Account Director - Sports

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Account Director – European Club Football & UK Sports at BDA is a senior-level role that involves overseeing and managing key client relationships on a National/European and potentially Global scale as well as leadership of key account teams.

Assist the European Director of Sports with OpEx budget management. • Create compelling proposals and presentations that showcase the value of BDA products and services. • Work with the Director to develop proactive strategy and set direction for assigned account(s) and team. • Lead with positive intent and collaborate with internal and external customers. • Own client business reviews.

Deliver results by achieving short‑ and long‑term sales and profitability goals. • Provide backup to the European Director of Sports. • Work with the Client Services Director to set revenue and margin goals for the entire team.

Support the growth of the collective client portfolio of the team ($10 M plus benchmark). • Coach and mentor other Account Directors, Senior Account Managers, Managers, and Associate Account Managers. • Manage performance documentation of direct reports, including CDPs, PIPs, and written warnings.

Ability to generate out‑of‑the‑box, fresh ideas. • Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple clients and orders simultaneously. • Fast paced, deadline‑driven multi‑tasker. • Team player who leads by example and develops team members. • Energetic self‑starter who exudes accountability, urgency, and passion. • Strong interpersonal communication, customer service, and presentation skills. • Strong financial acumen with understanding of margins and discounts. • Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make strategic decisions. • Exceptional negotiation and problem‑solving abilities.

We say to them, "Keep dreaming." Our people are second to none. They set us apart with their entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. They come to us from the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks and the sports world, bringing energy, bold ideas and a willingness to dive into the unfamiliar.

It’s our people that make BDA the top global Merchandise Agency to work for. The role is pivotal in driving business growth and ensuring that clients’ needs are met effectively. Success requires sales acumen, strategic thinking, strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of promotional merchandise to cultivate and grow client partnerships.

Location • If you live within a reasonable commuting distance of our Neuilly‑sur‑Seine, France or Kissing, Bavaria office – the role offers a flexible onsite schedule of onsite 4 days per week (with 1 day remote). • This role is remote for candidates that are not located within a reasonable commuting distance of either location.

Job Description Duties and Responsibilities • Develop and nurture long‑term relationships with existing clients.

Drive revenue growth by strategically exploring and capitalizing on client needs. • Serve as an escalation point for direct reports and clients, addressing inquiries and concerns promptly and professionally. • Identify opportunities to expand business with existing clients through upselling, cross‑selling, and proposing additional services. • Engage in leadership forums, client industry meet‑ups, etc., to build networks for BDA and pursue new business opportunities. • Stay updated on industry trends, competitor activities, product knowledge, emerging strategies, and best practices to provide informed recommendations and enhance BDA offerings. • Understand, interpret, and analyze financial aspects of accounts to make sound business decisions.

Review and analyze client reports, sales revenue, gross margins, operating expenses, etc. • Generate regular reports for senior leadership detailing account progress, revenue growth, and client satisfaction metrics.

Monitor client satisfaction and address issues to ensure high customer retention. • Meet and exceed assigned sales targets and contribute to BDA’s revenue growth while working within budgets and forecasts.

Conduct annual performance reviews. • Assist the European Director of Sports in interviewing and recruiting new talent. • Manage contact and opportunity database and execute strategic account plans. • Exude high levels of professionalism when interacting with clients, partners, vendors, and agencies.

Job Skills and Traits • Creativity and experience in merchandise.

Qualifications • 7+ years proven experience in sales, business development, and account management. • Proven track record of increasing sales and business opportunities through client development. • Proficient in MS Office suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint). • Proficiency in using CRM software and other relevant tools for sales and order management (Salesforce preferred). • Promotional merchandise experience preferred but not required. • Experience negotiating pricing, contracts, and terms with clients to create mutually beneficial agreements.

Demonstrated contract management abilities. We are pleased to share the base salary range for this position is €65,000 to €75,000. If hired, compensation will be determined by factors such as skills, education, and experience, while also taking internal equity and pay fairness into account.

The range represents the full base salary range, with starting salaries typically set within this range to allow room for growth over time. Certain revenue‑generating positions may be eligible for incentive compensation. BDA is more than a workplace – it’s a family.

For more than four decades we’ve promoted a vibrant and welcoming culture that accepts and demands you to be different. The quirky, the bold, the creative and the unique make up the foundation of a company that the most iconic brands in the world look to help tell their story through the power of merchandise.

BDA Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Connect With Us!

Not ready to apply? Connect with us for general consideration. For more information: For information about BDA’s privacy policy for job applicants click here. Must be 18 years or older to apply.