Account Director / Senior Account Director
We are currently supporting a search for an Account Director / Senior Account Director in Tokyo, on behalf of our client in the creative agency industry. Our client is an agency that wants to create meaningful work that resonates in culture and leaves a positive mark. They are looking for a senior client leader who shares that purpose.
About the Role In this role you will report to the Managing Director and act as the senior strategic partner for key clients in the creative agency industry. You will understand your clients' businesses inside and out, give trusted counsel and help shape their long-term vision. You will lead the client service team, including Account Managers and Account Executives. You will also own the commercial health of your accounts, so that great creative work is delivered profitably and reflects the agency's values and vision.
Responsibilities
Strategic Client Leadership * Act as the trusted senior partner to key clients, providing counsel and driving long-term vision * Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with senior-level clients * Guide brand strategy and develop insightful creative briefs
Business Growth * Identify and pursue opportunities for account growth proactively * Lead strategic planning for your accounts * Secure new business from existing clients
Team Leadership and Mentorship * Lead, manage and mentor Account Managers and Account Executives * Foster the growth of your team and ensure high performance * Cultivate a positive, collaborative team culture
Commercial Accountability * Own the financial health of your accounts, including forecasting and profitability * Manage resources and significant client budgets against revenue targets * Ensure great work is delivered profitably
Agency Vision * Embody the agency's values and vision in your day-to-day leadership * Ensure your team's output and client relationships reflect a commitment to meaningful work
Requirements * Minimum 7 years of experience in an agency environment, with a proven track record in a client leadership role * Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trust-based relationships with senior-level clients * Strategic thinking, with experience developing insightful creative briefs and guiding brand strategy * Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing significant client budgets and revenue targets * Native-level Japanese and business-level English * Inspiring leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate a team and present ideas persuasively to clients and internal stakeholders
Why Apply * Act as the senior strategic partner to key clients and influence their long-term vision * Drive account growth and secure new business through your own strategic planning * Lead and mentor a client service team and shape its culture * Take full ownership of the financial health of your accounts * Work with a purpose-driven agency committed to creating meaningful work that leaves a positive mark * Report directly to the Managing Director in a senior Tokyo-based role