Overview

Senior Account Director / Associate Director - Wine & Spirits (Maternity Cover, FT/PT) – Phipps, City of London, England, United Kingdom

About Phipps

A rare opportunity to join the award-winning food and drinks team at Phipps, the UK’s most decorated drinks communications agency. Representing some of the most inspiring food and drink brands worldwide, we deliver standout campaigns that cut through with both consumers and trade. From media relations to social and influencer activations, from large-scale festivals to premium wine tastings and intimate media dinners, no two days are the same.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking an experienced senior account director or associate director to cover a maternity leave on a full- or part-time basis (9-12 months). This is a senior communications role requiring extensive experience in the food, wine and spirits sector, with a proven track record as a trusted client counsel.

You will be confident leading major client campaigns end to end, from strategy through to delivery, with strong commercial awareness and the ability to manage budgets, teams and agency resources. You’ll bring an impressive book of media and influencer contacts across consumer and trade, alongside expertise in paid and organic social - particularly Meta platforms. A natural leader, you’ll mentor and inspire colleagues, while maintaining the highest standards of creativity and execution for our clients.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of high-profile wine and spirits clients, providing senior strategic counsel and direction
• Oversee and inspire the delivery of integrated campaigns spanning media relations, social (paid and organic), influencer activations, events and partnerships
• Build and maintain strong senior-level client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor
• Drive media and influencer engagement through an established book of contacts across trade and consumer drinks press
• Lead paid social campaigns across Meta platforms, ensuring insight-driven planning, execution and reporting
• Manage budgets, forecasting and invoicing, ensuring commercial efficiency
• Provide line management, mentoring and support for junior and mid-level colleagues
• Contribute to agency leadership, including new business pitches and proposals

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience at senior account director or associate director level in communications (agency or in-house)
• Extensive experience in the wine and spirits sector - essential
• Strong client leadership skills with a demonstrable track record as a trusted senior counsel
• Established media and influencer network across consumer and trade drinks
• Hands-on experience in planning, executing and evaluating paid and organic social campaigns, with Meta platforms essential
• Proven ability to manage teams, budgets and multiple large-scale campaigns simultaneously
• Excellent communication, presentation and strategic thinking skills
• Commercially astute, with experience contributing to business development and agency growth

Hybrid working, split between home and our creative office at The Ministry, near London Bridge.

Perks and benefits

• After probation: Free access to The Ministry’s events programme including live DJs, craft workshops, speaker events, facials and more
• Free access to The Ministry gym, Peloton bikes and fitness classes
• Bespoke training opportunities
• Company laptop and mobile phone
• 26 days holiday per annum (plus bank holidays)
• Travel insurance (business and leisure)