Account Manager (Experiential & Live Events) Imagination
0 Detroit, MI Job Details Full-time 7 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Paid time off 401(k) 4% Match Parental leave 401(k) matching Benefits from day one Qualifications Meeting minutes Project reporting Marketing project management Managing customer accounts Customer communication Project development phase management Customer relationship building Resource allocation (project management tasks) Bachelor's degree in communications Managing marketing project budgets Marketing Client rapport building Risk mitigation strategy development Bachelor's degree in business Account development Team scheduling Mid-level Bachelor's degree in video production Project communication management Bachelor's degree in marketing Key Performance Indicators Presentation skills Bachelor's degree Client retention Decision making Client management Managing event budgets Organizational skills Leading team collaboration initiatives Production management Full Job Description Description Imagination is seeking an experienced Experiential & Live Events Account Manager to join our client service team. This is a hybrid role encompassing account management, project leadership, and production. It supports high-profile automotive clients, including senior leadership and executive stakeholders, and is accountable not only for client relationships but for actively leading projects from brief to delivery. The Account Manager owns the day-to-day success of large-scale experiential and communications programs. This includes driving momentum, determining next steps, proactively directing internal teams, and anticipating what needs to happen next to ensure work moves forward efficiently and at the highest standard. This role serves as a trusted, highly responsive day-to-day partner to clients, often operating in fast-moving, high-stakes environments where priorities shift quickly, and attention to detail is critical. Success in this role requires sound judgment, discretion, and a strong understanding of the live-event and production processes, enabling the Account Manager to confidently guide teams, flag risks early, and make informed decisions. Our work follows the heartbeat of major live events and launches. While this occasionally requires evening or weekend support, we prioritize 'flexibility both ways'—ensuring our team can balance these peak moments with dedicated downtime. Key Responsibilities Project Leadership and Delivery Serve as the day-to-day project lead, owning scope, timelines, deliverables, and overall forward progress. Proactively drive projects forward by defining next steps, assigning responsibilities, and holding internal teams accountable. Anticipate challenges, dependencies, and production considerations before they become issues, and propose clear solutions. Translate client goals into actionable plans for creative, production, and logistics teams. Maintain a strong understanding of the event production lifecycle, from concept through on-site execution and wrap.
Client Communication:
Serve as the daily point of contact for clients, providing consistent updates and ensuring their needs are addressed promptly. Manage high-touch client relationships with professionalism, discretion, and urgency, responding effectively to time-sensitive requests and evolving priorities. Anticipate client needs and provide thoughtful guidance to help navigate complex decisions and deliverables. Build trust and credibility over time to foster long-term client relationships and account growth. Client Services Thoughtfully manage client hospitality, including curated gifts, birthdays, milestone recognition, hosted experiences, and personal touches that strengthen relationships beyond active projects and day-to-day deliverables. Coordinate client-facing details, including meeting F&B, parking, and executive-level accommodations, to ensure a polished, seamless experience at every interaction. Cross-Functional Team Leadership Lead internal coordination across strategy, creative, production, and external partners. Run internal status meetings, set agendas, document decisions, and ensure alignment across teams. Act as the connective tissue between teams, ensuring clarity, accountability, and momentum. Escalate risks early and align with senior team members on mitigation strategies. Event Execution and On-Site Leadership Support the execution of live events and moments, including on-site leadership when required. Ensure teams are prepared, timelines are met, and details are managed through show days and beyond. Act as a calm, solutions-focused presence in high-pressure live environments.
Budget and Resource Management:
Manage the project budget by tracking costs and ensuring projects stay within financial constraints. Provide regular updates on project expenses and inform senior team members of any potential budget deviations. Partner with the Senior Account Manager or Account Director in resource allocation and scheduling.
Reporting and Performance:
In collaboration with the Strategy Director, deliver clear and concise reporting on campaign performance, KPIs, and outcomes. Gather and synthesize client feedback to inform improvements and strengthen future work. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise A genuine passion for client service and delivering excellence under pressure. Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Film/Video Production, or a related field. 4+ years of account management or production experience within an experiential marketing, events, advertising, or communications agency. Demonstrated experience supporting senior leaders or executive-level clients in demanding, deadline-driven environments. Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and moving parts. Exceptional communication skills, with confidence in presenting to and interacting with high-level audiences. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and solutions-focused under pressure. Experience managing large-scale budgets across the full project lifecycle. Automotive industry experience is a plus. Benefits What we can offer you: Work with a state-of-the-art product and deliver it to exciting and innovative brands Learning and development opportunities that contribute to professional growth A fun, engaging work culture Be part of a mission-driven team that values agility, integrity, and excellence Opportunity to contribute to large-scale, high-impact projects from day one Benefits and perks offered: Comprehensive paid time off benefits Hybrid work model, where our team comes into the office a minimum of 3 days per week Generous parental leave Up to 4% safe harbor company 401k match Comprehensive, low-cost health benefits About Imagination
Imagination:
Imagination is The Original Experience Design Agency. Founded over 50 years ago, we apply the power of our collective imagination to creative, commercial, and cultural challenges, creating experiences that move people. We specialise in Consulting, Destinations, Content and Live Events. We have 13 global studios worldwide, united by a deep understanding of what moves people on a human level, and a determinedly independent spirit. Imagination was officially certified as a Newsweek Most Loved Workplace® 2023. Our clients include Major League Baseball, Visa, Amazon, Ford, LVMH, Harley-Davidson, and Google. For more information, please visit imagination.com or follow @imaginationglbl on social.
Our Beliefs and Behaviours:
We have identified four foundational beliefs that underpin Imagination. More powerful than generic corporate values, they motivate us to act, to foster the behaviours that lead to success: We believe curiosity is the root of original insights and ideas... so we look at the world with fresh eyes, we experiment, invent and up-end conventions. We believe rigour results in better choices... so we ask precise, provocative questions. We believe bravery tames the unknown... so we demand ambition, confident that together we can meet 'never been done before challenges'. We believe respect builds stronger teams and continued success... so we recognise the uniqueness and unique potential in each individual, we are accountable to each other, we play as a team.
Global Inclusivity Statement:
At Imagination we value diversity, equity and inclusion as principles that make us stronger, more innovative and more creative as an organisation. As a team and a business we know that creativity thrives in teams and organisations that comprise diverse groups of people, embracing diverse perspectives, where people feel able to share their whole selves. That's why we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, neurodiversity, socio-economic background, or indigenous identity, feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Our Beliefs and Behaviours By living our core behaviours, being curious, rigorous, brave and respectful, we remain dedicated to building a workplace and a world where everyone is seen, heard, and has the opportunity to thrive. Curiosity sparks innovation
- We seek out diverse perspectives, challenge assumptions, and embrace new ways of thinking. Rigour ensures impact
- We approach our work with discipline and dedication, ensuring that these beliefs are not just words, but lived experiences. Bravery stands up for what's right
- We confront biases and advocate for progress. Respect is fundamental
- We foster and encourage open dialogue and challenge ideas constructively.
Our Commitment We expect our team to actively foster a safe, empowering, and inclusive culture. Our commitment extends beyond our workforce to our partners and suppliers, who we hold to the same standards of inclusivity and non-discrimination.