Gemba has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Account Director to join our Client Management team, working at the intersection of sport, entertainment, creativity and commercial impact.
If you’re passionate about sport and entertainment, thrive in fast-paced agency environments, and are motivated by leading clients, teams and complex projects from strategy through to execution, we’d love to hear from you.
About Us – Fan Focused. Results Driven
Gemba is a leading organisation in Sports and Entertainment across Communications, Insights, Strategy and Data & Analytics.
Gemba’s name is inspired by the Japanese origins of the word, to find the source of the truth. Since 2006 we have demonstrated a passion for understanding fans. In a sport and entertainment world that is becoming increasingly competitive and fragmented, fan insight is critical.
We deliver results for our clients. Whether it be better commercial outcomes or driving greater participation, this is our ultimate proof point, demonstration of shaping a better future for sport & entertainment.
About the Role
As an Account Director, you will lead senior client relationships and own the overall delivery, commercial performance and growth of assigned accounts.
Based in Melbourne and reporting to the Group Account Director, you’ll play a key leadership role across sponsorship activation and integrated marketing campaigns, guiding teams to deliver high-quality, insight-led work while building trusted, long-term client partnerships.
This is a senior role that balances client leadership, commercial accountability and people management, while remaining close enough to the work to ensure excellence in execution.
Responsibilities
Client Leadership & Delivery
- Lead senior client relationships, acting as a trusted partner across creative strategy, sponsorship delivery, activation and optimisation
- Own the quality and effectiveness of all work delivered across assigned accounts, ensuring alignment to strategy, creative intent, timelines and budget
- Proactively manage scope, risk and stakeholder expectations to deliver consistently strong outcomes
Commercial & Operational Accountability
- Own financial performance across assigned clients and projects, including estimating, budgeting, forecasting, billing and profitability
- Lead resourcing and workflow planning to ensure efficient use of agency time, capability and external suppliers
- Identify and progress opportunities for scope extension, retainers and organic account growth
People & Team Leadership
- Lead, coach and develop Account Managers and Executives, setting clear direction and high standards
- Foster a disciplined, accountable team culture aligned to Gemba’s values
- Work collaboratively with creative, strategy and production teams to ensure seamless cross-functional delivery
Growth & New Business
- Contribute to new business pitches, credentials and growth initiatives
- Support the identification and development of new opportunities across existing and prospective clients
About You
You are a disciplined, commercially minded Account Director who takes ownership of clients, teams and outcomes. You bring structure, clarity and rigour to delivery, with strong attention to budgets, timelines and standards, and you remain calm and decisive in fast-paced environments.
You enjoy leading people and building trusted client relationships, delivering high-quality work that stands up to scrutiny. You balance accountability with collaboration and bring energy, professionalism and a sense of humour to the team.
Skills
- 6+ years’ experience in advertising, sponsorship, sport, entertainment or related agency environments
- Demonstrated experience leading and managing account teams
- Strong background in sponsorship activation and integrated marketing communications (content, digital, social, production, experiential)
- Experience in managing large budgets (in excess of $2.0 Million) and external suppliers
- Strong understanding of the communication planning and creative development process
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and presentation skills
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in marketing, advertising or communications preferred
- Valid ‘Working with Children’ Check and a Current Driver’s License preferred
You will need to be available to work outside normal office hours from time to time, reflecting the nature of sport and entertainment.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to make an impact and take the next step in your career, click Apply and submit your CV and Cover Letter. Please address cover letters to Elaine Passanha, Senior People Manager
Note: All candidates require working rights of this country to perform the role.
Gemba is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and encourage people of all different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other protected characteristics or similar.
Recruitment Agencies, we appreciate the interest, but we’ve got this one covered. Thanks!
