We’re M&C Saatchi Talk, a PR & Social agency obsessed with creating the conversations that make meaningful change. While some would dismiss conversations as just small talk, we know they have the power to shape and spread culture, build and break reputations, and potentially change the world for the better.
We’re blending the art of conversation, science of communications and heart of culture to create the ideas that pull us in and bring us together. We’re already helping some of the most well known and loved brands navigate, create, and lead the conversations with the power to change the world.
If you’re a curiously minded, remarkably insightful, and earned first creative we’d love to talk.
Read on to learn more. To apply, email your CV and cover letter to talkjobs@mcsaatchi.com.
ABOUT YOU
Earned first mindset. Because we’re an agency not content with just being seen, we aspire to ideas that are shared and talked about
Curiously minded. Because ideas are always better if we ask “what if”…
Remarkably insightful. Because we believe in the power of brutal simplicity in everything
Creatively versatile. Because a great earned idea can spread and scale across all channels
Conceptually brave. Because we all need bringing out of our comfort zone sometimes
Confident communicator. Because we’ll inspire and influence by standing up for the work
Entrepreneurial spirit. Because there is always a gap for a proactive solution
You will have a solid understanding of integrated brand communications and demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as with teammates to deliver award winning client activity and campaigns
You will demonstrate an aptitude for strategic and creative thinking and understand the power of storytelling across multiple channels, using established knowledge and passion for integrated communications to deliver compelling communications across earned and owned media.
ABOUT US
You’re not just joining an award-winning* PR & Communications agency…
You’re part of the creative and strategic heart of the business
You’re part of brand teams who love the work, respect the money and support each other
You’re part of the industry defining M&C Saatchi Group. Collaborating with experts from across Advertising, Performance Marketing, Brand Consultancy, Sports & Entertainment, Behaviour change and more
You’re part of the independently spirited SERMO Communications network. Tapping into local insights and creativity from communications agencies around the world.
About the role
We are seeking an ambitious Account Manager (AM) to join our corporate team, working across a range of blue-chip corporate and Government clients. They will be a proactive and motivated individual with excellent writing and client, media, influencer and key stakeholder relations skills. They’ll play a central role in the corporate portfolio team working across a mix of high-performing account teams, and with a variety of blue-chip national and international clients in a range of sectors so this role will suit someone who embraces variety and new challenges.
EXPERTISE/SKILLS
Demonstrates discipline expertise across corporate and brand communications
Has appetite and aptitude to develop deep industry-sector expertise and understanding relevant to the client portfolio
Understands fully integrated brand communications and uses a combination of earned media and owned media to deliver conversations for clients reaching their target audiences across multiple channels – including, but not limited to, media, social media, KOLs and influencers, websites, internal comms platforms, speaking opportunities & events
Exhibits advanced level writing skills, demonstrating ability to research and structure a variety of content types and materials, crafting compelling stories from conception to delivery of content and capturing a specific tone on behalf of clients where required. Materials could range from press releases, media pitches and social channel posts to spokesperson briefing packs, campaign toolkits, campaign reports (examples only)
Demonstrates a passion for and mastery of media relations, constantly reviewing new opportunities for client coverage. They will have developed a proactive style to pitching varied, and sometimes complex, stories to national and international media with confidence, showing ability to discuss broad concepts with reporters/ influencers and adapt angles as relevant. Fast to develop understanding of a client’s products, services, and values to confidently “sell in” material across a broad range of media with ease. They will continuously develop personal contacts with key journalists in both horizontal and vertical media, and where relevant other target influencers, helping to maximise client exposure
Excellent execution across varied client activity, taking ownership for delivery of agreed deliverables and processes across the team, with the support of junior team members
Impeccable project management and organisational skills, including oversight of junior team members, full account teams and market teams (if global business). Day to day tasks could range from: researching a client’s competitors and sector, updating weekly work in progress reports and compiling coverage reports; to securing awards and speaker opportunities for corporate spokespeople, developing news angles and writing press releases, overseeing supporting visual assets and developing owned channel comms, organising media meets and events or staffing executive interview opportunities. (Examples are not exhaustive)
Works effectively with senior team members to ensure efficient delivery of agreed client work, exhibiting a flexible and adaptable approach to their own work and collaboration with team members to meet priorities and deadlines
Manages client liaison and counsel around specific projects within the client’s overall programme, offering thoughtful insights and recommendations around ongoing activity tactics and new opportunities
Ability to efficiently manage campaigns and activity requiring inputs from multiple stakeholders, including managing local market agencies and comms teams (when working on global brand clients), suppliers, campaign partners and talent. Notably commended for building strong relationships, developing a high standard of communication that is both concise and persuasive.
Responsible for core account processes and administrative tasks, taking ownership of deliverables and meeting deadlines
Presentation skills – developing the ability to confidently present both ideas and new programmes to clients, and able to play an active role in delivering new business proposals
Demonstrates creative flair and confidently contributes to brainstorms, getting involved in brand planning, strategy and creative with senior teams
Actively consumes topical news, opinion, commentary and trends to influence thinking and work, and shares with their teams and clients where relevant.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Understands the economics of the business and demonstrates financial responsibility
Demonstrates strong client budget management skills, with an understanding for how to run a client account profitably, tracking activity against client scopes, flagging any concerns around progress against KPIs
Works closely with supervisors to ensure clear briefs and terms and conditions are communicated when establishing budgets and researching costs.
Works with suppliers to ensure services are delivered promptly and to quality standards
Supports supervisors on financial admin ensuring compliance with the agency’s financial and commercial processes, including raising POs, maintaining timesheets and completing expense forms to appropriate timescales.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Is keen to develop an understanding of current business performance and future plans, with a clear focus on overall objectives
Is an ambassador and advocate for the agency at internal and external events and networking opportunities
Is passionate about identifying new opportunities, unique ideas and concepts to develop the service we offer to clients and agency working practices
Assists in the development of new business proposals, playing a key role in researching and synthesising new information as well as contributing to approach and creative ideas.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
Takes responsibility for supervising team delivery across defined projects and assists in the supervision of junior team members, working with account managers and directors in the team
Works with the teams to service the client as the first priority, confidently and effectively planning workload, delegating tasks to junior team members, where applicable, to ensure deadlines are met and within budget
Continually seeks feedback from teams on approach and attitude, demonstrating a passion to develop self and gain skills and experience from teammates.
PERSONAL MANAGEMENT
Self-motivated and energetic with a professional attitude
A quick-thinker and solutions focused with the ability to work independently, take initiative where appropriate and judge when to seek help and guidance
Showcases outstanding organisational skills and personal time management
Meticulous eye for detail, producing a high standard of work at all times, adhering to expected quality standards in their own work, and their teammates if reviewing – for example coverage reports, client WIP documents, press materials, etc.
Displays emotional intelligence and warmth and is a polished and an empathetic communicator with the ability to build rapport and trusted relationships with internal and external audiences (clients, media, influencers, partners, etc).
Is able to thrive in a fast-paced and diverse environment, embracing new challenges and remaining calm under pressure created by short timelines, changing situations and external / client issues requiring support
Is committed to learning and personal development – attends recommended training sessions, and proactively seeks to develop deeper skills in areas of key interest
Maintains highest level of integrity and reliability in all circumstances and is regarded as trustworthy, demonstrating highest level of diplomacy when handling confidential information and client concerns
Social media savvy, interest in international and national media landscape and trends, is passionate about both brand storytelling and has a finger on the pulse of current affairs and the social and news agenda.
