Amsterdam, Netherlands
Director of strategic accounts
Downstream is recruiting a director of strategic accounts to join its team in Amsterdam.
Downstream is a community of visionary designers, technologists, graphic and content designers, developers, account directors, and project managers. Collectively, we are a company on the forefront of brand communications, reaching around the globe, building compelling brand experiences for some of the largest and most dynamic companies in the world.
Downstream’s account team assumes a leadership role in this endeavor. We embody the aspirations of the company, and it’s employees to lead, grow and innovate.
Primary job description:
The director, strategic account and business development for EMEA develops and manages the day-to-day sales and service of key accounts in multiple vertical markets across EMEA, while also focusing on attracting and retaining new clients.
The role reports to the managing director of the Amsterdam office, the executive creative director. You will be responsible for cultivating new project leads, nurturing them to the point of engagement and then managing the client relationship throughout the project.
The role requires new business development expertise including research driven informed prospecting, lead generation, and networking program experience.
This role implements a sales strategy to continually increase Downstream’s reach, educates prospective clients about Downstream’s capabilities and penetrates Downstream’s target markets to acquire the necessary intelligence to present Downstream at opportunistic times.
The role identifies and encourages cross-selling opportunities within existing accounts and markets. The account director serves as the client’s key advocate within the agency as well as the agency's advocate within the client organisation. Account directors are deeply involved in the initial client request and project intake process, and are responsible for the generation of Project Briefs, and collaboration with key team members to generate proposals and RFP responses. As the project is defined and budgeted, the account director partners with a project manager and remains informed throughout the project timeline, supporting the project team and ensuring that the client’s expectations are supported and managed. This role will direct comprehensive client service plans to ensure world-class customer service.
To be eligible for this role you must possess prior design firm or creative industry account management/business development experience, as well as experience managing a project team through the creative process. Being
organised and multi-tasking against priorities is a key requirement for this role.
You will work closely with the creative and project teams based in Downstream’s Amsterdam studio as well as our global account team based in our Portland, Oregon headquarters.
Essential duties and responsibilities:
- strategic thinking to create and implement sales plan designed to meet or exceed company sales goals
- become an expert in and evangelise Downstream’s unique offering
- become a brand expert for all accounts and vertical markets
- expand and nurture established EMEA sales network
- expand and nurture EMEA partner network including Architect, AV and fabrication partners
- maintain and cultivate business relationships within accounts and close new business
- create and deliver opportunity briefs to internal design and project teams
- deliver outstanding client service that forges open, honest and long term client relationships
- monitor emerging markets for new business prospects
- communicate and collaborate with international account team
- coordinate and facilitate communications with the various project teams
Proprietary and confidential 2018
- provide regular account reports and revenue forecasts
- attend relevant client events and trade shows, and participate in industry trade organisations as necessary
Work experience & education
- minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- minimum five years of experience in account management & sales, in the creative Industry
- experience developing and selling in the creative industry in EMEA region
skills and attributes - entrepreneurial approach to business and thrives in an independent role
- must have experience with estimating and proposal writing
- highly proficient Microsoft Excel and Word skills
- proficient InDesign skills
- must have experience using CRM tools, generating reports and organising sales efforts within a CRM
- well connected in EMEA region
- positive outlook, team player & ambitious
- goal and target oriented
- passionate about design and technology
- multi-lingual (Not required, but adds value)
Cover Letter
Please include a cover letter that helps us get to know you better. We would like to know what accounts you have secured and their value, as well as any career goals you have achieved. We would also like to know how you see downstream and your role within it.