Laura Richards
Cheshire
Summary
I am an ambitious a d creative professional with over 12 years experience in content creation, working with brands such as Dreams, Diageo, John Lewis, Morrisons and Vodafone. I have the confidence to face any project or challenge with enthusiasm and vigour. I have a proven track record of growing accounts, improving profitability and maintaining client retention. I have expertise in client services, video, photography and CGI production.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work history
Account Director
Ride Shotgun
Manchester
08.2018 - Current
- Developed and implemented client account plans and exceeded business targets
- Managed client growth from zero spend to £700k plus over 5 years
- Adhered to budgets, overseeing billing and communicate updates to board level
- Identified new business opportunities and developed solutions to meet client needs
- Led a team of 3 Account Managers providing guidance and support
- Managed content campaigns. Collaborated with clients from concept to production
- Play a lead role in pitches, delivering presentations that won new business
- Maintained ongoing client communications and fostered loyal, lasting relationships
Senior Account Manager
Hangar Seven
London
04.2016 - 08.2018
- Managing the Diageo account, building relationships with multiple Brand Managers across the UK and Global teams
- Directly responsible for reporting key financial and KPI information to SMT
- Write creative briefs which align with the client requirements
- Attend face to face meetings in UK offices and Amsterdam
- Present on location and studio shoots, working closely with production teams
- Leadership and mentoring Account Executive team, fostering a culture of excellence and improvement
Senior Account Manager
Sunday Publishing
07.2015 - 03.2016
- Responsible for delivery of all multi channel content including monthly magazine, instore app and other tactical projects
- Create and maintain budgets for all projects and report these in monthly Management Account meetings with Finance Director
- Pro-actively establish areas of growth for the client and secure new revenue
- Attend x-agency meetings to present progress on each project and ensure alignment to brand and overall strategy
- Work with Editor and creative team to develop response to each brief
- Prepare and present quarterly competitor and market trend report
- Left due to redundancy
Account Manager
Result Communications
04.2013 - 07.2015
- Account management of Morrisons Magazine (print and digital versions)
- Worked closely with Head of Brand at Morrisons to discuss initial content brief, feature concepts, recipe and other editorial content
- Liaised with the Marketing Directors, Head of Advertising and Editorial team to ensure content was in line with Morrisons' objectives
- Created and managed timing schedules
- Organised photography and video shoots (liaising between client, locations, photographers, food stylists, prop stylists, plus raising payment orders)
- Managed editorial review meetings with client and ensure client sign-off
- Through our media sales teams, worked closely with the majority of FMCG brands to produce their advertorials, in-store requirements and magazine display advertising
- Managed magazine budget allocation and finance process
- Managed execution of additional publications, in particular the Christmas catalogue and ad hoc projects such as in-store marketing and promotional materials
- Left due to redundancy
Project Manager
Midland News Association
03.2011 - 04.2013
- Managed a portfolio of over 25 clients plus pitched at least five new business presentations per week
- Delivered in glossy print magazine and online projects on a monthly basis
- Strong knowledge of application, solution and major project selling
- Presented to clients at all levels on a face-to-face basis
- Attended trade shows, exhibitions and events
- Identified new prospects by daily media management
- Worked closely with creative teams, printers and other third-party suppliers
- Managed various Pay Per Click campaigns across a wide range of platforms
- Achieved monthly sales and KPI targets.
Client Services Account Executive/Trainee Account Manager
Tribal Resourcing
08.2009 - 03.2011
- Recruitment advertising for public sector clients
- Advised on different media campaign options, including social media
- Copy-edited print advertisement text and liaised with studio to ensure consistency and accuracy of ads
- Media planning and rate negotiation
- Attended monthly review meetings with clients to ensure satisfaction and presented end-of-campaign reports
- Increased client spend over Tribal’s different offerings
- Presented at pitches for new business
- Attended/presented advertising seminars
- Invoicing
- Client website uploads and internal bulletin production
- Provided support to the Client Managers and Client Partners in their role
- Attended various media events out of office hours.
Multi-media Key Account Manager
Manchester Evening News Media
04.2007 - 08.2009
- Sold multimedia solutions, prioritising key accounts including Manchester City Council and Bolton Wanderers FC
- Serviced and developed clients and link-sold across MEN portfolio
- Met print deadlines and monthly targets
- Liaised with media houses for rates, deadlines etc
- Pro-actively dealt with complaints and queries
- Took creative briefs and liaised with studio and clients
- Regularly attended local TV channel filming and advert production
- Pitched to five new businesses per week.
Skills
- Passionate and highly motivated
- Delivering results
- Client relationship management
- Strong lead development skills
- Client meetings
- Brand building
Custom
- GNVQ Advanced in Business Studies
- Training courses in Account Management and Presentation Skills.
Timeline
Account Director
Ride Shotgun
08.2018 - Current
Senior Account Manager
Hangar Seven
04.2016 - 08.2018
Senior Account Manager
Sunday Publishing
07.2015 - 03.2016
Account Manager
Result Communications
04.2013 - 07.2015
Project Manager
Midland News Association
03.2011 - 04.2013
Client Services Account Executive/Trainee Account Manager
Tribal Resourcing
08.2009 - 03.2011
Multi-media Key Account Manager
Manchester Evening News Media
04.2007 - 08.2009
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