Account Director

Department:
Client Services / Project

Location:
Shanghai

Description
About the job
In the face of shifting customer expectations, Imagination is a trusted partner to our clients in China delivering groundbreaking experiences that leave lasting memories, strategically designed to raise awareness, drive sales and deliver ROI. Now, we are seeking an experienced live event / exhibition account director to join our client service team, leading big launch events / CAT A auto shows for automotive clients.

As the Account Director for one of our key automotive accounts, your focus will be on leading the team in the management and development of the Account, with particular focus on the client's exhibition programme. You have a proven ability to work independently and also with a team of freelancers/suppliers as required to work across a range of exhibitions and events, directing the brand strategy, messaging, planning, implementation and financial control. You will work closely with

clients and all our internal teams to ensure the projects remain on track, on budget, and exceed client expectations.
You will also be responsible for developing client relationships and business opportunities organically from within the Account, providing strategic and commercial direction across programmes of work with a view to grow the Account.

Reporting to and working alongside the management team you will hone your leadership skills, develop your strategic wit and become a true business manager, learning what it takes to grow a financially healthy business unit including the ins and outs of your account's PnL.

Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities

• Become the Imagination representative for this key account and grow the business profitably
• Act as client lead overseeing and managing the delivery of key live event / exhibition projects
• Write effective and compelling project briefs, presentations and proposals
• Maintain positive client relationships and seek further business opportunities
• Brief and manage internal teams to ensure projects are on track and exceeding client expectations
• Manage project budgets from initial brief through delivery and on to final client reconciliation, ensuring
• profitability
• Fulfilling the role in compliance with company policies and procedures
• Be a true process champion and support best practices implementation proactively

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Required Skills & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of relevant working experience.
• Leadership: Proven hands on leadership experience with exhibitions and live events (press conferences, product launches).
• Client Servicing: Proven experience in leading client accounts within an agency environment, demonstrating proactive engagement, building strong working relationships, and becoming a trusted professional consultant that clients actively seek out.
• Result-oriented: Focus on exceeding client expectations while adeptly managing their requirements, avoiding scope creep, and driving company profitability. Ensuring client satisfaction without compromising on delivering work beyond agreed terms.
• Excellent Presentation Skills: have several years of experience in communicating, negotiating and presenting in front of clients with confidence in both Chinese and English.
• Scale: Experience managing large scale budgets (>¥10m) through the full project life cycle.
• Language: Good working English language skills and native Mandarin speaker.
• Software: Solid knowledge of relevant software packages including all Microsoft Office packages: Word, Excel,PowerPoint, ideally also project management tools such as gantt charts, kanban etc...

Preferred qualifications

• Proven track record of presenting and winning work as pitch lead
• Proven track record of organically growing profitable client business relationships
• Proven track record of recruiting and growing a team of A-players
• Financial and business acumen, understanding of PnL levers in agency business
• Experience with auto clients and auto shows

Attitude

• Ability to work independently and being accountable
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Able to conduct yourself with the highest standard of behaviour and respect for colleagues
• Work under pressure and flexible with business trip requirements
• Good attitude and willing to learn and grow

‎Imagination:
Imagination is The Original Experience Design Agency. Founded over 50 years ago, we apply the power of our collective imagination to creative, commercial, and cultural challenges, creating experiences that move people. We specialise in Consulting, Destinations, Content and Live Events.

We have 13 global studios worldwide, united by a deep understanding of what moves people on a human level, and a determinedly independent spirit. Imagination was officially certified as a Newsweek Most Loved Workplace 2023.

Our clients include Major League Baseball, Visa, Amazon, Ford, LVMH, Harley-Davidson, and Google.

For more information, please visit or follow @imaginationglbl on social.

Our Beliefs and Behaviours:
We have identified four foundational beliefs that underpin Imagination. More powerful than generic corporate values, they motivate us to act, to foster the behaviours that lead to success:

We believe curiosity is the root of original insights and ideas... so we look at the world with fresh eyes, we experiment, invent and up-end conventions.

We believe rigour results in better choices... so we ask precise, provocative questions.

We believe bravery tames the unknown... so we demand ambition, confident that together we can meet 'never been done before challenges'.

We believe respect builds stronger teams and continued success... so we recognise the uniqueness and unique potential in each individual, we are accountable to each other, we play as a team.

Global Inclusivity Statement:
At Imagination we value diversity, equity and inclusion as principles that make us stronger, more innovative and more creative as an organisation.

As a team and a business we know that creativity thrives in teams and organisations that comprise diverse groups of people, embracing diverse perspectives, where people feel able to share their whole selves.

That's why we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, neurodiversity, socio-economic background, or indigenous identity, feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Our Beliefs and Behaviours
By living our core behaviours, being
curious, rigorous, brave
and
respectful,
we remain dedicated to building a workplace and a world where everyone is seen, heard, and has the opportunity to thrive.

Curiosity
sparks innovation - We seek out diverse perspectives, challenge assumptions, and embrace new ways of thinking.

Rigour
ensures impact - We approach our work with discipline and dedication, ensuring that these beliefs are not just words, but lived experiences.

Bravery
stands up for what's right - We confront biases and advocate for progress.

Respect
is fundamental - We foster and encourage open dialogue and challenge ideas constructively.

Our Commitment
We expect our team to actively foster a safe, empowering, and inclusive culture. Our commitment extends beyond our workforce to our partners and suppliers, who we hold to the same standards of inclusivity and non-discrimination.