Senior Strategic Account Manager, &drop - Brand Merchandise & Promotional Products

ADVOC8

4d•$95,000 - $110,000•Remote

About The Position

We're seeking a Senior Strategic Account Manager to own and grow a portfolio of our most important client relationships with a strategic, creative, and solutions-oriented approach. This is not a traditional promotional products sales role-we need someone who can think like a brand strategist, operate with creative vision, and execute like a seasoned merchandising expert. You'll manage 4-6 high-value client accounts, developing comprehensive merchandise strategies that align with their business objectives. You'll conceive creative solutions, execute (and when needed, guide) complex product development and sourcing, and ensure exceptional client experiences. You'll work alongside another Senior Account Manager and guide our production team's execution. This role reports directly to the Head of &drop and is part of rebuilding our strategic account management practice. At ADVOC8, we create experiences that build trust, shift minds and win hearts. Our special sauce? Chemistry, collaboration and an endless supply of curiosity. We're a team of strategic thinkers, creative problem-solvers, thoughtful storytellers and logistical magicians expertly bringing ideas to life from strategy and creative through to production and execution. We work with brands, nonprofits and associations to create experiences that make an impact. And we do this all in a flexible 'work from anywhere' environment where we celebrate differences and encourage each of our 'advocates' to bring their unique perspectives to the table each and every day. &drop is the brand merchandise and promotional products division of ADVOC8, serving major brand clients including Google, YouTube, TikTok, and PokémonGO. We specialize in strategic, creative merchandise solutions from complex event kits and experiential programs to comprehensive branded goods strategies. We're a boutique agency that thinks like a creative partner, not a commodity distributor.

Requirements

6–9 years in brand merchandise, promotional products, corporate gifting, or adjacent space
Deep production and sourcing expertise. You've done the tactical work and understand manufacturing, logistics, and vendor management deeply
Proven track record managing client relationships ($200K+ accounts) with strategic, consultative approach
Background working in boutique/creative agency environments vs. traditional distributors strongly preferred
Proven ability to translate business objectives into differentiated merchandise strategies
Strong conceptual instincts - able to develop ideas beyond standard or catalog solutions
Confidence presenting and influencing senior marketing and brand stakeholders
Clear understanding of how physical product supports brand, culture, and business growth
Expert knowledge of apparel, packaging, and premium merchandise categories
Strong sourcing instincts - vendor evaluation, negotiation, quality control
Able to lead complex product development when needed
Clear grasp of production timelines, technical constraints, and sustainable sourcing
Track record of building trusted relationships with brand and marketing leaders
Demonstrated ability to identify and drive account growth
Exceptional communication skills with a proactive, ownership-driven mindset
Comfort operating in ambiguity and navigating complex stakeholder environments
Aligned with and committed to ADVOC8's core values; represents them in daily work
Better Together - Collaborative soul who's open to new ideas, sharing successes and being part of a team
Level Up - High standards, never settling for the status quo or what we did last time
Hustle Smarter - Entrepreneurial, roll-up-your-sleeves spirit, tempered by the courage to identify smarter ways of doing things
Celebrate Differences - Highly empathetic personality who values individual perspectives
Outcome Over Income - Extensive experience and demonstrated success in client relationship management
Protect the Respect - Navigates conflict with an emphasis on transparency and diplomacy
Engineer Exceptional Value - Inspired by outside-the-box thinking that yields outstanding ROI for our clients and projects
Embrace Change - Recognize situations that require flexibility and craft creative solutions on the fly

Nice To Haves

Experience with tech, entertainment, or consumer brands a plus

Responsibilities

Strategic Client Partnership (40%)
Own and grow 4-6 high-value client accounts ($200K-$1M+ annual spend)
Understand client business objectives, marketing strategies, and brand positioning deeply
Develop comprehensive merchandise strategies that solve business problems, not just fulfill orders
Proactively identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and expanded partnership
Lead strategic planning sessions, creative briefings, and client presentations
Serve as trusted advisor to client marketing, brand, and events teams
Creative Problem-Solving & Product Development (30%)
Conceive creative, out-of-the-box merchandise solutions for complex client challenges
Lead ideation and concepting for major programs, events, and branded goods initiatives
Execute or closely guide complex sourcing, product development, and vendor selection for strategic projects
Partner with freelance creative resources to develop compelling presentations and concepts
Maintain deep knowledge of product trends, manufacturing capabilities, and emerging opportunities
Push beyond typical promotional products into cultural artifacts and meaningful brand expressions
Execution & Quality Oversight (25%)
Guide production team on execution strategy, vendor selection, and quality standards for your accounts
Jump into hands-on sourcing, vendor negotiations, and technical problem-solving when complexity demands it
Build and present client-facing proposals, cost analyses, and program recommendations
Ensure flawless execution and exceptional client experience across all touchpoints
Review and approve production work to ensure strategic alignment and quality standards
Collaboration & Team Development (5%)
Collaborate with other Senior Account Manager(s) on best practices and strategic approaches
Share insights with production team to elevate overall capability
Work with Head of &drop on process optimization and team development

Benefits

Compensation: $95-110K base + performance bonus (total comp $110-135K)
Clear path to Director-level role based on performance and impact
Real autonomy and creative freedom with your accounts and strategies
Shape the future of a growing agency and how we serve clients
Work with some of the most innovative brands in tech and entertainment
Small team, direct access to leadership, creative freedom
Health Insurance: 100% coverage of base level medical insurance plus buy up options to meet the needs of you and your family
Health Insurance: Dental and vision insurance
401k, FSA, and stipend for mobile phone usage
Professional development and training reimbursements
Flexible work schedule
Unlimited vacation and personal time
Paid parental leave and Grandternity Leave
Fully remote company