Job specification
“We empower brands to win, with positive and Responsible Creative™.”
We are a purpose led creative business that uses powerful brand shaping thinking to solve problems and realise ambitions more sustainably (where possible), one project at a time.
As a B Corp agency, we create responsibly, through strong principles and a vibrant, inclusive creative culture.
We call our creative process Responsible Creative™. This encompasses everything we do on a day-to-day basis, it empowers us as individuals and a collective to make a positive impact through our work.
We have embedded the principles of B Corp into our business, and this supports our strategic thinking and culture.
Job role: Senior Account Manager / Account Director
Reporting to: Senior Account Director
Department: Client Services
Location: Hybrid / Leeds
About the Role
The Senior Account Manager is responsible for strengthening client relationships while guiding projects internally so that our creative output is both commercially strong and creatively progressive.
This is a senior management role within Client Services. It requires ownership, authority and commercial control. You will lead complex projects from brief through to execution. You deliver on time, within scope and within budget. You protect margin. You build long term client trust. Clients look to you for direction. You lead conversations with clarity and structure.You make informed recommendations.You challenge constructively when standards, scope or commercial reality are at risk.
You lead Account Executives and shape the standard for pace, organisation and accountability within the team.
Your presence should create confidence internally and externally.
As a senior member of the department, your behaviour sets the tone. You are expected to:
* Lead with authority and composure
* Make clear decisions
* Follow through on commitments
* Communicate directly and respectfully
* Demonstrate strong commercial judgement
You must be comfortable managing tension, pushing back on unrealistic expectations and taking visible responsibility for outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Client Leadership and Delivery
* Act as the senior day to day contact for clients
* Lead retail rollout and POS programmes from initial brief to final delivery
* Structure and lead client meetings with clear outcomes and actions
* Drive momentum across projects and stakeholders
* Manage timelines, risks and interdependencies across teams
* Protect scope and escalate commercial risks early
Briefing and Internal Direction
* Write clear, commercially grounded briefs for Creative and Artwork teams
* Ensure creative output aligns with retail objectives, brand strategy and commercial realities
* Challenge incomplete or unclear briefs before work begins
* Maintain alignment between client expectation and internal delivery
Commercial Ownership
* Manage budgets confidently and safeguard agreed margin
* Identify and address scope creep early and directly
* Support forecasting and financial planning with the Senior Account Director
* Identify opportunities for organic account growth
Strategic Thinking
* Interrogate briefs before execution begins
* Connect retail activity to wider brand and commercial goals
* Anticipate operational challenges across large scale programmes
* Bring relevant sports, retail and cultural insight into client conversations
Team Development
* Lead performance reviews and provide structured feedback within Client Services
* Support and develop junior team members through clear direction and coaching
* Build strong working relationships across Creative, Production and Finance
* Embody company values in behaviour and decision making
Brand Representation and Growth
* Visit clients in the UK and internationally where required
* Represent The Onlii confidently in client and industry environments
* Contribute to new business conversations aligned with company strategy
* Support responsible and sustainable retail practices in line with our values
Team Development
Lead performance reviews and provide feedback for the Client Services team in alignment with company values.
Check in with team members across the business, offering support as needed.
Embody the company’s values both professionally and personally.
Embrace Responsible Creative Practices:
Commit to creating work that aligns with The Onlii’s vision and Responsible Creative process. Follow The Onlii’s behaviours whilst working, and look to contribute positively to the environment or society through your work (where possible).