Kantar - Group Account Director

About Kantar

At Kantar, we go beyond the obvious. With over 30,000 experts in more than 100 countries, we harness the power of data, insights, and human understanding to help the worlds leading brands shape their future. As the worlds foremost data, insights, and consulting company, we deliver transformational impact by combining analytics, creativity, and deep market understanding.

Role Overview

We are seeking an accomplished and strategic Group Account Director to lead our client engagement and business growth efforts in Kolkata. This role demands a dynamic leader with a proven track record in managing high-value accounts, delivering consultative solutions, and driving cross-functional collaboration. You will be at the forefront of nurturing key client relationships, unlocking commercial opportunities, and elevating the client experience.

Key Responsibilities

Client Leadership & Strategy:

- Serve as a senior strategic partner to clients, offering proactive counsel and building long-term, trusted advisory relationships.

Account Growth & Development:

- Identify opportunities for account expansion through deep understanding of client needs and Kantars diverse portfolio. Lead and support proposal development and cross-sell initiatives.

Team Leadership:

- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Account Directors, Managers, and Analysts to deliver excellence in service and outcomes. Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture.

Delivery Excellence:

- Oversee delivery of high-impact insights and consulting engagements. Ensure alignment between client expectations and project execution across teams.

Financial Management:

- Drive commercial accountability across accounts including budgeting, forecasting, profitability management, and margin optimization.

Thought Leadership:

- Contribute to industry discourse, bring market intelligence and thought-provoking insights to clients, and position Kantar as a forward-thinking leader in insights and consulting.

Key Qualifications & Experience

- 12+ years of progressive experience in client leadership, account management, or strategic consulting preferably within the market research, insights, or digital transformation domain.

- Demonstrated ability to grow large, complex accounts and deliver exceptional client satisfaction.

- Strong strategic mindset with the ability to translate client challenges into innovative solutions.

- Deep commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and proven revenue delivery.

- Experience in leading multi-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholder relationships.

- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.