Senior Account Director

We're looking for an experienced Senior Account Director to join our growing Auckland team and help lead the next chapter of Thrive's growth in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded communications leader who enjoys building trusted client relationships, developing high-performing teams and delivering integrated campaigns that create solid business impact. You'll lead a portfolio of key client accounts, provide strategic counsel to senior stakeholders and oversee the successful delivery of earned-first communications programmes across consumer, corporate and integrated campaigns.As part of our small but mighty New Zealand team, you'll play a pivotal role in driving client success, mentoring consultants and identifying opportunities to grow both client relationships and the agency. As our New Zealand business continues to expand, you'll have the opportunity to help shape our local offering while being supported by the expertise, specialist capabilities and collaborative culture of one of Australasia's leading independent communications agencies.If you're an experienced Senior PR and communications leader who thrives on strategy, collaboration and delivering outstanding work, we'd love to hear from you.
Why Thrive?Joining Thrive New Zealand means becoming part of a growing, ambitious team with the opportunity to make a real impact. As our Auckland business continues to expand, you'll help shape our future while delivering meaningful work for leading brands across New Zealand and beyond.Our Auckland office is located in the heart of Auckland. We operate a hybrid working model with three in-office collaboration days and the flexibility to work from home for the remaining two days.As part of the wider Thrive network, you'll be supported by the expertise, specialist capabilities and collaborative culture of one of Australasia's leading independent communications agencies.
Our benefits include:

• Culture Connections: Thriving Breakfast catch-ups, guest speaker events and regular team gatherings.
• Flexibility & Travel: Hybrid working plus opportunities to work from any of our Trans-Tasman offices for up to four weeks each year.
• Extra Time Off: A Birthday "Me Day" and 4:00 pm Summer Friday finishes throughout December to February.
• Supercharged Parental Support: Additional paid parental leave (plus superannuation) and a structured return-to-work program.
• Growth & Learning: Thrive Academies, Lunch & Learns, Thrive Bites, individual learning opportunities and the chance to contribute to our AI Digital Council.
• Visa Support: Sponsorship support for eligible visa holders, including long-term pathways for valued team members.

What You'll DoStrategic Client Leadership

• Lead a portfolio of major client accounts, acting as a trusted advisor and providing senior strategic communications counsel.
• Develop integrated communications strategies that deliver measurable business outcomes across earned media, corporate communications, social, influencer and stakeholder engagement.
• Build long-term client relationships by identifying opportunities, managing expectations and consistently delivering exceptional service.
• Provide strategic leadership across campaigns, ensuring work is delivered on time, on budget and to the highest standard.

Communications, Corporate Affairs & Issues Management

• Lead high-profile communications programmes across a broad range of sectors including consumer, corporate and integrated communications.
• Provide expert guidance on corporate reputation, crisis and issues management, helping clients navigate complex and fast-moving situations.
• Drive compelling storytelling and earned media opportunities while ensuring campaigns remain culturally relevant and commercially impactful.
• Support integrated campaign delivery across media relations, content, digital, influencer and events.

Commercial Leadership & Business Growth

• Take ownership of the commercial success of your client portfolio, monitoring budgets, forecasting and profitability.
• Identify opportunities to grow existing client relationships through strategic counsel and cross-service collaboration.
• Lead or contribute to new business opportunities, including credentials, proposals and pitch presentations.
• Support the continued growth of Thrive New Zealand by identifying market opportunities and contributing to business development initiatives.

People Leadership & Culture

• Lead, mentor and develop consultants across the business, creating an environment where people can grow and perform at their best.
• Provide coaching, feedback and career development support while fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture.
• Lead by example through accountability, professionalism and a commitment to Thrive's values.
• Play an active role in shaping the future growth and culture of our Auckland office.

Thrive Values & Behaviours
Every Thriver plays an important role in bringing our values to life.

• The Courage to Always Be Accountable
• Taking ownership, managing expectations, delivering on commitments and learning from every experience.
• The Desire to Be Insatiably Curious
• Continuously exploring new ideas, asking better questions and seeking opportunities to innovate.
• The Feeling of Being Passionate About What You Do
• Bringing positive energy, enthusiasm and commitment to every client, colleague and project.
• The Commitment to Being Collaborative
• Working with a genuine "we before me" mindset that values teamwork, inclusivity and mutual success.
• Acting with Integrity by Staying True to Our Values
• Building trust through honesty, transparency, respect and professionalism in everything we do.

What You'll Bring

• 8+ years' experience in PR and communications within an agency environment.
• Significant PR agency experience across multiple sectors, including consumer brands such as FMCG, consumer technology, healthcare, automotive and alcohol.
• Extensive network of existing media relationships, with a deep understanding of the evolving NZ Media environment.
• Proven expertise and knowledge across the creator landscape, emerging trends and the ability to strategically leverage this channel for clients.
• Proven experience leading major client accounts and providing senior strategic communications counsel.
• Strong corporate communications experience, including stakeholder engagement and reputation management.
• Demonstrated expertise in crisis and issues management.
• Experience leading, mentoring and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong commercial acumen, including experience managing budgets, forecasting and driving account growth.
• Excellent presentation, writing and client management skills.
• A collaborative leadership style with a passion for developing people and delivering outstanding client outcomes.
• Curiosity, initiative and a genuine desire to contribute to the continued growth of Thrive New Zealand.

Thrive is proudly independent and values-driven, with a trans-Tasman footprint across Australia and New Zealand. We exist to help brands grow through relevance, reputation and relationships, creating work that earns attention and builds long-term cultural and commercial value.
If you're ready to lead clients, inspire people and help shape the future of Thrive in Aotearoa New Zealand, we'd love to hear from you.