• Collaborative and inclusive
• Creative and innovative
• Results-driven and accountable
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Open to feedback and continuous learning

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody the value of 'Be Distinctive Everywhere' in your work and personal life?
• Can you describe a time when you successfully collaborated with a diverse team to deliver exceptional results?
• How do you approach embracing change and growth in your professional development?

ASSUMPTION: Jones Knowles Ritchie values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple workstreams and prioritizing effectively in a fast-paced agency environment.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships, even in the face of competing priorities or conflicting viewpoints.
• Adapting to the unique needs and expectations of global CPG clients, with varying project scopes and timelines.
• Balancing the demands of client management, project leadership, and business development, often with limited resources or tight deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The Account Director role presents a range of challenges, from managing client relationships and project timelines to balancing multiple workstreams and driving business growth. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as a growth mindset and resilience in the face of adversity.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to related roles, such as Account Manager or Senior Account Manager, the Account Director role offers greater strategic responsibility, team leadership, and business development opportunities.
• In the broader context of the advertising and branding industries, the Account Director role is a senior-level position, requiring a strong understanding of the branding process, from strategy to execution.
• Career progression from the Account Director role may include advancement to Group Business Director or similar roles, overseeing multiple accounts and teams, or expansion into new markets or client sectors.

ASSUMPTION: The Account Director role at Jones Knowles Ritchie offers a unique blend of strategic, leadership, and business development responsibilities, with ample opportunities for career growth and professional development within the agency.

📝 Sample Projects

• Leading a global brand identity redesign project for a major CPG client, involving cross-functional teams and stakeholders across multiple regions.
• Developing and implementing a client development plan to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities within an existing account, driving organic account growth and expansion.
• Managing a complex brand architecture project, involving the integration of multiple acquired brands and the development of a cohesive brand portfolio strategy.

ASSUMPTION: The Account Director role at Jones Knowles Ritchie offers a diverse range of project opportunities, from global brand identity redesigns to complex brand architecture projects, requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and client management skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the agency's approach to client management and relationship-building, and how this role fits into that strategy?
• How does the agency support the professional development and growth of its Account Directors, and what opportunities exist for career progression within the agency?
• Can you provide examples of successful client development plans implemented by the agency, and how these have contributed to organic account growth and business success?
• How does the agency collaborate with its clients to ensure that branding projects align with their business objectives and deliver tangible results?
• What is the agency's approach to work-life balance, and how does this role fit into that philosophy?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and their commitment to understanding the agency's culture, values, and approach to client management and project delivery.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for the Account Director role.
• Prepare examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality branding projects and drive client success.
• Research Jones Knowles Ritchie's clients and industry trends to show your understanding of the agency's focus and market landscape.
• Practice common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your qualifications and fit for the role.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and reiterate your interest in the position.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.