Associate Director, Client Services DACH (maternity cover) | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

• Source: Arbeitnow
• Location: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Job Type: Full-Time

Job Description

Job Title: Associate Director, Client Services (1 year Maternity Coverage)

Work Location: Berlin, DE (Hybrid)

Start Date: As soon as possible

About Whalar

Whalar is the leading, most awarded, independent Creator and Social agency.  We transform brands into cultural drivers by unlocking the full creative power of Creators. 

We go beyond the conventional social and influencer strategy. We have the technology and methodology to tap into the beating pulse of communities, listen to nuances that move culture, and connect brands in ways that make them unforgettable.

With hubs in London, Berlin, New York, and Los Angeles, our reach is global. Learn more: https://www.whalar.com/

About the role

We're looking for an Associate Director, Client Services to join our team on a 12-month maternity cover contract, with the opportunity to convert into a permanent role. This is a senior client leadership position for someone who thrives at the intersection of operational excellence, strategic thinking, and relationship management within the creator economy.

In this role, you'll lead the successful delivery and growth of high-profile client partnerships, overseeing complex creator and social campaigns from pitch through execution and reporting. You'll act as a trusted advisor to clients, bringing a deep understanding of the creator landscape while ensuring campaigns are delivered seamlessly, efficiently, and to the highest standard. Internally, you'll mentor and develop team members, champion smarter ways of working, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive both creative and commercial success.

This role is ideal for someone who is equal parts strategic operator, client partner, and team leader — someone who is naturally proactive, solutions-oriented, and energized by fast-moving environments where collaboration, flexibility, and innovation matter more than hierarchy. Fluency in German is essential, as you'll be supporting German-speaking clients and campaigns across the DACH market.

Here's what you'll do day-to-day

• Excellent Client Servicing: Oversee and lead on seamless day-to-day operations of campaign delivery, bringing together the right cross-functional team and ensuring projects are effectively set up for success, including set up of new workflows where needed.
• Team Management: Be a positive, solutions-first role model and mentor, train and develop team members through robust career pathing and goal setting.
• Financial Accountability: Deliver accurate and effective pricing plans for pre-sale work, and track budgets and spends on post-sale work, ensuring budgets are fully optimized. 
• Process Driven: Proactively identify gaps that require new processes and tailor all workflows for efficiency  - review processes during and after campaign lifecycle and ensure learnings are shared and applied. 
• Consultative: Listen deeply and ask big questions to help our clients go beyond their vision and goals. Offer up true creator economy expertise and knowledge of your accounts  - supporting the Business Leads with client stewardship.
• Account Development: Develop client relationships and deepen partnerships, identifying and escalating new commercial opportunities.
• Campaign Reporting: Work alongside the Measurement and Paid Amp teams to develop and implement media strategies, as well as bespoke, detailed measurement plans with appropriate tracking and reporting set up.
• Presenting: Be an excellent storyteller. Present our work and represent the company to existing and prospective clients in an engaging and impactful way. 
• Escalation: Have high trust with clients and showcase exceptional dispute resolution capabilities as well as client objection handling skills, taking a solutions first approach and serving as a point of escalation where needed. 

Here's what we're looking for

• Have 6+ years' agency or brand experience
• Have a proven track record of successful program delivery and account growth with large customer accounts
• Have experience managing a team, including career development, and be a natural motivator of people
• Have strong detail-oriented, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Thrive in an environment where collaboration, flexibility and scrappiness are valued more than job titles, rigid structure and legacy ways of working
• Be a curious self-starter with a problem-solving mindset and a proactive, can do attitude
• Have a solid understanding of the creator economy, social media advertising ecosystem and an insatiable appetite for learning about industry innovations
• Fluency in German at a native or near-native level (verbal and written) is required for this role.

We are an office-based company located in Kurfürstendamm, Berlin, with a flexible approach to in-office days. Employees are asked to work from the office three days a week, choosing the days that suit them best. However, we come together every Thursday as a team to collaborate, connect, and celebrate the vibrant and unique Whalar culture!

Our values:

At Whalar, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn't just a statement, it's our collective strength. Our people are our superpower. A diverse team and inclusive leadership have shaped Whalar since our inception in 2016, fueling a constant evolution of growth. We champion a culture of respect and empathy, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends demographics. We hire individuals of all backgrounds and empower them to thrive, challenge stereotypes, and actively break societal barriers. 

The perks:

Whalar provides flexible benefits and collaborative work environments/experiences, so employees can work productively in a setting that best and uniquely suits their needs.

