Account Director

Bigwave Marketing is a certified B Corp creative agency based in Exeter, Devon. Founded in 2007. A 50+ strong team of marketers, designers, strategists and digital specialists who believe that great marketing and doing the right thing aren't mutually exclusive - they go hand in hand. We're owned and led by Tom Gozna and Simon Beer, who've spent their careers building this business from the inside and bought it in 2024 because they believe in where it's going! Tom started in the leisure industry in 1996 as a 16-year-old filling vending machines, mopping floors and coaching kids before his big break putting up the posters to begin his marketing journey - today he's one of Bigwave's owners, sits on the ukactive Supplier Council and works with a large range of leisure operators to strategically support their marketing. He coaches youth football in his spare time and is known as someone who 'gets things done'. Simon didn't start his career in leisure centres but did have an amazing first job selling cheese! He can be regularly found presenting at industry events, giving talks in schools and universities, or generally championing the creative sector. As the other half owner of Bigwave he sits on the Business Advisory Group to the Devon & Torbay Combined County Authority and on the Torbay Creative Cluster steering group. Our clients are chosen as carefully as our people, and we're not afraid to turn down brands who don't share our ethos. Five values drive everything we do: Create - Learn - Innovate - Care - Share . Clients who want their marketing to make a real difference will find the right partner in us.

The Role - As Account Director you'll be the trusted partner our clients turn to - shaping strategy, steering integrated multi-channel campaigns and making sure the work we deliver is consistently high-impact. You'll work alongside a talented client services team, collaborate across creative, digital, strategy and production, and play a real part in growing the agency. This role involves nationwide travel - it's part of what makes it varied and interesting. If you're based further afield, a mostly remote arrangement is on the table, with regular visits to Exeter for key client and team moments. Big-picture thinker who loves getting stuck in? You'll fit right in. What You'll Be Doing - Leading senior client relationships as a trusted strategic partner Shaping and driving the strategic direction of client partnerships Overseeing integrated multi-channel campaigns - on time, on brief, on budget Managing, mentoring and developing your client services team Collaborating across creative, digital, strategy and production to deliver and innovate Identifying growth opportunities through upsell, cross-sell and strategic expansion Leading client presentations, workshops and pitch meetings Contributing to new business activity and agency-wide growth What We're Looking For - Proven experience at Senior Account Manager or Account Director level in a marketing or creative agency Strong grasp of marketing strategy, campaign planning and creative processes The confidence and communication skills to guide and influence senior stakeholders Commercial awareness - you understand budgets, profitability and why they matter A natural leader who brings out the best in their team A genuine connection to purposeful, values-driven work What's in it for you? - Working with brilliant people who care about what they do Healthcare plan which includes 24/7 GP and mental health support Hybrid working and a people-first culture EV Octopus salary sacrifice scheme Salary sacrifice pension scheme Cycle to Work scheme 25 days holiday + bank holidays Christmas shutdown every year Dedicated wellbeing days throughout the year Ongoing professional development and training Varied, creative and meaningful work across multiple sectors If this sounds like your kind of place - we'd love to hear from you. Hit apply and let's start a conversation.