Thanks to some sensational new client wins and an ambitious growth period ahead, we have a rare but exciting opportunity for an Account Director / Senior Account Director to join our ambitious and fast-paced Manchester team.

As an Account Director you will be responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of our clients’ public relations.

You will play a pivotal role in developing and executing world-class PR campaigns for some truly disruptive brands, building trusted client relationships, developing a talented team and playing a role in new business. 

The right fit

Over the last 10+ years, we’ve worked hard to achieve a fantastic culture at Smoking Gun. There are no egos here. It’s a truly collaborative team, that is passionate about delivering award-winning work. 

Smoking Gun’s values (nurture, aspiration, accountability, courage, adaptability and rigour) are embedded into the agency’s day to day operations, and we regularly recognise and reward staff for demonstrating these values within their roles. 

It’s really important that whoever joins our team fits these values and will match our passion, positivity and supportive culture, whilst delivering world class work. 

More about the role 

The role is full-time and on a permanent basis. You will be responsible for – 

• Taking full control of developing effective client PR strategies, including strategic goal setting and identifying key metrics to produce impactful client reports 
• Motivating and leading a team to provide the utmost level of client service 
• Liaising with clients at a senior level on a day-to-day basis
• Overseeing the creation of all PR materials, ensuring they’re delivered to the highest standard 
• Promoting our range of services and the expansion of business with existing clients
• Working with other senior team members on new business briefs and pitches 
• Ensuring projects are completed to a specific schedule and within an agreed budget 
• Support clients during crisis situations, developing crisis communication plans and assisting in monitoring and managing public perception
• Using your skills to push clients, and the agency, creatively and strategically
• Staying up-to-date with industry best practices and emerging trends to continually enhance PR strategies

Essential experience required

• Approx. 6 years experience leading big consumer brands within an agency or similar creative environment, providing senior counsel and taking overall responsibility for team delivery in a fast paced environment
• You will be adept at writing and presenting integrated comms strategies that are rooted in insight
• Proven track record of successfully leading high-value new business pitches and tenders 
• Demonstrated experience of developing and implementing multi-channel creative campaigns across PR, social, influencer marketing and events, to achieve desired outcomes
• Exceptional leadership skills, with a proven track record of leading and motivating teams 
• Ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously 
• You will be commercially minded, with experience of resource planning and ensuring service levels are managed to maintain account profitability
• Proven experience of developing rigorous evaluation metrics and client reports that demonstrate the effectiveness of PR 

Company package/ perks 

Salary banding – £42-49k. 

As well as a competitive salary, you will also receive – 

• 25 days holiday and your birthday off
• Statutory pension scheme
• Company laptop 

And we also offer our colleagues – 

• Hybrid/ flexible working 
• Summer hours where you can finish early everyday, throughout July and August
• A structured development programme including monthly 121s with line manager and quarterly performance reviews
• Access to a dedicated mentor as part of our company-wide mentor scheme 
• Personal development fund – £250 a year to spend on anything you want to develop an interest/ hobby/ life skill, non work related
• Regular socials / team building activities
• Monthly lunch and learn sessions featuring external experts 
• Peer to peer reward system where points can be cashed in for vouchers, days off, meals out etc 
• Discretionary annual company bonus scheme
• Work anniversary gifts 
• Exclusive Perks  – with discounts on lifestyle items from shopping to gyms to cinemas etc
• Volunteer days – up to x4 paid volunteering days per year to support a charity of your choice  
• Sabbatical after 10 years service
• Office balcony and bbq where colleagues can work or dine alfresco

A bit about Smoking Gun

We don’t do PR. We shift consumer behaviour. We build trust. We change perceptions. We move audiences.

We do intelligent, disruptive, ingenious communications campaigns – that solve real business problems.

For brands with balls, and brains – welcome to Smoking Gun.

When the gun fires, you need to be able to measure the smoke. We’re the agency with seven global effectiveness awards for impacting business goals.

We’re authentic storytellers, with a purpose. Our culture is built on values of aspiration, adaptability and accountability. Our people are courageous, rigorous and nurturing in all they do. At Smoking Gun, you’ll connect with some of the most experienced minds in the industry – strategists, creatives and former national news editors.

Spanning B2C and B2B, our roster includes market leaders and pioneering start-ups – all sharing our challenger brand mentality to disrupt norms and push boundaries. 

If you think you could be a great addition to our ingenious team, please send your CV to [email protected]