Job description

Job Title: Account Director (NI)

Department: Advertising

Function: Sales

Reporting to: Head of Agency & Key Client Sales

Location: Belfast

Who We Are

We are an International Media Group with a commanding presence in Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, and Luxembourg. As a publisher, we believe unconditionally in independent journalism and strong and relevant media that makes a positive contribution to people and society. With more than 30 news brands across 5 countries, we bring information to the world, provide clarity on the global agenda, and positively contribute to people and society.

Our brands are at the heart of society: they inform, represent, and unify their readers. Our independent and outstanding journalism enables readers to form objective opinions on subjects which are important for themselves or society. This enables people to make informed decisions and balanced choices.

Role Purpose

We are looking for a dynamic and confident individual who will drive advertising revenue across the Belfast Telegraph’s print and digital platforms, with responsibility for agency accounts and large key clients throughout Northern Ireland. This role is pivotal in growing market share achieving revenue targets through proactive sales and solution-driven approaches that address clients’ unique advertising needs. The primary objective of this role will be to drive digital growth in Northern Ireland.

Role Responsibilities (Overview)

Sales Strategy & Execution

Develop and implement a strategic sales plan targeting both key clients and advertising agencies to maximise revenue across print and online platforms.
Conduct proactive sales activities including client prospecting, meetings, calls, and presentations to ensure consistent pipeline growth.
Identify and leverage new business opportunities, understanding market trends to adapt sales tactics and messaging.

Solution Selling & Client Needs Assessment

Engage in solution-based selling to assess and understand clients' needs and provide tailored advertising packages that meet objectives and budgets.
Develop proposals that integrate the Belfast Telegraph’s print and online advertising solutions to create impactful campaigns that drive client ROI.
Build consultative relationships by staying informed on clients’ business developments, challenges, and marketing goals.

Relationship Management & Client Retention

Maintain strong relationships with a portfolio of key clients and agencies, acting as a trusted advisor and point of contact for advertising enquiries and campaign support.
Collaborate with internal teams to deliver and optimise multi-platform campaigns that align with client expectations and objectives.
Implement a strategy to retain top-tier clients and grow mid-tier clients across agency patches

Revenue Management & Reporting

Meet or exceed assigned revenue targets through strategic account management, high-impact client/agency relationships, and successful campaign execution.
Accurately forecast revenue projections, manage budgets, and maintain clear reporting on sales performance, sales activities, pipeline, and market trends.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with our in-house teams to align advertising offerings with current Belfast Telegraph audience insights and product developments.
Work with the creative and production teams to ensure timely and effective delivery of advertising materials and successful campaign execution across platforms.
Act as a brand ambassador for the Belfast Telegraph and Mediahuis at industry events, client meetings, and networking opportunities, representing the group with professionalism and expertise.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Revenue Targets: Achievement of monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals.
Client Acquisition and Retention: Number of new accounts closed and retention rate of existing accounts.
Pipeline Development: Consistent growth in pipeline through proactive client outreach and follow-up.
Cross-Selling & Upselling: Additional revenue generated from existing clients through expanded product offerings.

Experience & Qualifications (Minimum Experience & Essential Knowledge)

BA/BS degree preferred in Marketing, Business, or equivalent.
3-5 years of experience in agency and key account advertising sales, ideally within a media or publishing environment.
Strong ability in consultative and solution-selling, with a proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets.
An in-depth understanding of digital and print advertising products, advertising agencies, market trends and the competitive landscape in Northern Ireland.
Established relationships with media agencies in the NI market.
Excellent networking, communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage clients and agencies at all levels.

Skills/Attributes

Outstanding communication, networking and relationship-building skills
Excellent presentation skills
Ability to think creatively and strategically
Strong organizational and time management
Excellent Persuasion, negotiation and active listening skills
Creative and analytical thinking
Self-motivation
Resilience
Strong attention to detail
Interest in media and advertising
Ability to consistently achieve targets
Proactive, ambitious and results-driven
Demonstrates strong initiative and self-motivation
Team Player
Creative and analytical thinking
Thrives in a target-driven environment
Resilience and adaptability
Strong attention to detail

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Mediahuis Ireland values the enrichment that comes from a diverse workforce and seeks to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the rights of each individual. We are committed to fostering an environment of equality, diversity and inclusion in our organisation and welcome applications from all individuals. Additionally, we can make reasonable accommodations for a person with a disability during the recruitment process.

Mediahuis Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.