Account Manager

Equator is a global packaging design agency, delivering strategy to shelf without compromise. We create powerful brands that get noticed and chosen. Equator is a division of Marks, part of the Propelis Group.

About the role

Primary purpose of this role is to ensure long-term success of our clients in our strategic brand building and packaging design environment. This is achieved by supporting the cross-functional internal teams to deliver timely and successful package design. The Account Manager will be the day-to-day business lead, building and maintaining strong client relationships for private label branded retail accounts. This position acts as brand steward and develops relationships to become a trusted resource to clients.

The Account Manager will support all aspects of client projects, including communication, quality control, coordination, client relationships, problem solving, and execution to ensure successful projects from start to finish. You will work with client stakeholders to provide solutions for large-scale packaging rollouts across owned brands, partnering with the internal team and clients for the end-to-end project lifecycle from design through delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide regular updates to clients on project status, deliverables, and timelines.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including designers, project managers, and production, to ensure projects align with client objectives and briefs.
• Ensure deliverables are met on schedule and monitor project progress, addressing challenges and escalating issues when necessary.
• Keep trackers and status documents up to date.
• Assist in developing client presentations, ensuring they include the assignment, considerations, and creative work that meets the brief.
• Support the development of strategic recommendations and solutions that meet client needs, with rationale from the team to support creative decisions.
• Participate in client presentations, helping articulate project goals, insights, and creative concepts.
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships with recommendations of additional services or solutions.
• Communicate scope changes to clients, obtaining necessary approvals and managing expectations.
• Manage the complete lifecycle process from creative briefs through final approval, production, delivery, and post-analysis while working closely with creative/strategy teams, partners, and vendors to ensure budgets and timelines are managed appropriately.
• Lead status meetings, creating agendas beforehand and conference reports afterward.
• Provide strategic critiques and quality checks on all design work to ensure high standards are met, error-free, and aligned with client feedback.
• Support project kick-offs, brainstorming sessions, and client meetings, ensuring smooth project workflow in conjunction with all team members.
• Ensure the designs presented align with the approved briefs and documentation from clients.
• Understand project needs to help identify internal and external resources required to deliver on a project’s objectives.
• Deliver against KPIs on projects and debrief successes and opportunities.
• Manage multiple concurrent project workbacks.
• Research to stay informed about clients' industries, competitors, and trends to proactively provide valuable insights.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of creative agency experience in Account Management and/or Project Management, preferably at an ad agency or CPG company.
• Experience in packaging design from start to finish, including brand foundation, strategy, innovation, design adaptation, and completing artwork through production handoff to prepress.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, Keynote); knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, and/or InDesign) is an advantage.
• Commitment to meeting high standards of creativity, quality, client service, and deadline requirements.
• Thorough understanding of the creative process, with experience in critical thinking, decisive actions, and identifying potential problems before they occur.
• Ability to evaluate design effectiveness and brand performance across packaging and all media.
• Motivated problem solver with an appetite for growth in a fast-moving, industry-defining business.
• Positive, proactive attitude toward opportunities and potential problems.
• Superior written and interpersonal communication skills that can flex and navigate easily across clients and teams.
• Desire to deliver excellent client service and initiative to think proactively.
• Experience and knowledge of planning, design, and production processes, having worked with creative and production teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage a large volume of projects.
• Collaborative approach to working within the team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly dynamic environment and demonstrate resiliency.
• Compassion, honesty, and the ability to develop trust with the internal team and clients.
• A sense of humor!

Pay

The U.S. pay range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000 USD annually. Compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and pay may vary based on location, experience, and other job-related factors.

Benefits

• A selection of health care plans with prescription drug coverage.
• Dental and vision plans.
• Basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses or a health savings account based on plan selection.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) Savings Plan.