Global VP, Strategic Client Partnerships

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency providing Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights services. For 30 years, we have utilized three flexible delivery models:
Embedded teams, Corporate Campus operations, and a Full-Service Agency.

Managing over 37,000 events & projects annually across 110 countries, FIRST serves 130+ brands, specializing in Fortune 500 companies within the Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Media, and Professional Services sectors. FIRST is part of the broader Encore family of companies. Encore is a global leader in event production and technology.

Consistently recognized for excellence, recent honors include 2026 Chief Marketer Agency of the Year, the Ad Net Zero Award for sustainability, and more.

As the VP, Account Management, you will lead a team of Account Owners dedicated to building long-term client partnerships, delivering exceptional client experiences, and driving strategic growth across a portfolio of key accounts. You will guide the development and execution of client engagement and growth strategies that help clients achieve their business objectives while strengthening lasting relationships.

Working collaboratively across the organization, you will identify opportunities to expand services, develop innovative solutions, and enhance client value. Through strong leadership and a client-centric approach, you will empower your team to deliver outstanding results that contribute to revenue growth, client retention, and the continued success of the business.

Your Contributions

• Partner with cross-functional leaders to align client account plans with organizational objectives.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for top-tier clients, ensuring strong client retention and long-term growth.
• Lead the development and execution of strategic account plans that maximize client value and achieve revenue targets.
• Proactively identify and address client needs while ensuring a consultative, high-quality client experience.
• Conduct regular business reviews to evaluate performance and uncover opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Monitor industry trends and adapt account strategies to meet evolving client needs.
• Drive revenue, gross profit, and net contribution growth across the client portfolio.
• Develop rolling three-year strategies and account plans for top-tier clients to exceed growth objectives.
• Lead the team in identifying and securing new business opportunities within existing and prospective client accounts.
• Negotiate and close complex business opportunities.
• Serve as the Client Services subject matter expert for the CRM platform, including Salesforce.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure accurate client data, reporting, forecasting, and business planning.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Client Services team while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive culture.
• Influence account teams to effectively execute client engagement strategies and deliver exceptional service.

What We Are Looking For

Please be aware that we know experience does not always look like we describe it. If you believe you would be an excellent fit for this role, please apply - we would love to see how you could fit at FIRST.

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience leading strategic client relationships within the events, experiential marketing, live events, meetings, hospitality, or brand experience industry, including at least 10 years in a senior client services or account leadership role.
• Extensive business development experience with a strong growth mindset.
• Demonstrated success managing international teams and leading cross-functional organizations.
• Proven track record managing senior client relationships and large-scale client implementations.
• Strong expertise in client strategy, business development, pricing models, financial oversight, and risk management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, and extensive experience using Google Workspace.
• Experience using CRM platforms, including Salesforce.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly collaborative with the ability to work effectively in matrixed and evolving organizations.
• Outstanding client and stakeholder management skills with a consultative, relationship-focused approach.
• Confident, adaptable, and…