Account Director (Design)

Who are we? Marks is a consumer experience agency creating engaging moments across the entire brand spectrum – from brand design and packaging to content and consumer connections. Rooted in a deep understanding of human behavior, we are uniquely constructed to enable brands to win in an age of constant change. A super-charged experience powerhouse - 700 people strong, with subject matter experts working collaboratively across 12 studios and 8 countries - we have helped some of the world’s biggest brands connect to their audiences and tackle the biggest challenges and opportunities of today’s consumer landscape. About the team This Marks Packaging Design team is a talented agency-within-an-agency. Constructed to service an exclusive retail client engagement – this group lives and breathes packaging craft across a versatile collection of brands and categories – from food & beverages to household essentials. A multidisciplinary group of problem-solvers, you’ll work alongside client service, creatives, copywriters, CGI artists, photographers, and production artists alike, to bring new packaging designs, extensions, adaptations, and updates to life. This role is designated hybrid – working 3 days a week from our Chicago studio (located in the bustling Fulton Market neighborhood), as well as from home. The role The Account Director partners with the full dedicated team – from creative to project managers, production artists to CGI artists - to provide brand perspective and creative recommendations to clients. The Account Director is responsible for being the brand steward to successfully lead projects and teams, while also building a respectful and impactful relationship with our client. Core Expectations: As an ambassador for MARKS externally and internally, you are expected to: Always conduct yourself with professionalism Represent and project the values of MARKS Be able to articulate what MARKS does and our competitive points of difference Seek opportunities to position the organization for competitive advantage As a senior leader of MARKS, you are expected to: Fully and independently own your responsibilities and deliverables Inform decisions to protect and serve the best interest of the organization Help manage the balance; do great work; make a profit, ensure clients love us, and have a happy team Have a strong understanding of MARKS services, products, processes, and protocol and continue to learn Be able to articulate MARKS services, products, processes, and protocol as related to your department Lead by example; be a role model Regularly communicate with your team(s) and management As a people manager of MARKS, you are expected to: Motivate and challenge your team to achieve beyond what they think they are capable of doing Accept responsibility for the actions of those for which you are managing Instill trust and confidence in your direct reports, peers, and management Your Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Client Consultation Provides clients with distinct points of view on their portfolio of brands, their role in the broader landscape, and opportunities for expansion. Stays abreast of retail environment shifts, trends, etc. to help guide clients in their decisions. Develops category analyses and market audits to provide a clear perspective to support creative direction. Recommends processes/techniques for creative development, research, equity analysis, brand segmentation, asset management, and other branding processes as appropriate. Relationship Building/Maintaining Develops relationships with clients (manager and director level) to ensure continued success for the agency and to support the procurement of repeat business. Seeks to penetrate and drive new areas of business opportunity with clients; consults with Group Account Director to determine the course of action. Seeks out opportunities to provide additional information on the brand that is outside of project scope. Obsessively client-focused, always looking for ways to surprise and delight clients. Provides “added value” through the strength of the relationship and personal association – viewed as a trusted advisor. Acts as a brand steward, gaining trust and confidence with the client to ensure they feel their brands are in good hands. Participates in, and helps prepare for, all Quarterly Business Reviews with SVP and Group Account Director. Staff and Team Management Provides guidance and mentoring to Account Managers and/or Project Managers on branding disciplines, client brands, client service methods, protocol, tactics, industry terminology, and process. Manages and inspires cross-functional teams from initial briefing through implementation to deliver the highest standards of excellence in service, strategic consultation, creativity, and professionalism that address client issues/objectives. Determines “readiness” of work for client presentations with the senior creative and strategy teams. Project Management Serves as the direct contact liaison between the client and creative, CGI, and production teams. Receives and provides all client direction, questions, and relevant information to teams. Ensures alignment with creative brief, account strategy, and understanding of client issues. Coordinates internal review meetings and client meetings and conference calls as appropriate. Ensures smooth transition of the creative/strategic process to the production process. Organizes content, flow, and materials with Associate Creative Director to create a compelling, thought-provoking presentation and representation of MARKS. Ensures client processes are seamlessly followed and that projects are consistently delivered on time. Financial Ensures projects align with the agreed-upon overarching SOW; works with Group Account Director to determine if projects are out of scope. Reviews financial performance against approved fee and expense budget. Manages project deliverables and requests addendums for out-of-scope work. Submits invoice requests, reviews/approves invoices, and tracks receivables. Manages individual financial targets, as specified by the SVP. Creates miscellaneous financial reports as requested by Group Account Director or SVP. Competencies we like: Strategic business and brand consultation skills Self-starter that demonstrates initiative and proactivity Strong team management and mentoring skills Creative and analytical thinker who is detail-oriented Ability to apply discretion and judgment to actions internally and externally Ability to develop client-ready thinking and presentations Strong communication skills Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and manage priorities and timelines A few Qualifications that will help: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college 8+ years of related experience (experience managing a retail client a plus) Experience in packaging – from creative through to production Strong background in client relationship building and team leadership (agency experience and people management a must) Demonstrated ability to present effectively to Senior clients and internal teams Proven ability to manage, drive, and develop multiple brands and projects simultaneously Capability to engage in departmental responsibilities that facilitate growth and efficiencies within MARKS Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment Has confidence and is a strong team leader Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) #J-18808-Ljbffr