National Account Manager

Description Equator is a global packaging design agency, delivering strategy to shelf without compromise. We create powerful brands that get noticed and chosen. Equator is a division of Marks, part of the Propelis Group. About the Role Primary purpose of this role is to ensure long-term success of our clients in our strategic brand building and packaging design environment. This is by supporting the cross-functional internal teams to deliver timely and successful package design. The Account Manager will be the day-to-day business lead building and maintaining strong client relationships for private label branded retail accounts. This position acts as brand steward and develops relationships to become a trusted resource to clients. The Account Manager will support on all aspects of client projects, including communication, quality control, coordination, client relationships, problem solving and execution to ensure successful projects from start to finish. You will be required to work with Client stakeholders to provide solutions for large-scale packaging rollouts across owned brands. This includes partnering with the internal team and Clients for end-to-end project lifecycle from design through delivery. On any given day you might - Provide regular updates to Clients on project status, deliverables and timelines. - Collaborate with internal teams, including designers, project managers, production, to ensure projects align with Client objectives and Briefs. - Ensure deliverables are met on schedule - Monitor project progress, addressing challenges and escalating issues when necessary - Keep trackers and status documents up to date - Assist in developing Client presentations, ensuring they include the assignment and considerations and creative work that meets the brief - Support the development of strategic recommendations and solutions that meet the Client needs with rationale from the team to support creative decisions - Participate in Client presentations, helping articulate project goals and any insights, supporting in presenting creative concepts - Identify opportunities to expand Client relationships with recommendations of additional services or solutions - Communicate any scope changes to Clients, obtaining necessary approvals and managing expectations - Manage the complete lifecycle process from creative briefs through to final approval, production, delivery and post-analysis while working closely with creative/strategy teams, partners and vendors to ensure budgets and timelines are managed appropriately. - Lead status meetings, creating agendas before and conference reports afterwards. - Provide strategic critiques and quality check on all design work to ensure high standards are met error-free and aligned with client feedback. - Support in project kick-offs, brainstorming sessions, and client meetings, ensuring smooth project workflow in conjunction with all team members. - Ensure the designs presented align with the approved briefs and documentation from Clients. - Understand project needs to help identify internal and external resources required to deliver on a project's objectives. - Deliver against KPI's on projects and debrief successes and opportunities. - Manage multiple concurrent project workbacks - Research to stay informed about Clients industries, competitors and trends to proactively provide valuable insights The ideal person 3-5 years of creative agency experience in Account Management and/or Project Management, preferably at an ad agency or CPG company. Experience in packaging design from start to finish. Upstream in brand foundation, strategy and innovation, to design adaptation and completing artwork through production hand off to prepress. Proficient in Micros