Job Title:  Strategic Account Manager

Reporting to:  Managing Director, working closely with the Commercial Director

Direct Reports  N/A 

This is a senior, client-facing role for an experienced account manager with strong knowledge of the maritime, offshore or energy sectors. The role combines ownership of key client relationships with strategic marketing advice, commercial account management and hands-on delivery of integrated campaigns, with particular emphasis on media planning, buying and negotiation.

As Strategic Account Manager, you will take responsibility for a portfolio of major retained and project-based accounts, acting as a trusted client adviser and the central point of contact. You will understand each client’s objectives, develop commercially focused marketing and communications plans, and coordinate delivery with Wake Media’s delivery teams (communications, creative, digital, and wider partner teams).

You will use your knowledge of the maritime media and events landscape, together with established industry relationships, to identify opportunities, negotiate value and deliver measurable results. Client retention, service quality and account growth will be central to the role. This is a strategic, hands-on position.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Relationships & Strategic Account Management

• • Own and manage a portfolio of key client accounts, serving as their strategic day-to-day contact and trusted adviser.
• • Build lasting relationships with client stakeholders, understanding their businesses, objectives and commercial priorities.
• • Lead account planning, regular client meetings and reviews, providing proactive recommendations and clear next steps.
• • Translate client objectives into practical, integrated marketing and communications strategies and annual activity plans.
• • Maintain high standards of client service, anticipating issues, managing expectations and protecting account retention.
• Media Planning, Buying & Negotiation
• • Plan and manage advertising and media buying activity across international maritime, offshore, energy and relevant B2B titles.
• • Use established relationships with publishers, media owners, sales teams and event organisers to secure appropriate opportunities.
• • Lead negotiations on media rates, packages, editorial partnerships, event sponsorships and added value to maximise client budgets.
• • Evaluate media channels, audience fit, timing and performance to recommend effective and commercially sound investment.
• • Oversee booking, scheduling, supplier coordination and delivery of media plans, ensuring accuracy and value for money.
• Integrated Marketing & Campaign Delivery
• • Develop and oversee integrated client campaigns spanning advertising, PR, digital, content, creative, lead generation and events.
• • Write clear client briefs and proposals, translating technical or specialist requirements into actionable marketing activity.
• • Work closely with internal teams and external partners to maintain strategic alignment, quality and timely delivery.
• • Coordinate client feedback, approvals, creative assets, deadlines and campaign adjustments across multiple stakeholders.
• • Identify opportunities to connect paid, earned and owned activity to improve client outcomes and campaign effectiveness..
• Industry Relationships, Events & Networking
• • Maintain strong knowledge of maritime market developments, specialist publications, industry organisations and key events.
• • Identify relevant advertising, partnership, sponsorship, speaking and event opportunities that meet client objectives.
• • Build productive relationships with publishers, journalists, commercial media teams, event organisers and industry contacts.
• • Advise clients on event and media participation, negotiating suitable packages and identifying added-value opportunities.
• • Represent Wake Media at client meetings, industry events, exhibitions and networking opportunities, including UK and international travel when required.
• Commercial Management, Reporting & Tools
• • Manage account budgets, media expenditure, estimates and scopes, maintaining commercial oversight and agreed profitability.
• • Review campaign results, media delivery and relevant KPIs, converting performance data into practical client recommendations.
• • Work confidently with Monday, Excel or equivalent tools for budgeting, media schedules, tracking and reporting.
• • Use or coordinate sales / BD activity across relevant CRM platforms (currently Active Campaign)
• Account Growth, Project & Team Collaboration
• • Take ownership of the day-to-day delivery and commercial health of assigned client retainers and projects.
• • Manage concurrent deadlines, budgets, resources and stakeholder requirements with clear prioritisation and attention to detail.
• • Identify opportunities to retain, grow and develop existing accounts through relevant Wake Media services and new ideas.
• • Support new business development, including client pitches, proposals, presentations, media recommendations and costings.
• • Work with the wider team to develop client-specific growth plans that reflect changing objectives and market opportunities.
• • Contribute to the improvement of client services processes, account planning and consistent standards of delivery.
• • Brief and coordinate (with the support of relevant departments where they own these relationships) specialist freelancers, media partners and external suppliers where required.
• • Share maritime market and media-buying knowledge with colleagues, providing guidance and support where useful.
• • Contribute ideas for partnerships, commercial opportunities, internal processes and wider agency group growth.
• • Provide occasional support to wider group initiatives, including Marketing in Maritime (MiM), where appropriate and required. This may include assisting with business development, sales opportunities, industry events and networking, contributing to a collaborative, one-team approach across the group
• Other Responsibilities
• • Travel to client sites, media meetings and industry events as needed to maintain strong relationships and deliver on project objectives.

About you

You are an experienced, commercially minded B2B account manager who understands the maritime industry and knows how to build confidence with strategic client stakeholders. You bring strong strategic marketing judgement together with practical media planning and buying expertise.

You have a well-developed network across maritime publishers, media owners and event organisers, and you are a confident negotiator. You understand how advertising, PR, digital, content and events work together to meet commercial objectives and can turn client needs into realistic plans and measurable activity.

You are personable, proactive and highly organised. You can take ownership of important accounts quickly, manage competing priorities independently and work collaboratively with colleagues and partners. You enjoy strengthening client relationships, delivering high-quality work and identifying opportunities for growth.

Applicants should send a CV and cover letter and apply by Monday 30^th November.

The full job description will be provided on application or request.