Job profile: account manager

Responsibilities

Account Management forms the primary link between a client and the advertising agency. It is a pivotal role and requires a good understanding of both the specialist skills that exist within the Agency, and the key dynamics of the Client's business. Account Management as a career choice provides a structured path from Account Executive to CEO (with stints in between as an Account Manager, Account Director and Group Account Director!)

Account Handlers primarily service the needs of existing Agency clients by ensuring the smooth development, creation, production and evaluation of advertising campaigns.

On receipt of a 'brief' (a set of instructions) from a Client, the account handler liaises with other agency specialist staff to devise a communications strategy that meets the Clients' brief. To do this, account handlers need to be familiar with the client's brand, product(s), business culture and competitors.

They then present this strategic proposal to the client. Once the client has approved it, typically after much discussion and iteration, the account handler briefs the agency's creative teams to develop creative ideas that bring the strategy to life.

The account handler presents the creative ideas to the Client and, on approval, ensures that the ads are produced on time, on budget and to the necessary quality standards. It is their job to ensure that the client is kept informed about the campaign's progress and that any problems or disagreements - either within the agency or with the client - are ironed out.

Account handlers monitor the effectiveness the campaigns produced and provide up-to-date feedback to the client. Typically, they handle two to three accounts at once and also work on 'pitches' (presentations to win new business).