Account Director

This role encompasses overall accountability for a portfolio of clients, from pitching new business, agreeing on the scope of work undertaken and commercial negotiation to invoicing. The Account Director will need to develop exceptional relationships with internal colleagues as well as external clients.

Where this role differs from the norm

The AD role at JP requires a consultative approach. The successful candidate will need to embark on a role with us to learn investor relations, corporate communications, corporate brand, and sustainability. Whilst we have a consultancy department, the successful delivery of profitable work is contingent upon the AD and consultant working together to leverage their knowledge and provide a solution that adds value to the customer and leads to value for our business. As such, to engage with the consultant successfully, the AD will need to learn the skills and knowledge of the consultancy role to the same high standard.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about stories, someone who creates solutions through a business-first lens to enable clarity, improved perceptions that align with our clients' wider strategy, vision and goals. Through your own research in collaboration with our communication consultants you will uncover challenges and opportunities, developing a roadmap to help realise near term objectives and long-term business goals.

To develop your knowledge of your clients’ businesses and the industries they operate in. It is particularly important that you develop a strong enough level of expertise to actively consult with your clients, this will enable you to provide solutions specific to their needs as well as lead the delivery team to ensure successful projects.

Leading your clients with the express purpose of making their businesses as understandable as possible. You will provide your clients with advice and insight into the ever changing regulatory landscape, continually ensuring every piece of communication is a better tool for decision-making than its predecessor.

• Building strong, trust-based relationships with your day-to-day and senior client contacts, leading all client meetings and calls, proactively managing your clients’ needs and working with your wider team to act on and resolve any account based issues;
• Delivering exemplary client service at all times ensuring we maintain the current high levels of client satisfaction and exceptional client feedback;
• Continually seeking ways to enhance our deliverables and exceed your clients’ expectations;

• Ultimately accountable for the delivery of successful projects, there may be times when specific challenges require leadership. You are the bridge between our team and the client and as such the successful negotiation and delivery will be within your remit, should the need arise.

• Taking ownership of all financial aspects of accounts ensuring that all financial processes are successfully implemented by you and the project team to ensure the profitable delivery of all projects;
• Maintaining complete visibility of all your project budgets through the implementation of all financial processes including budget proposals, billing schedules, purchase orders for external costs and regular cost reconciliations;
• Proactively identifying scope creep, communicating and negotiating with the client to ensure all our work is commercialised at a healthy return;
• Work closely with the Commercial Director to establish strategic account development plans for each of your clients.

• Relevant corporate communications/ investor relations experience;
• Experience as an Account Director or similar;
• Strong interpersonal, presentation and communications skills (both verbal and written) necessary to build trust and respect both externally and internally;
• Excellent problem solving skills;
• A drive to continually further knowledge;
• Annual reports and sustainability reporting experience;
• Exceptional commercial and negotiation skills;

We are looking for a personable individual who is ego free and who works collaboratively with the wider team. This individual will be proactive and able to lead by example whilst bringing energy and determination to every task. They will have the ability to develop strong relationships not only with clients but also with the whole of the Jones and Palmer team to ensure the best work is delivered.

• A dynamic and creative work environment in a forward-thinking company.
• Competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• A commitment to learning and development, via our dedicated in-house consultancy academy
• Quarterly offsite days to explore and debate industry trends.
• Commitment to mental health and wellbeing - JP has partnered with TELUS Health to provide a unified wellbeing platform for our colleagues.
• Company celebrations.
• 26 days holiday (including Christmas shutdown) and bank holidays.
• Flexible working.
• Hybrid working.

Competitive remuneration package, based on skills and experience.

To apply for this role, please attach your CV and a cover letter below. In your cover letter, please indicate why you believe you possess the skills required for success in the role, and include brief examples of times when you have demonstrated the following: analytical and critical thinking, a proactive approach to learning, overall leadership responsibility for a project and effective written / verbal communications. Please also outline your experience in communications and in customer-facing roles.