Group account director

Company description

At Saatchi we believe in creating ideas that can live anywhere. And we believe that when we work as a team, nothing is impossible. We strive to bring out the best in each other and in ourselves and expect applicants to understand the value of close collaboration. We also believe that creating transformational work requires initiative, an entrepreneurial spirit and a bold commitment to achieving measurable results and business success for the Clients we service.

Saatchi & Saatchi currently maintains a hybrid work policy to work in-office three days per week (NYC) and remotely the other two days each week, with no exceptions.

Overview

The Group Account Director is a senior agency leader responsible for overseeing multiple key accounts, driving client growth, shaping strategic direction, and fostering a culture of excellence across teams. This role blends strategic insight, business development expertise, and executive-level client leadership to deliver exceptional results and elevate the agency's reputation. The ideal candidate brings a proven ability to connect strategy, creativity, and execution to drive measurable business impact.

Responsibilities

Client & Brand Leadership

• Serve as a trusted strategic partner and thought leader, helping clients connect marketing efforts to broader business objectives.

• Lead bold, data-informed discussions that translate insights into actionable strategies and creative opportunities.

• Anticipate challenges and opportunities, offering proactive, creative solutions that strengthen client trust and impact.

• Deliver a flawless client experience through strategic planning, clear communication, and seamless execution.

• Lead onboarding for new clients, establishing strong relationships and clear success frameworks.

• Drive brand and business performance across multiple accounts.

Agency & Business Growth

• Support agency business development efforts from pitch to onboarding.

• Identify and capitalize on organic growth opportunities within existing accounts.

• Collaborate with Business Development and Operations teams to structure scopes, staffing plans, and fee proposals that optimize profitability.

• Actively network across industries to expand the agency's reach and reputation.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Inspire, guide, and mentor multi-disciplinary teams to deliver innovative, high-quality integrated work.

• Translate client objectives and feedback into clear, actionable direction across departments.

• Play a leadership role in recruiting and developing top talent; contribute to career growth and retention initiatives.

• Champion and shape the agency's culture through empathy, inclusivity, and example-setting.

• Serve as the connector across capabilities-bringing together teams within the agency and across Publicis Groupe to deliver integrated, best-in-class solutions for clients.

Strategic & Financial Management

• Oversee the financial health of accounts, ensuring work is delivered on time, on budget, and to scope.

• Monitor forecasts, budgets, and resource allocation to meet growth and profitability targets.

• Champion financial accountability and operational discipline within teams.

• Balance client goals with agency interests through thoughtful, strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in a strategic, creative advertising agency setting.

• Meaningful leadership experience in both Financial Services and CPG required.

• Proven success managing large, cross-functional teams (10-20 professionals) and multiple client portfolios.

• Demonstrated success in client leadership, strategic planning, and business development within a creative agency environment.

• Bachelor's degree required; master's or MBA preferred.

Additional information

Our Publicis Groupe motto "Viva La Différence" means we're better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent.

Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive. Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off.

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact [email protected]. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation Range: $250,000 - $350,000 annual. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 11/16/25