Client Manager (advertising) - South East Africa

SUMMARY:
be close to the business & clients!

POSITION INFO:

Client Manager (advertising) – South East Africa

Location: Cape Town
Work Arrangement: Remote, with national and international travel required
Coverage: South East Africa
Employment Type: Full-time

Are you a senior client management professional who thrives on building strong relationships, growing accounts and winning new business?

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Client Manager to take ownership of client operations across South East Africa. This is a senior, commercially focused role combining client relationship management, business development, team leadership and service delivery.

About the Role

You will lead the Client Department while managing and growing key client relationships across the region. You will be responsible for ensuring excellent service delivery, identifying opportunities for growth and contributing to the overall commercial success of the business.

You will also oversee the Social Media and Community Management Team, ensuring that their work aligns with both client requirements and internal commitments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Client Department and oversee client operations across South East Africa.
• Manage and grow existing client relationships and ensure consistently high service levels.
• Coordinate service delivery across multiple accounts and regional markets.
• Prepare and present client reports and oversee timely invoicing and debt collection.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities.
• Manage proposals, pitches and negotiations from opportunity through to securing the client.
• Oversee the onboarding of new clients.
• Lead, mentor and develop the client and social media/community teams.
• Maintain service standards, account profitability and commercial targets.
• Oversee Agency promotional activities, interfaces and channels.
• Manage multiple accounts, teams and competing priorities across regional markets.

What We''re Looking For

The successful candidate will have:

• An undergraduate degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Business Management or a related field.
• At least 5 years'' experience in a Senior Client Executive role within an advertising agency.
• Proven experience managing client accounts and coordinating agency delivery.
• A demonstrated track record in developing new business.
• Strong leadership, presentation, negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Commercial confidence, including experience with budgets, account profitability, payment follow-ups and debt collection.
• The ability to manage multiple accounts, teams and priorities across regional markets.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft applications and related software.
• Practical professional experience using AI tools.

Advantageous

The following would be highly advantageous:

• Experience working with FMCG clients.
• An established network of advertising-related contacts, particularly across FMCG manufacturers, brands, distributors and retailers.
• Experience managing accounts or developing business across South East Africa.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity for a commercially minded senior client professional who enjoys being close to both the client and the business.

If you are a confident relationship builder, strategic thinker and natural leader who can turn strong client relationships into long-term partnerships and business growth, we would like to hear from you.