Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum. At Edelman, we understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our company, our clients, and our communities. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging. Senior Account Manager The Senior Account Manager (SAM) is responsible for managing overall account team performance ensuring Edelman’s success in the Australian market as a leading integrated communications marketing agency. This role will typically report into a SAD or Associate Director. The SAM will work to thoroughly understand Edelman’s various consulting/processes/approaches, crafts, products and global capabilities, be able to demonstrate the value of these offerings to clients and contribute to the planning and execution. They will contribute to the winning of new client business. The immediate mission of this role is to gain the enhanced skills, strategic thinking and leadership capabilities to transform into an integrated Account Director/Client Partner who is rooted in, but not anchored solely to, earned media. The SAM will need to be a commercially astute, team-oriented, capability driving leader who ensures quality delivery against client missions and, in doing so, upholds the Edelman values and behaviours in all aspects of their work and manner. Qualifications Preferred Qualifications At least five years of relevant experience in Communications Marketing and/or related fields, including research, advertising, management consulting, media or publishing Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university Ability to manage large projects, as well as teams, on multiple sizable accounts Understands clients’ businesses and their missions, as well as their key stakeholders: consumers, employees, investors, regulators, media, vendors, partners and other businesses/organizations, etc.; able to impart this knowledge to team members Superior written and verbal communications skills; demonstrated ability to effectively multitask, delegate and manage assignments and accurately evaluate others’ work Familiar with best-practice integrated Marketing Communications tactics and tools and the ability to appropriately recommend them to executive-level clients and lead the execution of all related projects in house Ability to act as a daily client contact for multiple clients simultaneously and possesses a track record of responsible, client-related finance management, including comprehensive managing within client budgets Able to manage and inspire a team and to make sound judgments on a daily basis, knowing when to seek senior counsel Responsibilities and Expectations SKILLS (client & Stakeholder Engagement, Business & Project Management, Business Development and Talent Development/Leadership) Client Focused: The SAM will have a comprehensive understanding of their clients’ businesses and their missions, as well as their key stakeholders, and will be able to impart this knowledge to account team members Manage key relationships with client leads at local (and regional and global level if required) and therefore contribute to the growth of client revenues Provide channel-neutral counsel to clients, whilst leading, inspiring and mobilising an internal team around client needs, knowing when to seek senior counsel Lead delivery of the high-quality solutions we propose within budget scoped and timeframe agreed Act as an ambassador for integration and be able to sell any service in the agency and bring experts in to deliver Work on transformation to become a Client Strategist on nominated ACX accounts Billability to be at least 80% of time. Commercial/Financial: Day-to-day responsibility managing large projects as well as small teams on several accounts Responsible for client-related finance management, including managing large project budgets Ensure your team follows Edelman’s financial policies and processes and that your responsibilities in this area are diligently adhered to (regular accurate monitoring/recording/approval) Ensure understanding of status of account financials so you are able to confidently provide status on account at close of previous month or projection of account status at close of current month within same working day of request by account lead or Group Director Support the group’s senior tier and Chief Client and Operations Officer to drive growth organically and through new business, with specific focus on significantly growing the integrated offering across the whole agency Submit resourcing requests by monthly deadline Submit accurate time sheets weekly before the Monday deadline Approve all time on projects/ accounts by end of each Tuesday (or end of second day after the first of the month after month end) and complete MTRs by monthly deadline Review account trackers to ensure that all fees and OOPs are accurately captured and align with MTRs/invoices and guide AE/SAEs is refining trackers as needed Alert Account Director/Group Director of potential scope creep (e.g., expected work product exceeds available budget) within three days of month close to ensure conversations are held with clients Adjust forecasts to align with anticipated work and budget within two days of the close of each month; adjust for major shifts in work or budget within 24 hours of occurrence Before commencing any work for a client, review MSA to ensure you understand client billing policies (including travel policies); are knowledgeable about agreed rates and that all paperwork to support billing is in place; ensure that team is aware of and understands client billing policies (especially as they relate to what can and cannot be billed). Talent and Leadership: Assist with transforming junior staff into account handlers who are channel neutral, social by design, grounded in earned and able to deliver impeccable client service Be a positive role model for leadership values and behaviors and actively participate in and champion the mentor/mentee and buddy programs Strong people advocate and developer of future talent Empower more junior team members and line reports to deliver the required business results for growth Serve as a dedicated line manager, drafting career plans and meeting regularly to track career progression Identify, shape, attract and develop talent across all levels; retain and develop key team employees through mentoring, motivation, feedback and learning opportunities Seek to transform into an effective Client Strategist who is fully empowered to fulfil and execute your role, and able to support and inspire your teams and think beyond the PR channel Marketing, New Business and Networking: Contribute to overall marketing calendar to raise profile of teams and their offer Undertake proactive and reactive new business strategies to ensure year-on-year growth Participate in and contribute to internal training offering and industry opportunities Network within the global sector and practice where possible Network amongst client groups and relevant industry peers Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends and demonstrate expert understanding of how they integrate into communication marketing programs Strategic: Assist Group Director to achieve team vision, strategy and business objectives and cascade to wider team, ensuring enhanced collaboration of the agency’s various communities together Effectively utilize agency creative and planning services where required in a cost-effective manner Work closely with colleagues throughout the Edelman network as necessary Seek to have a thorough knowledge of your clients’ business and related industries and aim to bring strong counsel to the relationship Look to embed IP and Edelman products into service offer to increase value to clients and overall profitability of work BEHAVIOURS: (Working across the Edelman matrix brings diverse perspectives and skill sets together to benefit our clients. As part of a cross-functioning team, you must work collaboratively, knowing you are in it together with your peers to deliver impactful work to clients.) Working “in it together” means: Respecting each team member and the contribution they make; Supporting each other by listening, learning and contributing; Forgiving each other, learning from mistakes, and focusing on finding a solution together; Protecting each other by having each other’s back, always; Exceptional work must be delivered in line with Edelman’s values and behaviours. VALUES: The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence: Bringing the best of ourselves and partners to our clients; Always takes all feedback as a constructive learning opportunity and acts upon it; enables others to thrive as part of agency life and adapts to others’ styles to do so. The Freedom to be Constantly Curious Tenacious and thorough approach that drives creativity and growth for clients and ourselves; Pushes for creative ideas; is purposeful and enterprising in problem-solving; embraces diverse trends, skills, specialties and viewpoints. The Courage to Do the Right Thing Being a trusted and resilient partner for clients, colleagues and communities. The Commitment to Positively Impact Society Ensures work and relationships are founded on open and honest communications; listens and asks the right questions during day-to-day work; upholds creative, ethical and legal standards; Performing our work with an environmental conscience, and a sense of tolerance, fairness and equality. Edelman is committed to creating equality and diversity in our workforce. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, nationality, disability gender or age. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
