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

6.6 weeks of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time). The equivalent to 25 days plus standard England and Wales bank holidays for full-time colleagues

One additional day holiday per year after 6 years’ service, up to a maximum 7.6 weeks of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time). The equivalent to 30 days plus standard England and Wales bank holidays for full-time colleagues

A holiday purchase scheme, allowing employees to purchase up to 3 additional days of annual leave and spread the cost over up to 6 months

An additional day of paid leave, a ‘MeDay’, allowing you the flexibility to celebrate a cultural or religious event or your birthday. It recognises that everyone’s background is unique and gives you the freedom to mark what matters to you.

One paid volunteering day per year to support a charity or community initiative of your choice

Hybrid and agile working opportunities (role dependent)

Enhanced Pension Contributions, we offer employer pension contributions above the statutory minimum

Life Assurance Scheme

Group Income Protection

Enhanced family-friendly leave pay entitlements

Wellbeing benefits, including: A health care cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Virtual GP service and access to health & wellbeing resources and tools

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, supported by employee-led networks and proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer

Cycle to Work Scheme (subject to satisfactory completion of probationary period)

Electric Car Scheme (subject to satisfactory completion of probationary period)