• 25 days of PTO + winter break
• Monthly phone/internet reimbursement
• New joiner's home office allowance 
• Professional development stipend
• Up to 16 weeks of paid maternity/paternity leave
• Monthly Well-being Allowance
• Volunteer days
• Social programs

Find more English Speaking Jobs in Germany on Arbeitnow

Expert Career Tips for Associate Director, Client Services DACH (maternity cover) Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Associate Director, Client Services DACH (maternity cover), you need more than just technical skills. Here are some expert strategies to elevate your profile:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: For technical roles, a clean GitHub or a personal project site is essential. For non-technical roles, a case study portfolio demonstrating problem-solving and impact is equally valuable. Show, don't just tell, what you have achieved in your previous positions.
• Master the Narrative: When interviewing, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Quantify your results wherever possible—mentioning "increased efficiency by 20%" is much more impactful than saying "improved efficiency."
• Continuous Learning: The industry moves fast. Whether it's staying updated with the latest AI tools or mastering a new management methodology, continuous professional development is key. Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that align with Associate Director, Client Services DACH (maternity cover) requirements.
• Networking: Connect with other professionals in similar roles. Join online communities, attend webinars, and engage in meaningful discussions on professional social networks. Often, the best opportunities come through referrals and community engagement.
• Soft Skills Matter: Communication, empathy, and leadership are often the deciding factors between two equally qualified technical candidates. Cultivate these skills as they are universally valued across all industries and seniority levels.

Additionally, research the specific company's culture and values. Tailoring your application to show how you align with their mission can significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the process.

Salary & Compensation

Salary not disclosed; typically competitive for the role.

Work Arrangement

Type: On-Site

Standard business hours at the office.

Comprehensive Application Strategy & Hiring Process

Applying for a new role is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow this strategic approach to maximize your success rate:

1. Initial Research & Tailoring

Don't send the same resume to every employer. Spend at least 30 minutes researching the company. Look for recent news, their product roadmap, and their team structure. Modify your summary and core competencies to reflect the specific keywords found in the job description.

2. The Perfect Cover Letter

If the application allows for a cover letter, use it to tell a story that your resume cannot. Explain why you are passionate about this specific company and how your unique background makes you the perfect fit for the challenges they are currently facing.

3. Navigating the Multi-Stage Interview

Most modern hiring processes involve 3-5 stages. This typically includes a recruiter screen, a technical or skill-based assessment, a peer interview, and a final leadership round. Prepare for each stage differently: focus on enthusiasm and fit for the recruiter, technical depth for the assessment, and strategic vision for the leadership round.

4. Post-Interview Follow-Up

Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of each interview. Reference a specific topic discussed during the call to demonstrate your active listening and genuine interest in the role.

By following these steps, you demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail that sets you apart from the average applicant.

Typical Interview Process

1. Resume screening
2. HR call
3. Skill interview
4. Final manager interview
5. Offer

Tip: Research the company's products and culture.

Global Market Intelligence & Relocation Insights

At JobSetuu, we specialize in helping talent navigate the global job market. Here is what you need to know about the current landscape in Berlin, Berlin, Germany and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in Berlin, Berlin, Germany, understanding the local cost of living, visa requirements (if applicable), and cultural nuances is vital. If this is a remote role, consider the time zone alignment and the asynchronous communication culture of the hiring organization.

Relocation Support: Many forward-thinking companies offer relocation packages that include moving stipends, temporary housing, and legal assistance with work permits. When evaluating an offer, look beyond the base salary—consider the total compensation package, including equity, bonuses, and healthcare benefits.

Work-Life Balance Trends: Hybrid and remote work have become standard in many regions. Research the local labor laws and common practices regarding work hours and vacation time to ensure the role aligns with your lifestyle goals.

Leveraging JobSetuu's tools can help you compare salaries across different cities and understand the "purchasing power" of your potential offer, ensuring you make an informed decision for your long-term career path.

Skills & Competency Roadmap for Professional Development

To remain competitive in Professional Development, we recommend focusing on the following core competencies over the next 12-18 months:

• Technical Mastery: Deepen your expertise in the core tools and languages relevant to your field. For developers, this might be cloud architecture; for marketers, it might be data-driven attribution modeling.
• AI Augmentation: Learn how to leverage generative AI and automation tools to increase your productivity. Understanding how to integrate these technologies into your workflow is becoming a non-negotiable skill.
• Leadership & Strategy: Even in individual contributor roles, the ability to think strategically and lead projects from inception to completion is highly valued. Focus on stakeholder management and high-level project planning.
• Data Literacy: The ability to interpret data and use it to drive decisions is essential across all business functions. Familiarize yourself with data visualization and basic analytical concepts.

By investing in these areas, you not only prepare yourself for the role you are applying for today but also build a resilient foundation for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Apply via JobSetuu

Discover your next career milestone on JobSetuu. This Associate Director, Client Services DACH (maternity cover) position is part of our commitment to bringing you the most relevant and high-impact job openings globally. At JobSetuu, we simplify your job search by aggregating premier listings and providing the tools you need to stand out. Don't miss the chance to elevate your professional journey—explore more opportunities and career insights on our platform today.