Account Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Account Director

🔹 Company: Sainsbury's

🔹 Location: London, City of, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Retail

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-14

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving business growth and delivering exceptional client experiences
• Leading client relationships and collaborating with internal stakeholders
• Championing creativity as a catalyst for market change
• Working in a fast-paced, retail environment

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment. It is ideal for candidates with proven experience in account management, particularly in the retail sector.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead client relationships, driving business growth, and ensuring client satisfaction

✅ Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and implement strategic responses for brand business and communication needs

✅ Champion creativity, act as a creative advocate, and collaborate with project management and production

✅ Galvanise the team, nurture them through mentoring and coaching, and demonstrate behavioural flexibility, emotional intelligence, influence, and creative problem-solving skills

✅ Make decisions on client leadership, strategy, SLAs frameworks, and external agency partnerships

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field

Experience: Proven experience at Account Director level with an integrated channel background, particularly in digital channels

Required Skills:

• Strategic thinking
• Exceptional communication skills
• Relationship building
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making
• Emotional intelligence
• Stakeholder management

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the retail sector
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in account management, digital marketing, or a related field are likely to be successful in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £60,000 - £80,000 per annum (based on industry standards for Account Director roles in London)

Benefits:

• Competitive pension scheme
• Staff discount card
• Holiday allowance
• Life assurance

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for client needs

ASSUMPTION: Salary and benefits may vary based on individual performance, experience, and company discretion.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Sainsbury's operates in the highly competitive retail sector, focusing on food, clothing, and general merchandise. The company is the UK's second-largest retailer, with a strong presence in both physical stores and online.

Company Size: Sainsbury's is a large corporation with over 10,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: Sainsbury's was founded in 1869 and has since grown into a major UK retailer, known for its affordable, good food and excellent service.

Company Description:

• Sainsbury's is committed to putting food back at the heart of its business
• The company invests in technology and people to improve customer experience and create a more resilient UK food system
• Sainsbury's offers a wide range of products and services, including Argos, Nectar, Habitat, Sainsbury's Bank, Smart Charge, and Tu

Company Specialties:

• Retail
• Food & Groceries
• Clothing & General Merchandise
• Digital & Technology
• Supermarket
• Banking & Finance
• Online

Company Website: sainsburys.jobs

ASSUMPTION: Sainsbury's is a well-established company with a strong brand and a commitment to innovation and customer service.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Head of Client Services or a similar position.

Reporting Structure: The Account Director will oversee a team of account managers and executives, responsible for day-to-day client relationships and project management.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with some flexibility for remote work when necessary. The successful candidate will be expected to work from the company's London headquarters.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to Head of Client Services or similar leadership roles
• Expansion into new markets or business areas
• Development of expertise in specific client sectors or industries

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Sainsbury's headquarters is a modern, open-plan office with collaborative workspaces and state-of-the-art technology.

Office Location(s): 33 Holborn, London, EC1N 2HT, GB

Geographic Context:

• London is a major global city with a vibrant cultural scene and excellent transport links
• The office is located in the City of London, close to major attractions and amenities
• The area has a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and shops

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for client needs. The role may require occasional weekend or evening work.

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic office environment and able to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening
• Face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Head of Client Services or similar

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Client management and stakeholder engagement
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Research Sainsbury's and the retail sector to demonstrate your industry knowledge
• Practice common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses

ATS Keywords: Account Director, Client Relationships, Business Growth, Strategic Partnership, Communication, Problem Solving, Mentoring, Coaching, Emotional Intelligence, Stakeholder Management, Digital Channel Experience, Integrated Channel Background, Relationship Building, Fast Paced Environment, Solution Focused, Decision Making

ASSUMPTION: The interview process may vary depending on the specific needs of the hiring team and the company's current priorities.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable using a range of tools and technologies to support their work and collaborate with team members.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Putting customers first
• Working together as one team
• Being open and honest
• Taking responsibility
• Striving for excellence

Work Style:

• Collaborative and supportive
• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Results-driven and focused on delivery
• Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate putting customers first in your work?
• Can you provide an example of when you worked effectively as part of a team to achieve a common goal?
• How do you handle feedback or criticism, and how do you use it to improve your performance?

ASSUMPTION: Sainsbury's values candidates who are passionate about customer service, collaborative, and committed to continuous improvement.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple clients and projects simultaneously
• Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines
• Adapting to changes in client needs and market conditions
• Balancing the demands of client management and team leadership

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and remain calm under pressure.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other Account Director positions in the retail sector, with a focus on client management and business growth
• However, the specific industry context and client base may vary, requiring tailored strategies and approaches
• Career progression may involve moving into leadership roles or expanding into new markets or business areas

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience in account management or a related field and be able to adapt their skills to the specific needs of the role and the company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a strategic response to a client's business challenge
• Managing a team to deliver a complex, integrated marketing campaign
• Negotiating with external agency partners to secure favorable terms and outcomes

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience in developing and executing strategic plans, managing teams, and negotiating with external partners.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the company's overall strategy and growth plans?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the team structure and dynamic, and how does this role fit within it?
• How does the company measure success for this role, and what are the key performance indicators?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, well-researched questions demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through sainsburys.jobs
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Research Sainsbury's and the retail sector to demonstrate your industry knowledge
• Practice common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and reiterate your interest in the role

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