Account Manager

Account Manager

Grizzly is an independent creative agency. We guide brands onward™ to challenge convention and impact culture. We work at the convergence of branding and advertising — blending strategy, design, and storytelling to build deeper connections between brands and people. We partner with brands pioneering new futures. The trailblazers. The visionaries. The courageous. The businesses of tomorrow that believe in a better world and are hell-bent on building it. Adventurous Brands™ create and lead categories, secure the world's work, and change how we live. We put creativity to work for business because we believe the most innovative brands have the power to affect just about anything. They challenge convention, impact culture, and forge connections. We help them navigate an increasingly complex and challenging world. This is how we guide brands onward.

Grizzly is seeking an Account Manager with 5-7 years of agency experience to own day-to-day client relationships, oversee delivery of projects, and serve as the bridge between clients and internal teams. This is a client-facing role that requires confidence, communication skills, and a strong grasp of both creative quality and business outcomes. The Account Manager is accountable for ensuring work is delivered on time, on budget, and on brief - while also demonstrating growth through quarterly business reviews and proactive relationship development.

Reports to: COO

Location: San Diego, CA (onsite/hybrid)

Key Responsibilities:

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for assigned clients.
• Build strong, trusted relationships by anticipating needs and proactively problem-solving.
• Lead client calls, status meetings, and presentations with clarity and confidence.
• Own internal quarterly business reviews (QBRs) and demonstrate account growth and value.
• Provide clear, timely communication and documentation to clients and internal teams.

Account & Project Ownership

• Manage execution of campaigns, brand initiatives, and deliverables across accounts.
• Own project scopes, timelines and client budgets.
• Oversee delivery of high-quality work, ensuring alignment with client goals and agency standards.
• Partner with creative, strategy, and production teams to ensure collaboration and accountability.
• Track financial health of projects - monitoring burn, reconciling hours, and supporting invoicing.

Strategic Contribution

• Develop a deep understanding of client businesses, industries, and competitive landscapes.
• Advocate for client needs while pushing for strong creative and strategic solutions.
• Contribute to annual planning, creative briefs, and long-term account growth strategies. Identify opportunities for incremental growth within existing accounts.
• Bring forward ideas and insights that deepen partnerships and strengthen outcomes.

What Success Looks Like in This Role:

• Grows account value and strengthens client partnerships.
• Develops proactive, trusted relationships with key stakeholders.
• Confidently leads client communications and meetings as the #1 point of contact.
• Brings a strong point of view, demonstrates care for creative quality, and champions great work.
• Knows the client's business inside and out - acting as both advocate and advisor. Is a people person who thrives on conversation, comfortable being the center of attention but skilled at shifting the spotlight to hype up teammates and engage clients when needed.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of account management experience in a creative, brand, or advertising agency.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and lead delivery of multi-channel projects.
• Strong organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience managing scopes, budgets, and project profitability.
• Ability to translate client needs into actionable direction for internal teams.
• Collaborative and proactive mindset; comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with brand strategy, creative workflows, and integrated marketing campaigns.

Work Requirements

• Must be located within a one-hour drive of San Diego, CA.
• Flexibility with schedule to meet client commitments.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.

$125,000 - $135,000 a year

The above job description outlines the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with federal and state laws. All job requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. Employment remains at-will.