Account Executive (Client Services)

The Account Executive (AE), Client Services, is an outgoing, motivated, strategic and problem-solving individual who supports the work of the Head of Department (HOD) in the Client Services Department and wider company.

JOB SUMMARY

The Account Executive (AE), Client Services, is an outgoing, motivated, strategic and problem-solving individual who supports the work of the Head of Department (HOD) in the Client Services Department and wider company.  The AE serves as a liaison between The LAB’s creative efforts and the clients’ needs. The incumbent maintains relationships with executives of client businesses and develops strategies for clients. The AE will be assigned tasks related to building and supporting the department growth, welfare and the wider company by extension.

As the Account Executive for Client Services, the incumbent will work closely with the HOD, Creative, Design, Media and Production Departments to deliver engaging WOW campaigns that meet and surpass clients’ expectations.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Workflow

• Works with HOD to ensure that there is compliance with all projects being run through the assigned project management systems.
• Always provide Traffic with the required information to effectively get the job started and completed.
• Work with Traffic and other AE’s to ensure that their projects are In Full, Inspec and On time. In the event that timelines need to be shifted they are done accordingly.

 Brand Affinity 

• In-depth understanding of the brand for which you are responsible and above satisfactory knowledge of all other brands The LAB provides services to. 
• Possess an understanding of the industries that The LAB’s brands are a part of.
• Understand what is happening in the international trends as it relates to The LAB brands.

 The Brief 

• Convene mandatory brief meeting with all stakeholders for all campaigns and promotions.
• Devise project strategy, develop comprehensive project creative brief and ensure delivery of brief internally to the creative team and key members of staff.
• Forecast likelihood of renewal of clients annually, whether positive or note any potential threats to renewal.
• Collaborate with Creative Leads to draft high quality client materials, pitches and presentations, presenting when appropriate along with Creative Team, to increase wallet share.
• Collect accurate and timely client information that allows The LAB to build a picture of its level of contact during a subscription period, identify areas for improvement, best practices to replicate across accounts.
• Prepare, analyse and explain campaign visibility plan to clients. 

Pre-production 

Onset

• Confirm and document client approval of creative concept and budget for production.
• Liaise with Creative Lead to ensure creative plan is fully in line and in budget to client’s approved brief.
• The AE must be on all productions and is responsible for ensuring that what is captured is in alignment with what was sold to the client.
• Direct liaison between the client and the creative lead.
• Responsible for communicating all things having to do with the shoot schedule including talent, goods, wardrobe, presentations etc. to client.

 Project Management 

• Act as primary project manager, overseeing the implementation of client initiatives by creating timelines, driving action, issue resolution and consistently meeting deadlines with day-to-day supervision.
• Ensure accurate and regular recording of client contact and our activity on their account.
• Ensure that the project objectives comply with the brand guidelines and guide clients accordingly.
• Host quarterly planning meetings with clients and contribute practice recommendations to overall strategy.
• Responsible for overseeing all the work that comes in and goes out for their respective brands.
• Responsible for the creation of the schedules to guide the project.
• Responsible for ensuring that contact reports for all meetings are sent to clients within 24 -48 hours of the meeting to ensure internal due diligence.
• Close out of all aspects of the project including post mortems, financials, deliverables to clients and proper personal file storage. 

Client Relationship 

• Maintain regular contact with new and existing clients to inform of any updates or changes to delivery schedule.
• Serve as daily direct client contact for The LAB retainer and active clients.
• Identify renewals at risk and propose, manage and execute a plan devised to reduce risk and increase likelihood of renewal.
• Identify low usage accounts and propose, manage and execute a plan to address this issue. 

Financial 

• Meet and/or exceed annual renewal rate targets.
• Create estimates for campaigns.
• Responsible for managing the margins on projects (working budgets) and overall yearly spend.
• Secure new business by educating new and existing clients on The LAB solutions, generating new interest, and presenting custom solutions to help The LAB grow business. 

Storage and Retrieval of Files 

• Responsible for organizing all final projects in the prescribed protocol established at the Company.
• Locate final edits or artwork when requested by clients.
• Responsible for organizing clients’ files and handing over as necessary. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE  

• Undergraduate Degree in Business Administration, Fine Arts or related field.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in the creative, marketing and advertising field.
• Agency experience would be an asset.
• Must possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of project/process management and monitoring workflow.
• Knowledge of the creative, advertising and marketing process.
• Originality and strong visual sense and should be able to evaluate suggestions/feedback on project changes in the creative process.
• Should possess good computer skills and knowledge of the project management software. 

KEY COMPETENCIES 

• Excellent planning, organizing, scheduling and monitoring skills.
• Commitment to constant learning, applying those learnings and development.
• Good 'people skills', for working with a range of team members, service providers and clients.
• Be a Team Player and be able to work on own initiative.
• People management skills.
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
• Understanding of the creative process.
• Logical thinker and be able to multi-task.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent Communication skills.
• Good business sense and the ability to work to budgets.
• Problem analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Passion, Integrity, and Energy!