GROUP ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

Group Account Director (Automotive) Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Seniority level: Director | Employment type: Full-time | Job function: Sales and Business Development | Industries: Public Relations and Communications Services Overview The Group Account Director, Automotive partners closely with the Group Practice Head, Automotive to deliver exceptional client work that consistently exceeds expectations and delivers best‑practice automotive PR outcomes. This senior‑leadership role is set in a dynamic, fast‑paced agency environment and demands strategic thinking, outstanding written communication skills and high‑level account management expertise to lead product‑focused public relations for a prestigious automotive brand. As a trusted advisor and expert practitioner, the Group Account Director demonstrates autonomy, authoritative judgment, adaptability, and accountability, guiding teams and clients with confidence and applying deep sector knowledge to shape impactful campaigns. A genuine passion for the automotive industry and a thorough understanding of its nuances are essential. Responsibilities Partner with the Havas Red team to formulate and execute relevant strategies, solutions and opportunities. Manage the development and overall implementation of successful public‑relations and communications strategies that meet or exceed desired results, including media relations and issues/crisis management. Maintain strong knowledge of local and international PR and marketing industries and communicate this to clients. Research and identify emerging issues and challenges facing the client’s business or products. Position the client and its products favorably by cultivating strong relationships with key media outlets and stakeholders. Prioritise media opportunities and develop key media partnerships to support campaigns. Plan, deliver and measure the success of PR campaigns; set goals for the PR division and monitor the team’s performance. Drive national media vehicle launches and produce related content, including proposals, executive speeches, media releases and coverage summaries. Collaborate with the agency’s production team to deliver photography, video, graphic design and other services. Assist in budgeting for events and other activities. Respond promptly to manage and mitigate communication crises, working with the Group Practice Head, Automotive. Maintain open communication lines with internal and external stakeholders to ensure transparency and trust. Craft consistent messaging for all audiences, adapting to the situation, audience and channel. Engage proactively with media contacts to handle inquiries and provide accurate information. Manage client relationships and projects while working cross‑functionally across the agency. Implement high‑performance benchmarks and foster a culture of integrity, continuous improvement and quality. Lead the agency in weekly team WIPs and senior management meetings. Qualifications Extensive experience at a senior level in media, PR or communications. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Deep understanding of and passion for the automotive industry. Strong contacts with motoring media and familiarity with general media. Outstanding stakeholder management skills. Excellent understanding of crisis communications management. Exceptional time‑management skills. Highly motivated and able to work independently. Strong leadership skills and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced agency. Experience delivering holistic communications outcomes cross‑functionally. Knowledge of the Australian landscape – politics, business, society, news media, influencers and social media. Skills Plan and write complex texts based on automotive expertise. Plan and present automotive launch presentations. Manage complex client engagement. Lead automotive media relations activity. Own and direct the development of complex communications plans. Apply best‑practice communications measurement and evaluation practices. About the Agency The Havas Village is a unique model – creative, digital, content, PR, media and partnerships, all under one roof. We build teams around our clients’ needs rather than our own structures, with offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Our mission is to make a meaningful difference to the brands, businesses and lives of the people we work with. We’re proud to be a Great Place to Work Certified company. At HAVAS, we are committed to building a future that is inclusive to all, where you can bring your whole self to work and feel valued, respected, and supported to succeed. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds, identities, beliefs, age, and abilities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to apply for this or any role with us. #J-18808-Ljbffr