ABOUT US  

UM is a media agency designed to Futureproof our clients’ businesses for the now and the next. We leverage the transformational power of rich business analytics and real-time intelligence to maximize growth and activate the full consumer journey across content and connections – all rooted in culture. 

We believe in purposeful growth, and our Better World Media philosophy puts diversity, equity and sustainability at the heart of our business operations. We are committed to investing in diverse and responsible media partners, in order to drive more meaningful and authentic messaging for our clients. 

As the leading global media network in IPG Mediabrands, UM operates in over 100 countries, with more than 3,000 people innovating on a roster of global clients. Here in the UK we are proud to work with some of the world’s most exciting brands, including Accenture, American Express, Dyson, Just Eat Takeaway, Johnson & Johnson, Mattel, MoneySuperMarket and Spotify. 

London is also the home of our UM EMEA Headquarters, providing the full spectrum of integrated media and marketing services to global clients across the region. Our in-house tools and technology capabilities, driven by a truly multi-national, talented and passionate team of people, makes us perfectly placed to create tailored, regional solutions for a diverse range of clients. As a regional hub, we act as a catalyst to integrate and connect – fuelling central strategies with both local insights and regional expertise. We have specialists across brand strategy, research & insight, data-driven analytics, 360 digital media planning and content creation, and we bring all of these disciplines together to provide frameworks that optimise our clients’ advertising investment in each market. 

 

ABOUT THE ROLE  

As Associate Account Director you will work across all lines of business for Honda. You will oversee local market briefs, and there will be some central planning oversight required for Honda’s corporate business. This is a varied role which ranges from developing and agreeing briefs with clients and agency partners, briefing local markets, coordinating and governing local market deliverables through to producing and presenting post-campaign results, ensuring timely and accurate delivery internally and to clients. You will also support the strategic lead in developing Global and regional strategies, channel guidelines, principles, best practices across markets. 

As AAD, you will work closely with the Group Account Director to manage and build strong relationships within the team including Planning, Strategy and our key day-to-day clients. 

 

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Manage the day to day of the account, reporting to the Group Account Director 
• Assume day to day responsibility for entire account, working with individual client teams.  
• Ensure the work delivered to client is of highest standard; review all key documents/ presentations prior to distribution. 
• Manage a team 3, including a manager and 2 account executives and work in conjunction with other internal specialist units.  
• Oversee successful financial reconciliations. 
• Overseeing weekly status meetings with clients. 
• Ensuring accurate delivery of QBRs and other quarterly reports   
• Be an active contributor presenting in client meetings.  
• Develop close relationships with clients and agency partners. 
• Ensure curiosity, innovation and outsmarting are the key principles that guide the accounts. 
• Work with Group Account Director to identify organic growth via incremental revenue opportunities. 
   

Multi-Market Media planning / buying and reporting 

• Pan regional planning and buying: Evaluate media proposals and negotiate rates/programs to ensure highest value and efficiencies are delivered to the client. 
• Strong knowledge and confident in managing digital activity including PPC, Display, Programmatic and social etc. 
• Create and maintain relationships with key media partners.  
• Manage client expectations and have the ability to assess when to escalate issues to the Group Account Director. Also challenge clients when necessary.  
• Ensures all reporting and post campaign analysis is done within the expected timelines. 

 

Local market support / governance 

• Excellent project management with local markets and local clients. 
• Lead the local market client relationship.  
• Support and deploy regional strategy to local markets and provide guidance with communications task, objective setting, and channel guidance. 
• Support and governance for the local market teams to ensure their media plans comply with the central brief and strategy. Be able to confidently challenge and question assumptions and recommendations that have been made to ensure the best possible delivery for the client.  
• Ensures all reporting and post campaign analysis is done within the expected timelines. 

 

Finance 

• Gain full understanding of both UM & Honda finance processes, supporting the Business Operations Director as required. 

 

Strategy and insight  

• Strategic thinking to understand client challenges and outline focus. 
• Gain full understanding of the clients’ business and the market they occupy so that you can confidently speak from a position of authority and help identify the issues they face.  
• Constantly use your knowledge of the clients’ business to identify areas where Mediabrands can help solve their marketing challenges.  
• Be thoroughly knowledgeable on all relevant research available (e.g., TGI, Nielsen, Mediabrands proprietary) and confidently deliver information and solutions to the client using these tools.  

 

ABOUT YOU 

• You have Media agency experience within an international role. 
• You can build relationships with colleagues and contacts. 
• You have experience planning local market campaigns. 
• You have demonstrated experience managing multiple projects. 

• You are an enthusiastic, driven, and ambitious person who enjoys the success of their team as much as their own personal achievements. 
• You can comfortably present to peers and clients. 

 

THE PERKS 

• Flexi–leave, with 25 days annual leave to be taken as minimum. In addition to your holiday entitlement, the office usually closes between Christmas & New Year 
• Free breakfast and free lunch 
• Group Income Protection 
• Life Assurance 
• Private Medical Insurance or Health Cash Plan (dependent on level) 
• Group Personal Pension Plan with matched contributions from 3-6% 
• Core Hours (Mon-Thurs, flexible start/finish times)  
• Early finish Fridays 
• Generous Parental Leave & Pay  
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice car scheme 
• Wellbeing programme, including Headspace & flu jabs 
• Paid time off for Volunteering 
• Independent mortgage advice 
• Financial education 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Interest free season ticket loan 
• Free eye tests
• Monthly Bar Night
• Retail discounts
• Flexible benefits including Dental, Travel insurance, Cycle to Work, Gym Discounts and many more! 

 

Employee Transparency  

At Mediabrands and Kinesso, we celebrate difference and believe this makes us stronger. Mediabrands and Kinesso are equal opportunity employers and committed to championing an inclusive culture that provides a sense of belonging for all our employees. We do not discriminate against any applicant based on age, disability, race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, belief, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

Please reach out to our Talent Inclusion Specialist Jess at [email protected] if you would like to have a confidential conversation regarding any adjustments that would ensure our recruitment process is accessible for you. Please note requesting a reasonable adjustment will not affect your application.