Group Account Director

AKQA•Seattle, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

AKQA, part of WPP, is seeking a Group Account Director to lead relationships with two globally recognized brands: a consumer brand with digital products used by millions and an iconic automotive brand focused on modern mobility and elevated customer experiences. The engagements are digital-product and experience-led, involving the conception, design, and delivery of sophisticated platforms at scale. The Group Account Director is the most senior day-to-day client leader on the accounts, responsible for relationship health, business growth, profitability, and the quality of the work. The role calls for a strategic partner and trusted advisor who can anticipate client needs, develop emerging opportunities into high-impact work, and provide direction to multidisciplinary teams. The successful candidate will bring steadiness, foresight, and momentum to dynamic, high-visibility accounts. This is a full-time role open to candidates based on the West Coast or working Pacific Time hours, with regular travel for in-person client collaboration. AKQA uses a hybrid approach that includes required in-office days. Accommodations or flexibility can be discussed with the hiring team.

Requirements

Significant senior client leadership experience in an agency environment, with a track record of leading client relationships and multidisciplinary teams.
Deep experience with digital products and services and a strong understanding of how sophisticated digital products are designed and delivered.
A proven track record of deepening client relationships and uncovering opportunities before they are fully defined.
Ability to identify unspoken client needs and translate them into clear, actionable work.
Ability to thrive in dynamic, fast-moving environments with calm, foresight, and decisiveness.
Strong commercial acumen across forecasting, scoping, resourcing, and profitability.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with judgment to advise and align at senior levels.
Leadership skills and commitment to team development and quality of work.

Responsibilities

Serve as the most senior day-to-day client leadership voice on the account, owning relationship health, growth, and profitability.
Lead digital product and services engagements, guiding the conception, design, and delivery of sophisticated digital products.
Drive organic growth by anticipating client needs and shaping them into clear, compelling opportunities.
Advise senior client stakeholders and guide, challenge, and align them.
Provide cross-functional direction to multidisciplinary teams and keep them focused on key priorities.
Partner with creative, strategy, product, and technology leadership to ensure work meets client ambition and user needs.
Oversee commercial management, including scoping, forecasting, resourcing, and margin performance.
Keep initiatives on track from planning through delivery in a dynamic environment.
Mentor and develop the account team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.