Senior Account Manager

Senior Account Manager

We are looking for a confident and proactive Senior Account Manager to join our client services team at Ponderosa.

If you are a strong relationship builder who thrives on leading client accounts, solving challenges and driving commercial growth, this is a brilliant opportunity to make an impact within an integrated agency that combines brand, digital, social and eCommerce expertise under one roof.

About Ponderosa

We are Ponderosa, a Leeds-based integrated marketing agency that blends strategic thinking, bold creativity, and digital know-how to make Better Work.

We build brands, launch campaigns, craft content, and create digital experiences that drive results. From social and performance to brand strategy and eCommerce, our team works together across disciplines to deliver work that not only looks good, it works hard too.

Ponderosa is part of the Audience Collective, a group of specialist agencies connected by a shared belief that different perspectives create better outcomes. That means deep expertise, cross-agency collaboration, and a big picture view on every project.

We are proud of our down-to-earth, open culture where curiosity is encouraged, development is supported, and people enjoy working together.

What You Will Do

Client Management

• Take ownership of client relationships, acting as the main point of contact across accounts
• Develop positive, collaborative and productive partnerships with clients
• Build a clear understanding of client businesses and sectors, sharing insight with the wider team
• Deliver all work on time, on budget and to brief, while challenging client thinking where appropriate
• Prepare and manage SLAs, contracts and agreements, ensuring delivery against expectations

Project Coordination

• Lead weekly WIP and status meetings to manage capacity, workload and challenges
• Produce and maintain accurate contact and status reports, estimates, POs and schedules
• Support and drive the creative process with clarity and organisation to minimise rework
• Manage suppliers, negotiating to secure quality and value against agreed timescales
• Keep timesheets updated, ensuring accurate profitability reporting
• Review and refine processes to drive efficiency and progress

Commercial Ownership

• Provide weekly updates of management accounts to Account Directors
• Use forecasting tools to track income, profit margins and project viability
• Quote, bill and charge for additional work with commercial diligence and value for money
• Forecast income and profit, accurately predicting pipeline and speculative work
• Complete end-of-job analysis, comparing quoted vs actual hours with clear rationale

Business Development

• Spot and develop opportunities for growth within existing client accounts
• Support new business by producing case studies, costings and schedules for pitches

People Management

• Provide clear direction to team members and set expectations
• Coach, mentor and review performance of junior colleagues to support development
• Motivate and empower the team to deliver their best work
• Lead by example, demonstrating positive behaviours and professionalism
• Address challenges constructively, aligning with HR processes where needed

What We Are Looking For

• Solid experience as an Account Manager or Senior Account Manager in a marketing or creative agency
• Proven ability to manage and grow client relationships with confidence and credibility
• Commercially astute, comfortable managing budgets, forecasts and profitability
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines
• A natural leader who motivates and mentors junior team members
• Proactive, solutions-focused and able to challenge and guide clients to the best outcomes

What You Will Get

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working Tuesday to Thursday in the Leeds office
• Optional 9-day fortnight via compressed hours
• 25 days holiday + 3 celebration days
• Contributory pension scheme
• Healthcare cash plan & Employee Assistance Programme
• Regular performance reviews and development support