Account Manager at Ogilvy Africa

JOB PURPOSE

• An Account Manager is responsible for creating a stimulating environment within which the best work can evolve.
• Responsible for the effective management of all client projects and the smooth week-by week running of the account.
• You will proactively and positively manage the relationship between the Client and Agency team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Knowledge Areas

• Managing day-to-day account activities on site with our clients.
• Providing strategic counsel and developing communications plans.
• Managing partner/Clients’ relations as it relates to PR”s involvement with product launches, events and other program initiatives.
• Developing and executing media relations strategies, including identifying and developing outreach opportunities, drafting media materials and pitching to the media.
• Developing messaging and drafting stakeholder communications, including press releases, speeches, presentations, pitch materials, etc.
• Developing and executing executive visibility/thought leadership campaigns.
• Responding appropriately and immediately to client requests and concerns, and keeping clients informed of the status of projects.
• Providing basic administrative support to Senior PR team e.g. AD’s

Client Management:

• Understand client business and communication goals and the firm’s strategic plans to meet those goals.
• Define client challenges, lead and participate in brainstorming sessions, and evaluate creative ideas from clients and staff.
• Understand overall client strategies and help develop strategies as needed by working with account lead.
• Work independently and manage day-to-day implementation of client activities.

Talent Management and Internal Relationships:

• Takes responsibility for effective team communication, both written and verbal, ensuring all team members and clients receive contact reports, briefs, market information, timing schedules, minutes etc.
• Begins to develop people management skills by coaching and developing their reports.
• Demonstrates an ability to effectively delegate both up and down.
• Forms strong and enduring relationships with all team members.
• To motivate other members of the project team during difficult times, absorbing their anxieties and keep the project moving forward.

Commercial Management:

• Manages the accounts billing system and contribution to finance process
• Responsible for budget control of their projects regarding client Pos.
• Ensures that all WIP (work in progress) can be reconciled and billed as soon as possible. Ensures that all invoices are issued quickly and correctly and that reconciliation meetings are held with Client as appropriate.
• Ensures the agency responds to any financial queries within 48 hours
• Ensures work is produced on time and within budget

PROFESSION, TECHNICAL SKILL AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Must have an understanding of basic digital ecosystem
• Great project management and attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• Great team player with strong leadership qualities
• Management and coaching of direct reports
• Proactively demonstrates added value – bringing solutions to problems and delivering more than just what is asked for
• Outgoing, confident and flexible
• Natural communicator – good with people
• Enjoys challenges – and great at juggling projects/multitasker
• Quick learners and receptive to client’s and supervisor’s feedback.
• Shows enthusiasm, passion, pride and commitment
• 3-5 Years of relevant experience

BELIEFS AT OGILVY

• People need regular OS upgrades: Even the best OS will be obsolete tomorrow unless its constantly upgrades. same is true for people.
• We need more cows than milk men: We are a culture of practitioners, not manager. We contribute before we comment.
• Creative about creativity: Creativity is, and will always be, our differentiator. Creativity now includes holy trinity of Data -Content -Tech
• Diversity is a competitive advantage: New profiles, new skills, new styles of leadership make us a stronger company.
• Collaborative advantage > Competitive advantage: Find partners who are on top of their game at the skillset we need. It’s the only way to scale at the speed without pretending to have all the answers.
• Team Individual: You get a lot more done when everyone stops worrying about who gets credit at the end. Teams Succeed, individuals fail.
• Fail often, fail fast: We see intrapreneur in all our people and encourage a culture of pilots. Test, succeed and scale; or fail-fast learn, learn from the failure and start something new.