About Us – Fan Focused. Results Driven
At Gemba, we work at the intersection of sport, entertainment and culture, bringing strategy, data and analytics, insights and communications together to deliver results that matter.
Our name comes from the Japanese term gemba, meaning “the real place”, which reflects our commitment to uncovering the truth at the heart of fan behaviour. Since 2006, we’ve built our reputation by understanding audiences deeply, helping our clients cut through the noise of an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.
We are proud to partner with major brands, rights holders and organisations to shape the future of sport and entertainment, whether driving commercial growth, increasing participation or creating meaningful engagement.
If you are passionate about fans, culture and creating impact, you’ll find your place at Gemba.
About the Role
We are looking for a Group Account Director to lead some of Gemba’s most high-profile client partnerships and provide senior leadership within our Melbourne Client Management team.
This is a people-first leadership role with end-to-end accountability. senior leadership role within the Melbourne Client Management team, responsible for managing key accounts, building trusted relationships at the highest level, and leading internal teams to deliver great work. You’ll play a critical part in driving strategic thinking, commercial performance and team development – with plenty of opportunity to shape and influence how Gemba continues to partner with brands in the sport and entertainment space.
Responsibilities
Client & Relationship Leadership
- Lead senior client relationships across a portfolio of key accounts
- Act as a confident, trusted advisor – providing counsel, challenge and direction, not just delivery oversight
- Build long-term partnerships grounded in trust, clarity and commercial value
- Lead senior client conversations, particularly where priorities, trade-offs or course-correction are required
Strategic & Creative Leadership
- Contribute to strategy, sponsorship thinking and campaign development alongside internal teams
- Bring a clear, insightful perspective to briefs, creative ideas and campaign execution
- Represent Gemba’s thinking and standards in senior client forums
- Guide teams to deliver work that is strategically sound, creatively strong and well-executed
Campaign Delivery & Oversight
- Oversee the planning and execution of integrated campaigns and sponsorship activations
- Work closely with internal specialists across creative, production, events and insights
- Ensure delivery is on brief, on time and on budget
- Maintain strong standards or quality control and follow-through
Team Leadership & Capability
- Lead, coach and develop your team, providing clear direction, regular feedback and decisive guidance
- Create clarity in moments of ambiguity – setting priorities, making calls, and supporting teams through pressure
- Be a visible, trusted leader for the team – present in day‑to‑day delivery, WIPs, and key moments that matter
Commercial & Business Leadership
- Manage scopes, forecasting and commercial performance across your accounts
- nsure work is appropriately scoped, resourced and profitable
- Contribute to account growth, retention and broader business initiatives
- Support new business activity, pitches and client expansion opportunities as required
About You
Experience & Background
- 8+ years of experience in account management, sponsorship, marketing or advertising
- Proven experience leading large, complex clients and projects
- Background in sport, entertainment or culturally‑led work strongly preferred
Skills & Attributes
- Exceptional relationship management and communication skills
- Commercially minded with strong financial and project oversight
- A collaborative leader who inspires teams and builds confidence
- Strategic thinker with the ability to simplify complexity and drive clarity
Success Looks Like
- A trusted advisor role with your clients, built on value, clarity and delivery
- Campaigns that cut through and connect brands to fans
- Strong team performance and account growth under your leadership
How to Apply
If you’re ready, click the Apply button below and submit your CV and cover letter. Address cover letters to Eliza Waite – People and Culture Coordinator.
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!
