Purpose of the Job
We are seeking a dynamic, commercially astute and culturally fluent Account Director to lead strategic client relationships across Italy and Germany for a prestigious global beverages client. This role will oversee the delivery of high-impact print, 3D point of sale materials (POSM) and branded merchandise solutions that elevate brand visibility and drive consumer engagement in on and off trade environments, and is pivotal in driving strategic growth, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering long-term partnerships with key client stakeholders.
Reporting into the Regional Account Director, the Account Director will take full responsibility for the strategic and operational management of the accounts under their responsibility and managing the performance of their team, ensuring all work is completed in line with the SLA. This individual also needs to be a strong leader who can focus on the vision and strategies of the account, balance daily support needs with long-term strategy and successfully combine vision and reality into effective plans.
Key Responsibilities

Serve as the senior point of contact for client stakeholders in Italy and Germany, ensuring exceptional service delivery and strategic alignment with brand goals
Delivering operational excellence
With the Regional Account Director manage the on and off-site Account Teams that operate in the areas of the clients business under your direction ensuring compliance to company operating procedure
Manage the personal development of your team members through, appraisals, one‑to‑one meetings, mentoring and training
Take ownership of and resolve issues, quality concerns or corrective actions
Developing effective growth strategies and managing the opportunities for these Clients
With the Regional Account Director; build client development plans for each year
Achieve and excel growth targets
Manage overall financial performance of the account, risk analysis and remedy
Identifying risks to the account and putting in place strategies to manage these risks
Contract review and renewal
Develop strong relationships with senior key decision makers
Regular MI reporting and production of account relationship plans

Knowledge, Skills + Experience

Proven experience in account management or client services within print, POSM or branded merchandise - ideally for FMCG or beverage brands
Fluent in Italian and / or German (business proficiency required); English fluency essential
Strong understanding of retail marketing, consumer engagement, and brand activation in the beverages sector
Extensive people management experience including performance management and team leadership
Experienced in taking responsibility for managing client service plans, KPIs, budgeting, forecasting and leadership
Proven track record of operational management for client services departments
Significant experience in developing and maintaining client relationships
Able to present account planning and strategy for retention, growth and added value
Demonstrable track record of successful client and contract management
Can anticipate internal and/or external business issues and develop risk mitigation strategies
Experience of managing department financials
Have in depth knowledge of Performance Improvement philosophy and implementation
Significant experience of managing work in a fast-paced retail environment
Previous experience of presenting to Senior Management/Board level
Strong experience of dealing with large P+L budgets
Excellent interpersonal skills, able to develop positive relationships at all levels, with all types of people up to Board level
Excellent communication skills – verbal, written, presentation – with clarity of expression
Demonstrable people management skills
Passion for quality

PayType
Salary
EmploymentIndicator
Regular
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