Account Director

We are looking for an Account Director to play a pivotal role in driving business growth on the award-winning and industry-leading The Grocer and associated brands. You’ll develop a deep understanding of clients’ FMCG trade marketing challenges and deliver integrated media solutions that go far beyond traditional advertising, delivering impact, innovation and measurable ROI.

Bringing your background in selling creative content, sponsorship and marketing solutions to high level stakeholders in enterprise level organisations, you will thrive on acquiring new business and growing spend with existing clients to build upon The Grocer’s near 165 year legacy and propel its commercial growth, strengthening its role at the heart of the grocery and retail industries.

What You’ll Be Doing

Strategic Relationship Management

• Building and nurturing long-term relationships with multiple stakeholders within large FMCG organisations.
• Positioning yourself as a trusted advisor and industry expert by understanding client business objectives, category dynamics, and marketing priorities, leveraging insights from our editorial brands to provide clients with data-driven recommendations.
• Multi-threading accounts to expand influence and uncover new opportunities across different decision-making units.

Business & Revenue Growth

• Developing and executing annual and quarterly sales and business plans to achieve revenue targets and grow share of client trade marketing spend.
• Driving new business acquisition while growing existing accounts through strategic upselling and cross-selling.
• Identifying gaps in client engagement and proactively propose innovative solutions to address unmet needs.

Consultative Solution Selling

• Selling a broad portfolio of media solutions, spanning advertising, thought leadership and integrated digital, print and event trade marketing solutions.
• Crafting compelling proposals that align with client objectives and demonstrate ROI.

Collaboration and Project Stewardship

• Overseeing major projects such as awards programmes and branded supplements, ensuring commercial success and client satisfaction.
• Managing content-led campaigns from briefing through post-campaign analysis, ensuring measurable outcomes.

What You’ll Need

• Proven track record in strategic media sales with enterprise-level organisations.
• FMCG and trade marketing experience not essential but would be an advantage.
• Strong consultative selling skills with experience in multi-stakeholder account management.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic account plans and deliver complex, integrated creative solutions, including experience putting together multifaceted proposals.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, networking and relationship-building skills with excellent collaboration capability especially with internal stakeholders.
• Fantastic presentation skills to deliver persuasive, high-impact pitches.
• Previous experience using Salesforce and tools such as Monday.com is highly desirable.
• Commercially astute with a passion for FMCG and media innovation.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, creativity, and resilience in achieving targets.
• Willingness to regularly travel and attend industry events and client meetings.

Benefits & Initiatives

• Generous annual leave –25 days plus standard England and Wales bank holidays for full-time employees
• Long service holiday reward – Receive an extra day's annual leave for each year of service after six years, up to a maximum of 30 days plus bank holidays for full-time colleagues
• Christmas office closure – Enjoy additional paid leave between Christmas Day and New Year's Day to cover discretionary office closure days
• Holiday purchase scheme – Buy up to three additional days' annual leave each year and spread the cost over up to six months
• MeDay – Take an additional paid day off to celebrate your birthday, a cultural or religious event, or another occasion that is meaningful to you
• Volunteering day – One paid day each year to support a charity, community group or cause close to your heart
• Hybrid and agile working – Flexible ways of working to help you balance work and life commitments (role dependent)
• Enhanced pension contributions – Benefit from employer pension contributions above the statutory minimum
• Life assurance – Providing financial protection and peace of mind for you and your loved ones
• Group Income Protection – Financial support if you're unable to work due to long-term illness or injury
• Family-friendly policies – Enhanced pay entitlements to support you and your family during important life events
• Health and wellbeing support, including:
  • Healthcare cash plan
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  • Virtual GP service
  • Health and wellbeing resources and tools
• Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – Supported by employee-led networks, with a culture where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer
• Cycle to Work scheme – Save money and support a healthier commute
• Electric Car scheme – Access an affordable and sustainable way to drive an electric vehicle