Account Direction VP
Sparks · Royal Oak, MI · 2 days ago
HybridFull-time
About Us Sparks is a leading global brand experience agency, specializing in the design and execution of award-winning experiences that forge deep connections between brands and audiences. Recognized by Adweek as Experiential Agency of the Year, we bring a unique blend of strategic insight and execution excellence to every brand activation, corporate event, trade show exhibit, and immersive experience. Our commitment to creativity, innovation, and flawless execution drives us to craft impactful experiential marketing solutions that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust—all around the world. Summary The Account Direction VP is a senior account leader responsible for the overall health, performance, growth, and strategic direction of assigned client accounts. Serving as a trusted client partner, the Account Direction VP translates client business objectives into strategic programs, experiences, and solutions that drive measurable results. This role is responsible for cultivating executive-level client relationships, providing strategic counsel, identifying growth opportunities, and ensuring successful delivery across the account portfolio. While highly collaborative with internal cross-functional teams, this is an individual contributor leadership role with direct accountability for account strategy, client satisfaction, financial performance, and organic growth. The Account Direction VP serves as the primary voice of the client within the organization and is accountable for delivering strong business outcomes for both the client and the agency while supporting overall organizational objectives. This position will support our Account Direction team. It is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, generally requiring work in-office and/or show-site 2-3 days per week. The ideal candidate will be based out of any of the following locations: Philadelphia, PA Grand Prairie, TX Royal Oak, MI Essential Duties & Responsibilities Client Leadership & Partnership Serve as the senior client lead and trusted advisor for assigned accounts.Build and maintain strong executive-level client relationships.Provide strategic guidance aligned to client business objectives.Lead client issue resolution and ensure a consistently high-quality client experience. Account Strategy Develop and drive account strategies aligned with client and business goals.Deliver strategic recommendations, business reviews, and executive presentations.Identify opportunities, risks, and changing client needs to support long-term success. Financial & Commercial Leadership Own account revenue, profitability, forecasting, and overall financial performance.Oversee budgets, scopes, SOWs, estimates, and change orders.Partner with internal teams to manage financial risk and drive business results. Account Growth Own account growth and revenue objectives.Identify and pursue opportunities to expand services, programs, and client relationships.Lead proposals, presentations, and strategic responses to new opportunities. Team Leadership & Development Provide leadership, direction, and accountability across account teams.Coach and develop team members while fostering collaboration and high performance.Partner with leadership on staffing, talent development, and succession planning. Program & Portfolio Oversight Maintain oversight of key programs, events, and account initiatives.Ensure delivery aligns with client objectives, financial expectations, and account strategy.Provide guidance on risks, scope changes, and complex business challenges. Internal & Executive Leadership Represent account performance, opportunities, and risks in leadership discussions.Partner across functions to deliver integrated client solutions.Contribute to organizational best practices, talent development, and continuous improvement. Education & Experience 15+ years of progressive experience in account management, client services, experiential marketing, events, marketing, communications, or a related field, including significant experience leading complex enterprise client relationships, account growth initiatives, financial performance, and cross-functional teams.Demonstrated experience managing complex client accounts and senior client relationships.Strong experience with account financial management, including revenue, profitability, margin, forecasting, budgets, and scope.Demonstrated experience developing and executing account growth strategies.Experience leading and developing account teams and collaborating across multiple disciplines.Strong executive communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities and make effective decisions in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.Ability to travel and support client programs and events as required.Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant professional experience may be considered. Travel Requirements Travel 25% to 50% What We Offer The Freeman Company provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions. Medical, Dental, Vision InsuranceTuition ReimbursementPaid Parental LeaveLife, Accident and DisabilityRetirement with Company MatchPaid Time Off Diversity Commitment At The Freeman Company, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. #TFCSparks