Account Manager| Remuneration: | market-related | | Location: | Cape Town | | Job level: | Mid | | Type: | Permanent | | Reference: | #SHAF1202260413 | | Company: | ninety9cents |
Job descriptionRole Summary:The Account Manager is responsible for managing client relationships and ensuring the successful execution of integrated advertising campaigns. This role requires strategic thinking, excellent project management skills, and the ability to drive results for clients whilst contributing to agency growth. You will take ownership of client accounts, lead project teams, and play a crucial role in developing and implementing effective marketing strategies across all channels. The candidate must be able to represent the client’s interest at the agency, and the agency’s interest at the client, with utmost professionalism and a high level of maturity. Key Responsibilities:Client Management- Develop and nurture strong relationships with clients, acting as their primary point of contact.
- Proactively identify client needs and exceed expectations through exceptional service delivery.
- Maintain open and transparent communication with clients, providing frequent updates on project progress and addressing concerns promptly.
- Develop total familiarity with the client’s market, products, advertising policies, and business challenges.
- Identify and contribute towards proactive growth opportunities within existing accounts.
Strategic Planning and Brief Development- Write clear, concise, and inspiring creative briefs that accurately communicate client objectives and target audience.
- Develop strategic recommendations informed by competitor activity, brand performance data, and market insights.
- Contribute positively to the creative process, providing guidance on creative work and workflow processes.
- Oversee marketing analysis including competitor reviews, brand reviews, and brand integration meetings.
- Present insights, campaign results, and strategic recommendations to clients with clarity and conviction.
Project Leadership and Campaign Management- Manage the full project lifecycle from brief development through to campaign launch and post-campaign review.
- Lead cross-functional teams across Creative, Media, Production, Traffic, and external partners to deliver integrated campaigns.
- Create detailed project plans, establish timelines, and allocate resources effectively.
- Coordinate with Traffic and Production departments — preparing timing plans, liaising with media planners and buyers, and arranging meetings.
- Obtain client approval of all campaign elements and budgets at all stages of development.
- Manage all meeting logistics including agendas, catering, status reports, contact reports, and presentations.
- Proactively identify potential challenges and implement solutions to ensure timely delivery.
Financial Management (where applicable)- Monitor project budgets, track expenses, and provide accurate financial reports to clients and senior management.
- Obtain client approval on cost estimates at all stages of campaign development.
- Monitor costs and manage scope to prevent overruns, escalating risks to the Account Director early.
- Where Ensure timely billing and reconciliation of all project costs.
- Identify financial improvement opportunities to increase efficiency and profitability.
Team Development and Collaboration- Mentor junior team members (Account Executives and interns), supporting their professional growth.
- Work closely with internal teams (Creative, Production, Digital) and external agency partners (Media) to ensure seamless project execution.
- Lead by example — demonstrating professionalism, a strong work ethic, and commitment to quality.
- Regularly update senior management on new developments to maintain the agency’s proactive culture.
Scope of Duties:- Management of advertising campaigns across TV, radio, print, outdoor, BTL, digital, and all other channels.
- Liaison with Traffic and Production departments, preparing timing plans, liaising with client, media planner and buyer, and arranging meetings.
- Confident management and accountability for all presentations and key meetings: status meetings, creative presentations, competitor reviews, brand reviews, and brand integration meetings.
- Compilation of status reports and supply to senior manager timeously for review prior to meetings.
- Production of contact reports following all meetings and presentations.
- Overall day-to-day management of the client’s business.
Requirements:Education- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related field.
Experience- Minimum 3 years’ experience in advertising or related industry.
- Proven track record of successful client management and campaign delivery.
- Experience managing campaigns across multiple channels (TV, radio, print, digital, BTL, outdoor).
- Retail or FMCG advertising experience is advantageous.
Skills and Competencies- Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to clients and effectively sell creative work.
- Ability to write clear, comprehensive, and inspiring briefs.
- Ability to negotiate timelines, budgets, and creative executions.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
- Understanding and appreciation of creative work and ideas.
- Deep understanding of client’s brand and their market.
- Thorough understanding of the strategic tools and processes of the agency.
- Broad understanding of the advertising and marketing industry, production and media (including digital) processes.
- Broad understanding of the advertising legal framework.
- Proficiency in project management tools and agency workflow systems (e.g. Magnetic).
Personal Attributes- Professional, approachable, and emotionally intelligent — able to represent both client and agency interests with maturity.
- Proactive problem-solver who actively listens and responds with solutions.
- Calm and resilient under pressure in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Collaborative team player who fosters positive working relationships across disciplines.
- Meticulous with excellent attention to detail.
- Deadline-driven with the ability to prioritise and manage competing demands.
- Creative thinker with a genuine appreciation for ideas and innovation.
- Strong sense of accountability and ownership.
Posted on 30 Apr 14:07, Closing date 29 May
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