Account Director

What's the role about?

Account Director | Vinarchy Wines

Experienced in leading FMCG client accounts?

Passionate about building strong partnerships and driving growth?

Join Smollan and lead our exciting new partnership with Vinarchy Wines, representing some of the UK's most recognisable wine brands, including Jacob's Creek, Hardys, Campo Viejo, and Jam Shed.

Full Time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive salary + bonus + company car/or car allowance

Working: 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday

Field Based: Central/South UK - frequent travel to Winnersh and Weybridge

We're looking for an experienced Account Director to take full ownership of a new, high-profile client partnership within our FMCG business.

This is an opportunity for an established commercial leader who understands how to build strategic client relationships, manage account profitability and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.

You'll be the senior commercial lead for Vinarchy, accountable for the account's financial performance, strategic direction and successful delivery.

Alongside managing the senior client relationship, you'll lead a field sales team of six, ensuring operational excellence supports the wider commercial objectives of the partnership.

What you'll be responsible for

• Commercial ownership - Take accountability for the account P&L, financial performance, budgets, forecasting, and profitability
• Strategic client leadership - Build and develop trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, acting as a strategic commercial partner
• Account growth - Identify and convert opportunities to expand the partnership, increase revenue and deliver profitable growth
• Account strategy - Develop and implement commercial plans aligned with client objectives and wider business priorities
• Insight and performance - Use commercial data, market insight and performance reporting to demonstrate ROI and influence strategic decisions
• Team leadership - Lead and develop a field sales team of six, ensuring strong performance and effective delivery

What We’re looking for

• Proven experience at Account Director level, within a field marketing agency, FMCG or grocery environment
• A strong track record of managing senior client relationships and developing long-term partnerships
• Experience owning account P&L, budgets, forecasting, and profitability
• Demonstrable success in developing account strategies and delivering growth within existing partnerships
• Strong understanding of the FMCG and grocery landscape, ideally with experience of field sales operations
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience within drinks, alcohol or wine would be advantageous, but isn't essential

What's in it for you?

• The opportunity to lead a brand-new client partnership and team from day one
• Genuine scope to shape and grow the account
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays, with the option to buy/sell holidays
• Medicash level 2, enhanced pension, and Life Assurance
• Enhanced maternity leave & enhanced paternity leave
• EV buying scheme
• Perkbox & Tastecard
• Career development across Smollan and the wider group

Ready to lead, grow and make an impact?

If you're an experienced commercial leader who knows how to build trusted client partnerships, develop great teams and turn insight into growth, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape the Vinarchy partnership from the very beginning.

Early applications are strongly encouraged as we reserve the right to pause or close this vacancy prior to the listed closing date.

More about us...

At Smollan, our colleagues are valued, supported, and set up for success by empowering them with the tools, training, and opportunities to excel in a dynamic environment. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate individuality.

Awards

We are an Award-Winning Workplace! We’re proud to be recognised as one of UK & Europe’s Best Workplaces™* every year since 2015, with additional accolades:

• UK’s Best Workplaces™ for Women* (since 2018)
• UK’s Best Workplaces™ for Wellbeing* (since 2018)
• UK’s Best Workplaces™ for Development* (since 2024)
• UK’s Best Workplaces™ in Consulting & Professional Services* (2023)
• Happiest Workplace Award* (WorkL, 2023,2024 & 2025)

We’re also the most awarded agency in our industry, with multiple FMBE awards* (our industry awards) and more Agency of the Year* titles than any competitor.

Sustainability*

Looking for a company committed to a Sustainable Future? Our environmental achievements include...

• Ecovadis – Silver Award
• ISO 14001 & ISO 27001 Certifications
• Cyber Essentials Accreditation
• Partnership with Oblong Trees

*awards may be listed under our previous name, REL Field Marketing.

Our Rebranding Journey

In January 2026, REL Field Marketing became part of the Smollan brand, marking an exciting next chapter in our journey. With a 30-year heritage and being part of the Smollan network since 2015, this change is about more than a new name - it brings together our strong local expertise with Smollan’s global scale, insight, and innovation. You’ll be working for a business that values its local teams, now supported by global best practices, shared knowledge, and opportunities to build your career as part of a truly international organisation.