Account Director (Retail POSM + Installations), Manchester

Purpose of the job
Our Account Directors are responsible for the development and nurturing of our client accounts. The role is essential in strengthening our relationship with the client(s) and identifying growth opportunities for the business, as well as ensuring solutions are developed and delivered on time and against operational and financial business targets.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded individual to lead the delivery of complex retail marketing and brand execution programs across Europe. This role is responsible for managing end-to-end client relationships and delivery across multiple workstreams, spanning creative asset adaptation, temporary and permanent point of sale materials (POSM) production, retail installations, field services, maintenance programs, logistics, warehousing and deployment.

Acting as a trusted strategic partner to both clients and internal teams, the Account Director will oversee program delivery from concept through to execution, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the highest quality standards across multiple European markets.

The successful candidate will bring significant experience in retail production and implementation, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to confidently lead cross-functional and multi-market teams while navigating the complexities of European delivery.

This role operates on a blended basis between the local HH Global office, client site(s) and home, with occasional travel across Europe as required.

Key responsibilities

Lead and develop senior client relationships across multiple European markets
Own the end-to-end delivery of retail marketing, merchandising and in-store execution programs
Manage complex projects encompassing creative artwork adaptation, temporary and permanent POSM production, fixture manufacturing, installation and ongoing maintenance services
Provide strategic oversight across all project workstreams, ensuring alignment between client objectives, delivery plans and commercial performance
Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams including account management, production, procurement, logistics, installation and field service teams
Oversee program budgets, forecasting, financial reporting and profitability
Drive operational excellence, identifying opportunities to improve processes, efficiencies and service delivery models
Manage project risks, escalations and issue resolution across multiple markets and stakeholders
Ensure consistency of execution and governance standards across all European territories
Develop implementation strategies and rollout plans for large-scale retail programs
Identify opportunities for account growth and expansion of services across existing client portfolios
Support contract renewals, business reviews, client presentations and strategic planning initiatives
Maintain a strong understanding of market dynamics, supplier networks and operational capabilities across Europe
Act as a senior escalation point for client and internal stakeholder concerns

Knowledge, skills + experience

Extensive experience in Account Management or Account Direction within a production, retail marketing, brand implementation or agency environment
Proven experience delivering multi-market programs across Europe
Strong knowledge of retail production, including temporary and permanent POSM, fixtures, visual merchandising and in-store execution
Experience managing large-scale installation, maintenance and field service programs
Strong understanding of manufacturing, procurement, logistics and supply chain processes.
Demonstrated commercial acumen with responsibility for account P+L, budgeting and revenue growth
Experience managing complex stakeholder groups across multiple countries and cultures
Ability to balance strategic account leadership with operational delivery excellence
Excellent client relationship management and presentation skills
Strong negotiation and problem-solving capabilities
Experience leading and mentoring account and project teams
Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

What success looks like

Consistently achieving high levels of client satisfaction and retention
Successful delivery of large-scale European programs on time, within budget and to agreed quality standards
Strong commercial performance and profitable account growth
Effective management of program risks, issues and escalations
High-performing, engaged and collaborative account and delivery teams
Continuous improvement in operational efficiency and delivery processes
Expansion of services and increased strategic partnership within key client accounts
Strong supplier and stakeholder relationships across European markets

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