Senior Account Manager/Account Director

Company Description

Machine_ is a creative solutions agency represented across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, and is home to over 75 adventurous minds. At Machine_ we don’t believe that intuition and gut feel are enough. That’s why everything we do starts with an insight. Our team of experts uses these insights to create impactful and accountable solutions that touch consumers at every point in their connected world. Machine_ is part of Publicis Groupe, one of the fastest-growing global networks.

Machine’s mantra, Never Afraid, underpins our values of; doing the right thing, being curious, solution orientated and at its core ‘giving a s**t!’. Living this mantra daily helps grow our Clients’ businesses and these are the values we look for when recruiting new talent. The right personality is just as important as the right experience. We’re here to work hard and have fun while doing it.

 

Overview

Machine_ is looking for an exceptional Senior Account Manager / Account Director to lead a portfolio of clients, including one of the agency's largest and most important accounts.

This role requires a unique combination of strategic client leadership, operational excellence and a strong understanding of publication development and print production. The successful candidate will take ownership of complex projects, build trusted client relationships and ensure consistently high standards of delivery across multiple accounts.

A significant portion of the portfolio includes large-scale print and digital publication projects that require meticulous planning, stakeholder management, quality control and deadline management. Alongside this, the role will oversee a range of through-the-line marketing and communication projects across additional clients and industries.

We're looking for someone who thrives on ownership, enjoys solving complex challenges and can confidently manage multiple workstreams while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Account Leadership & Ownership• Take ownership of a portfolio of accounts, including one of Machine_'s most important client relationships.• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients and become their day-to-day strategic partner.• Lead client engagements with confidence, professionalism and commercial awareness.• Ensure projects are delivered to the highest standard, on time and within budget.• Anticipate client needs, identify risks early and proactively implement solutions.• Drive account growth through exceptional service delivery and opportunity identification.• Maintain a deep understanding of clients' businesses, objectives and challenges.Publications & Print Management• Lead the development and delivery of complex print and digital publications from briefing through to final production.• Manage annual publications, newsletters, newspapers, reports, scorecards and other long-form communication projects.• Develop and manage detailed production schedules and project plans.• Coordinate internal teams, suppliers and stakeholders throughout the publication lifecycle.• Manage copy development, version control, proofing, design, DTP and approval processes.• Ensure accuracy, consistency and quality across all publication outputs.• Maintain a strong understanding of print production, timelines and technical requirements.Through-the-Line Campaign Management• Manage integrated marketing and communication projects across a range of clients.• Coordinate strategy, creative, digital, media, production and content teams to deliver campaign objectives.• Ensure work is delivered against agreed scopes, timelines and budgets.• Support the development of strategic solutions that address client challenges and opportunities.• Drive collaboration across teams to ensure seamless project delivery.Project Management & Operational Excellence• Manage multiple projects and client workstreams simultaneously.• Develop clear scopes of work, timelines, budgets and resource plans.• Maintain strong project governance and administrative discipline.• Drive accountability across internal teams, suppliers and stakeholders.• Monitor project health and address issues before they impact delivery.• Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiencies and ways of working.Financial & Commercial Management• Take ownership of account profitability and commercial performance.• Manage estimates, purchase orders, invoicing and reconciliations.• Ensure all work is delivered within approved scope and budget parameters.• Contribute to forecasting, resource planning and revenue growth.• Identify opportunities for organic account growth and additional business.Team Leadership & Development• Directly manage, mentor and develop a Junior Account Executive.• Provide ongoing coaching, guidance and support to build confidence and capability.• Create meaningful development opportunities and clear growth plans.• Delegate effectively while maintaining overall accountability for delivery.• Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, accountability and continuous learning.• Lead by example through professionalism, resilience and strong client service practices.• Contribute positively to the wider Client Service team and agency culture.

Qualifications

Essential• 4–6 years' experience in account management, client service or project management within an agency environment.• Experience managing multiple client accounts simultaneously.• Strong experience managing print publications, annual reports, newsletters, newspapers, magazines or similar long-form content projects.• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder environments.• Strong project management and organisational skills.• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.• Strong commercial awareness and budget management experience.• High attention to detail and quality control.• Ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.• Experience mentoring or supporting junior team members.

 

Advantageous• Experience working on integrated through-the-line campaigns.• Experience within public sector, corporate or highly regulated environments.• Knowledge of print production processes and supplier management.• Experience managing large, multidisciplinary teams and projects.• Formal project management training or certification.Personal AttributesWe're looking for someone who:• Takes ownership and accountability for outcomes.• Is exceptionally organised and detail-oriented.• Builds trust and credibility quickly.• Thrives in a fast-paced agency environment.• Balances strategic thinking with strong operational execution.• Is proactive, resilient and solutions-focused.• Communicates clearly, confidently and professionally.• Enjoys mentoring and developing others.• Maintains high standards while supporting team growth.• Is comfortable managing both the detail and the bigger picture.

 

The successful candidate will:• Build trusted, long-term client relationships.• Take full ownership of their portfolio and operate as a true business partner to clients.• Consistently deliver high-quality work on time and on budget.• Successfully manage complex publication and campaign workflows.• Drive strong commercial performance across accounts.• Anticipate challenges and resolve issues proactively.• Create a positive, accountable and high-performing team environment.• Successfully develop and grow the Junior Account Executive.• Be recognised internally and externally as a reliable, solutions-focused leader.

Additional Information

Publics Groupe is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and prohibits any forms of Discrimination or Harassment. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees in line with our Employment Equity Plan. All appointments will be based on qualifications, experience and best fit but preference will be given to all affirmative action candidates or designated groups.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not hear from us within 2 weeks after submitting your application, please consider your application as unsuccessful.