Associate Director, Client Services DACH (maternity cover)

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:

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