Account Director: 2026 Talent Academy

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. Account Director Talent Academy 2026 Location: UKDivision: SalesProgramme Duration: ~18 months (Individual development plans will vary)Applications Close: 13th OctoberProgramme Lead: Shelby Cooper About the Programme We're excited to announce that applications are now open for the second round of our Account Director Talent Academy. The first cohort was a huge success, with participants demonstrating outstanding growth, ambition, and tangible business impact. Building on that foundation, this next intake will be more structured, more personalised, and focused on supporting participants to achieve their long-term career goals. The programme will run over approximately 18 months, with each successful applicant receiving an individual development plan, tailored to their ambitions and development needs. How the Programme Works Participants will initially remain in their current departments, undergoing a structured period of upskilling in either Account Management or Acquisition. You will continue to be managed day-to-day by your current manager, ensuring continuity in your current role. Shelby Cooper, Programme Lead, will act as your mentor, guiding your development and preparing you for future Account Director responsibilities. Once the upskilling phase is complete, participants will transition fully to work with Shelby and focus on accelerated development towards a Junior Account Director role. This approach ensures a structured, supported, and effective development journey, with clear milestones and expectations. What We're Looking For We're seeking ambitious, driven individuals who are ready to take the next step in their careers and commit to developing the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to become future Junior Account Directors. You should be able to demonstrate: A strong track record of performance in your current role A clear vision for your career progression A willingness to learn, adapt, and embrace new challenges Alignment with the KSBs (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours) required for the Account Director role Application Process Stage 1 - Expression of Interest (EOI)Submit a 500-word Expression of Interest via Bamboo, outlining: Why you feel the time is right for you to apply What you want to achieve through the Academy Why you want to be part of this journey Deadline for EOI submissions: 13th October How to apply: Submit EOI to Bamboo Interview Process Stage 2 - Panel Interview (Early November)Successful applicants at the EOI stage will be invited to a final interview consisting of two parts: Presentation (10 minutes + 5-minute Q&A) Present your case on why you're ready to elevate your sales career. Choose to either: Showcase an account growth strategy, or Present an acquisition sales strategy, outlining how you would acquire a specific new customer, including the sales techniques and approaches you would use. Presentations will be strictly timed at 10 minutes. Competency-Based Interview (30 minutes) Questions will be based on the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) linked to the Account Director role and the Talent Academy curriculum. Meet Your Programme Lead Shelby Cooper will lead the 2026 Talent Academy. With over a decade at the company, Shelby brings strategic insight, a deep understanding of the business, and a passion for developing talent. Her leadership and commercial success make her the perfect mentor to guide the next generation of Account Directors. Why Apply? This is a unique opportunity to: Access tailored development and mentoring from senior leadership Build strategic skills in account growth and acquisition Position yourself for a future Account Director role within the business Join a community of ambitious peers on a shared growth journey If you're ready to take the next step and commit to becoming a future Account Director, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now via Bamboo before 13th October. #J-18808-Ljbffr