Starcom works differently to most agencies and bases many of its models on consultancy ways of working to build a more agile workforce in this hybrid world. We complement our account teams with Squads – small teams that work for a short period to solve a specific brief. We hold cross discipline Sprints to crack client briefs at speed. These processes are designed to fuel high performance and fast results through collaboration.

We place a huge focus on our team and have driven flagship DEI and L&D programmes within Publicis Media; our goal is to help every individual reach their fullest potential and we encourage everyone to make “Brave Plays” in how they approach their work and their own career development. As a result, we have an exceptionally energised and committed talent base, all of us proud of our welcoming and supportive culture, as evidenced by our recognition as one of Campaign’s Best Places to Work in 2021 and 2022.

This role calls for a dynamic, brave & passionate planning mind to support on AB InBev (across iconic brands such as Budweiser, Stella Artois & Corona) and AXA within the UK. These market-leading clients are on a transformation journey to maximize competitive advantage through innovative media solutions. Ultimately driving more impactful and meaningful connections to their beloved brands, we believe this account redefines how FMCG marketing is done.  It will be your responsibility to drive the smartest & bravest ideas for these key clients.

What will I be doing?

As Account Director, you have three overarching responsibilities that directly relate to our agency Growth Pillars and internal Expectations Framework, which are growth for our clients, growth for you and the team, and growth for the wider agency.

In terms of key responsibilities, these include:

• Being responsible for connecting all the disciplines across our output and setting the agenda for both clients and their future roadmaps with Starcom;
• Take a holisitic view of the wider plan (and strategy) for the clients, and working with the team (1x Manager and 1x Executive) to deliver this in the guise of high quality day to day output;
• Build strong, trusted relationships with the clients
• Support BD to deliver outstanding work every time
• Drive operational excellence across the team, including accurate forecasting, invoicing, and timely timesheet completion

Both are absolutely brilliant clients, so we'll ask you to work with them proactively and closely to ensure that we maintain our already strong relationships.  You'll foster a culture of learning and self-improvement, setting clear progression plans for your team, encouraging ‘Brave Plays’ in the way the team approach their work and their own career development (and count on the same support from your own line manager).

What are we looking for?

In this role, as above, we're looking for someone who is great at what they do and has a passion for the craft of planning.  You'll be able to identify team and client challenges ahead of them happening thanks to your holistic view over the account.

In addition, you'll have:

• Experience at either SAM or AD level, working on multichannel accounts and with key broadcast, publishing and digital partners.
• A strong level of digital knowledge covering brand, performance and innovation; ;
• The ability to build relationships both at all levels
• Confidence working with data to identify key comms insights & drive transformational media solutions

What can we offer you?

In return, you will have the opportunity to work across one of the highest performing teams to set the bar for brilliant craft planning, at the forefront of redefining how FMCG and Financial marketing is done.  These clients have a lot of eyes on them, so this role allows you to elevate your personal brand within the agency, holding group and industry.

With benefits such as 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme and Work Your World (allowing you to work from anywhere, every year for up to 6 weeks after a year of service), and a hybrid working model of 2 days in Television Centre and 3 days from anywhere in a genuinely brilliant team, we have lots to offer.

A final word from the team: “Starcom is an agency that celebrates & empowers bravery whether that is the intelligently driven ideas we bring to our clients every day or through brave cultural initiatives. Nothing works if our teams do not feel motivated and supported to become the best version of themselves and push outside of their comfort zones. I have never felt so inspired by the collective intelligence, care & passion of my fellow colleagues and friends. Starcom’s star is on the rise, you can feel it in the air, and I am so proud to be a part of the dream team paving the way.”

Claire Kula, Managing Partner

Starcom is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of society and does not discriminate on grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities and for candidates in our application process.  If you need assistance or adjustment due to a disability, please contact us.