Who we are
We are William Reed.
We are a global media group delivering exceptional content through events, digital, data & insight.
From agribusiness, ingredients and food processing, to retail, hospitality & fine dining – we provide the inspiration, insight and connections to power our customers' success.
We have offices in Gatwick, Brighton and London, UK; Montpellier, France; Singapore and Chicago, US. In line with the Company's current Agile Working Policy, the successful candidate would be eligible to work part of the week from our London and/or Gatwick office and to work remotely for the rest of the week.
Position:
Position: Full time – permanent
Location: London / Gatwick / Hybrid
Do you have a background in selling creative content, sponsorship and marketing solutions to high level stakeholders in enterprise level organisations? Do you thrive on acquiring new business and growing spend with existing clients, while networking and building strategic relationships with multiple stakeholders?
If so, we have an opportunity for an Account Director to play a pivotal role in driving business growth on the award-winning and industry-leading The Grocer and associated brands. You'll develop a deep understanding of clients' FMCG trade marketing challenges and create delivering integrated media solutions that go far beyond traditional advertising, delivering impact, innovation and measurable ROI.
What you'll be doing:
Strategic Relationship Management
* Building and nurturing long-term relationships with multiple stakeholders within large FMCG organisations.
* Positioning yourself as a trusted advisor and industry expert by understanding client business objectives, category dynamics, and marketing priorities, leveraging insights from our editorial brands to provide clients with data-driven recommendations.
* Multi-threading accounts to expand influence and uncover new opportunities across different decision-making units.
Business & Revenue Growth
* Developing and executing annual and quarterly sales and business plans to achieve revenue targets and grow share of client trade marketing spend.
* Driving new business acquisition while growing existing accounts through strategic upselling and cross-selling.
* Identifying gaps in client engagement and proactively propose innovative solutions to address unmet needs.
Consultative Solution Selling
* Selling a broad portfolio of media solutions, spanning advertising, thought leadership and integrated digital, print and event trade marketing solutions.
* Crafting compelling proposals that align with client objectives and demonstrate ROI.
Collaboration and Project Leadership
* Leading on major projects such as awards programmes and branded supplements, ensuring commercial success and client satisfaction.
* Managing content-led campaigns from briefing through post-campaign analysis, ensuring measurable outcomes.
Requirements:
What you'll need:
* Proven track record in strategic media sales with enterprise-level organisations.
* FMCG and trade marketing experience not essential but would be an advantage.
* Strong consultative selling skills with experience in multi-stakeholder account management.
* Ability to develop and execute strategic account plans and deliver complex, integrated creative solutions, including experience putting together multifaceted proposals.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, networking and relationship-building skills with excellent collaboration capability especially with internal stakeholders.
* Fantastic presentation skills to deliver persuasive, high‑impact pitches.
* Previous experience using Salesforce and tools such as is highly desirable.
* Commercially astute with a passion for FMCG and media innovation.
* Ability to demonstrate initiative, creativity, and resilience in achieving targets.
* Willingness to regularly travel and attend industry events and client meetings.
Other information:
Company Benefits and Initiatives Include:
* 25 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays - increasing by one additional day after 6 years, up to a maximum of 30 days.
* An additional day of leave for you to take on a cultural celebration day or on your birthday if you like. A day for you At William Reed, we call this our "MeDay".
* A volunteer day to take for supporting a chosen charity and giving back to the community.
* Opportunity for hybrid working
* Contributory Pension
* Life Assurance Scheme
* Group Income Protection
* Enhanced family-friendly leave pay entitlements
* Wellbeing benefits, including: A health care cash plan, Employee assistance programme, Virtual GP service and Access to health & wellbeing resources and tools.
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Electric Car Scheme
Why work for us
We provide a supportive work environment and are committed to maintaining a healthy work/life balance for all of our employees. Working for William Reed means that you will be joining a stable organisation that is committed to developing its employees and brands.
We warmly welcome and encourage applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds and characteristics.
If you need any support in accessing this opportunity, please do not hesitate to discuss this with us.