Associate Account Director

We’re the UK’s leading premium publisher, and the people behind iconic media brands such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Country Living. We’ve created a working environment that encourages everyone to pull together. We never stop looking for brave new ideas. We’ll always try to develop and improve, we trust each other to do our best, and we have fun as we build on our heritage to make history.

The Role…

The Associate Account Director is the owner of excellent service of commercial 360 campaigns from pitch to completion to a designated set of priority clients based outside the UK. The Associate Account Director is responsible for the campaign strategy proposed to support the creative idea and brief as well as overseeing the whole campaign execution and activation. The Associate Account Director oversees all client activity and is the key responsibility holder for all operational stakeholders for commercial campaigns. The Associate Account Director is the expert and strategic owner of an assigned international patch outside the UK, always ensuring best in class service to our commercial partners abroad. 

Main Duties…

• Define, challenge and drive strategy of assigned international sales & client patch to (over-)deliver expected targets through (pro-)active initiatives – this can be but are not limited to tailored packages including one-sheeters to support simplified selling, negotiations with other stakeholders to establish best possible solutions for clients to drive innovation/adjusted rates/AV/access to editorial/events etc
• Act as key point of contact for all commercial operations teams and queries, always challenging the status quo internally and externally to drive efficiencies on processes and ensure revenue & servicing expectations are met for both Hearst and clients 
• Identify ways to diversify revenue for assigned clients within vertical/patch and drive innovation on all commercial levels in close partnership with other stakeholders within the Hearst eco-system 
• Analyse market behaviour of assigned client patch on a regular to identify opportunities in close collaboration with sales teams to ensure full awareness (e.g. competitor reviews)
• Analyse and interrogate client briefs to identify best possible response and drive all following activity by leading on briefing in relevant teams to help contribute to responding 
  à Workflow will be dependent on each brief; minimal response is providing a top-line overview of budget feasibility; maximum is collaborating with Creative Strategist for a full creative response and with Operational and Production teams for a detailed media plan.
• Build key relationships with sales teams & clients abroad, acting as partner to sales in pursuit of securing business and ensure high servicing standards 
• Problem-solving: deliver solutions to ad hoc and day to day challenges existing to protect revenue and maintain client satisfaction while guaranteeing success to Hearst on all levels
• Work with all relevant stakeholders in Hearst eco-system to preserve commercial business profitability while negotiating an effective creative response to meet advertiser needs 
• Own all holistic operational strategy & internal communication with relevant and required stakeholders (AD will lead internal communication with creative strategy, data teams, research teams, paid media, technical account management, media planning, project management, production teams and other partners where & when required)
• End-to-end overview of all stages within a partnership (from pre-to post-sales) as the key and primary operational representative – support where needed to other stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery at all times
• Have thorough, 360-degree knowledge of the Hearst suite of products and the objectives they can help achieve.
• Track and review relevant editorial activity to bring proactive opportunities to clients and strengthen brief responses.
• Acting as an influential leader within the Intl Revenue team, modelling behaviour and attitude as an ambassador across the business.
• Ownership of chasing and receiving accurate IOs or comparable formal commitments of partnerships to be received correctly and to ensure new projects are correctly set up, aligning to your determined phasing plan, and can be invoiced according to process.
• Oversight of the delivery and reporting, communicating performance to external contacts and acquiring relevant information from the delivery teams.
• Creation of a Post-Campaign Analysis deck for all relevant projects, meeting external contact requirements, storytelling the campaign narrative and providing provocation for future advertiser spend while addressing any critical process or creative notes.
• You may be required to undertake such further duties as your skills, qualifications and experience allow and/or as may be assigned to you from time to time.

What We Are Looking For…

• Collaborative & Personable: Team-oriented, approachable, and adaptable, fostering a positive and cooperative work environment.
• Detail-Oriented & Organized: High attention to detail with excellent time management, prioritization, and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Strategic & Commercially Aware: Demonstrates strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and a sense of urgency in decision-making.
• Proactive & Independent: Self-motivated with a strong sense of initiative, independent thought, and the ability to solve problems and manage conflict effectively.
• Industry-Savvy: Possesses deep knowledge of the media and advertising landscape, staying informed about industry changes and trends.

Benefits…

(Your benefits at Hearst UK are more than just extras—they are tools to help you thrive in every part of life)

Hearst Exclusives - Only for You!

• Get adventurous with Good Housekeeping Taste and Beauty Testing Panels - yes, you could be trying the next big thing in beauty, food & drink.
• Snag luxe beauty steals at our legendary office sample sales - score big on top brands without breaking the bank!

Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing: Feel Your Best

• Stay healthy with Specsavers eye care, a company-funded Health Cash Plan , and access to mental health support.
• Get active and stress-free with discounted gym memberships and the Cycle to Work scheme.
• Embrace flexibility with a Location Flex and Holiday Exchange to take time when you need it.
• Take time to give back with a Charity Day and access wellbeing resources whenever you need them.
• Join one of our Hearst ERG Groups.

Financial Wellness - Boost Your Budget

• Plan ahead with a generous Workplace Pension, Income Protection, Life Assurance and Season Ticket Loan for easier commuting.
• Make smarter money moves using Salary Finance tools, Financial Wellbeing sessions, and Home Tech benefits to spread costs.
• Treat yourself with major discounts across London plus everyday savings via the HAPI at Hearst app