BLUE 449 

Blue 449 is one of the 6 media agency brands of Publicis Media and is growing rapidly. 

We have a wide range of interesting clients from retail goliaths such as Asda and Dixons Carphone to smaller luxury business such as Ralph Lauren and Fortnum & Mason.

We have many long-standing client relationships and an enviably strong client retention record. Our clients value us for our honesty, openness and willingness to collaborate, as well as our rich understanding of their businesses. Our work both prioritises the proven and is driven by a hunger for invention. 

As an agency we believe strongly in two philosophies ‘Open Source’ and ‘Business Outcome first’.  

‘Open Source’: Today, a media agency must think flexibly, learn fast, respond swiftly, collaborate widely, nurture technology, amplify ideas, read data and operate at the very heart of businesses. It must sit at the intersection of data and ideas. There is a parallel for this in technology. It’s called open source.  Open source is a philosophy born in the world of software development that has since been applied to other fields. The core principle is that the source code of software programs be made publically available for adaptation, modification and development.  This is why we put collaboration at the heart of what we do.  We are happy to work with a variety of companies, whatever is the right answer for our clients, to make great things happen. 

Business Outcome: In order to deliver business effect for our clients we need to get close to their 1st party data.  We believe that a move away from media metrics is vital if you want to be a business partner rather than a supplier.  Start with the desired business outcome and work back from there! 

http://www.blue449.com

@blue449

Overall Role Description:
Working alongside the BD, you’ll be the key day-to-day contact for clients and internal investment teams as well as the “gate-keeper” of all client work.

The AD will be responsible for much of the ongoing management of their accounts which include food, retail and energy brands whilst actively contributing to the management, training and development of individuals within their team in conjunction with the Business Director. This includes leading annual performance reviews & setting objectives.

The accounts are the optimum blend of account management, strategy and media planning. We are looking for someone who thrives on organisation and attention to detail, whilst loving flexing their media planning muscles and developing/writing recommendations which meet the business outcome objective.

The accounts are fast-paced and involve first-rate prioritisation and multi-tasking. You’ll find yourself speaking to clients daily (usually more!), so enjoying building relationships and having excellent client handling skills are a must. 

Externally facing, the Account Director should represent the Blue 449 culture and collaborative ‘Open Source’ proposition at all times whether dealing with clients, media owners, agencies or new business prospects.

What are you tasked with?
•    Managing the creation, direction and on-going development of your client’s media strategy. 
•    Injecting innovation into clients media solutions
•    Ultimate quality control of all plan execution.
•    Management and development of juniors within your team.
•    Being a valued new business contributor – strategy, ideas, and overseeing plan development

Knowledge, skills and attitude required:
•    Strong communications planning skills, from your significant experience in a similar role.
•    An excellent working knowledge of all media. 
•    High degree of financial acumen.
•    The capability and desire to build relationships with clients, partners and creative agencies.
•    The aptitude to drive teamwork and the mentorship of the junior members of your team.
•    Be an ideas person, excited to brainstorm new approaches and solutions for clients.  Facilitation skills are critical.
•    A strong collaborator who is skilled at bringing together teams to ensure smart strategic thinking and excellent channel planning.
•    Strong attention to detail.
•    Exceptional account and time management skills.
•    Excellent presentation skills.
 

The ideal candidate would:

• Have very strong planning experience, having worked their way up through a communications planning team at an another agency.
• Have team management experience
• Have worked on a retail or large fast paced account

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW

LOCATION

From April 2019 you will be based in the Pubicis Media offices; 2 Television Centre (White City), a stunning redevelopment encompassing 7 floors of space. With Westfield opposite, you will be spoiled for choice in how to spend your lunch break!

Prior to  this, you will be based in Blue 449 offices on Cleveland Street, W1T 4JE.

TRAINING

Training is critical to our people’s development and we have a strong training programme in place, taking advantage of the extensive Publicis Media Talent organisation.

CULTURE

Blue 449 has a lively culture and we like to spend time together.  For example, every year the whole company goes abroad for a weekend conference.  In recent years we have been to Lisbon, Prague, Barcelona and Nice. It is an amazing opportunity to get to know each other.  

Once a month we have ‘Skint Night’ where c.100 people head out for fun such as Mexican night (complete with mariachi band), Wine & Cheese Night and Karaoke.  
Our ‘local’ is the King and Queen, all great agency moments are marked with some sort of evening over the road!  

BLUE 449 STRUCTURE
There are c.220 people in the UK agency. 
Our organisation is streamlined with planning in the centre leading the client relationship, the strategic direction (with input from the strategists or the Insight division) and the shape of the plan. Investment (buying) is divided into three departments; Digital, AV and Publishing & Audio.
 

BENEFITS AND PERKS

• 25 days holiday 
• Company pension scheme
• Dental insurance available at corporate rates
• Life assurance
•  Season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Subsidised gym membership 
• Free eye tests
• Childcare vouchers
• Daily free breakfast,
• Highly subsidised canteen
• Free drinks and snacks available every Friday afternoon via the new starter trolley
• All company ‘Skint Nights’ every month before pay day