ADVOC8

Senior Strategic Account Manager, &drop - Brand Merchandise & Promotional Products

USA (Remote)

The Role We're seeking a Senior Strategic Account Manager to own and grow a portfolio of our most important client relationships with a strategic, creative, and solutions-oriented approach. This is not a traditional promotional products sales role-we need someone who can think like a brand strategist, operate with creative vision, and execute like a seasoned merchandising expert. You'll manage 4-6 high-value client accounts, developing comprehensive merchandise strategies that align with their business objectives. You'll conceive creative solutions, execute (and when needed, guide) complex product development and sourcing, and ensure exceptional client experiences. You'll work alongside another Senior Account Manager and guide our production team's execution. This role reports directly to the Head of &drop and is part of rebuilding our strategic account management practice. About Us At ADVOC8, we create experiences that build trust, shift minds and win hearts. Our special sauce? Chemistry, collaboration and an endless supply of curiosity. We're a team of strategic thinkers, creative problem-solvers, thoughtful storytellers and logistical magicians expertly bringing ideas to life from strategy and creative through to production and execution. We work with brands, nonprofits and associations to create experiences that make an impact. And we do this all in a flexible 'work from anywhere' environment where we celebrate differences and encourage each of our 'advocates' to bring their unique perspectives to the table each and every day. &drop is the brand merchandise and promotional products division of ADVOC8, serving major brand clients including Google, YouTube, TikTok, and PokémonGO. We specialize in strategic, creative merchandise solutions from complex event kits and experiential programs to comprehensive branded goods strategies. We're a boutique agency that thinks like a creative partner, not a commodity distributor. What You'll Do Strategic Client Partnership (40%) Own and grow 4-6 high-value client accounts ($200K-$1M+ annual spend) Understand client business objectives, marketing strategies, and brand positioning deeply Develop comprehensive merchandise strategies that solve business problems, not just fulfill orders Proactively identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and expanded partnership Lead strategic planning sessions, creative briefings, and client presentations Serve as trusted advisor to client marketing, brand, and events teams Creative Problem-Solving & Product Development (30%) Conceive creative, out-of-the-box merchandise solutions for complex client challenges Lead ideation and concepting for major programs, events, and branded goods initiatives Execute or closely guide complex sourcing, product development, and vendor selection for strategic projects Partner with freelance creative resources to develop compelling presentations and concepts Maintain deep knowledge of product trends, manufacturing capabilities, and emerging opportunities Push beyond typical promotional products into cultural artifacts and meaningful brand expressions Execution & Quality Oversight (25%) Guide production team on execution strategy, vendor selection, and quality standards for your accounts Jump into hands-on sourcing, vendor negotiations, and technical problem-solving when complexity demands it Build and present client-facing proposals, cost analyses, and program recommendations Ensure flawless execution and exceptional client experience across all touchpoints Review and approve production work to ensure strategic alignment and quality standards Collaboration & Team Development (5%) Collaborate with other Senior Account Manager(s) on best practices and strategic approaches Share insights with production team to elevate overall capability Work with Head of &drop on process optimization and team development What You Bring Experience & Background 6–9 years in brand merchandise, promotional products, corporate gifting, or adjacent space Deep production and sourcing expertise. You've done the tactical work and understand manufacturing, logistics, and vendor management deeply Proven track record managing client relationships ($200K+ accounts) with strategic, consultative approach Background working in boutique/creative agency environments vs. traditional distributors strongly preferred Experience with tech, entertainment, or consumer brands a plus Strategic & Creative Capabilities Proven ability to translate business objectives into differentiated merchandise strategies Strong conceptual instincts - able to develop ideas beyond standard or catalog solutions Confidence presenting and influencing senior marketing and brand stakeholders Clear understanding of how physical product supports brand, culture, and business growth Product & Technical Expertise Expert knowledge of apparel, packaging, and premium merchandise categories Strong sourcing instincts - vendor evaluation, negotiation, quality control Able to lead complex product development when needed Clear grasp of production timelines, technical constraints, and sustainable sourcing Client Management & Growth Track record of building trusted relationships with brand and marketing leaders Demonstrated ability to identify and drive account growth Exceptional communication skills with a proactive, ownership-driven mindset Comfort operating in ambiguity and navigating complex stakeholder environments Aligned with and committed to ADVOC8's core values; represents them in daily work Better Together - Collaborative soul who's open to new ideas, sharing successes and being part of a team Level Up - High standards, never settling for the status quo or what we did last time Hustle Smarter - Entrepreneurial, roll-up-your-sleeves spirit, tempered by the courage to identify smarter ways of doing things Celebrate Differences - Highly empathetic personality who values individual perspectives Outcome Over Income - Extensive experience and demonstrated success in client relationship management Protect the Respect - Navigates conflict with an emphasis on transparency and diplomacy Engineer Exceptional Value - Inspired by outside-the-box thinking that yields outstanding ROI for our clients and projects Embrace Change - Recognize situations that require flexibility and craft creative solutions on the fly What Success Looks Like You're equally comfortable in a strategic brainstorm with a marketing director and negotiating factory terms Clients see you as a strategic partner and creative resource, not just a vendor You can concept a program, source the products, and deliver flawless execution You elevate the work and push for more creative, strategic solutions You grow accounts because clients trust you to solve their hardest problems What We Offer Compensation: $95-110K base + performance bonus (total comp $110-135K) Clear path to Director-level role based on performance and impact Real autonomy and creative freedom with your accounts and strategies Shape the future of a growing agency and how we serve clients Work with some of the most innovative brands in tech and entertainment Small team, direct access to leadership, creative freedom Health Insurance: 100% coverage of base level medical insurance plus buy up options to meet the needs of you and your family Health Insurance: Dental and vision insurance 401k, FSA, and stipend for mobile phone usage Professional development and training reimbursements Flexible work schedule Unlimited vacation and personal time Paid parental leave and Grandternity Leave Fully remote company Location & Logistics This position is not location-based, though travel will occasionally be required to travel to client sites, trade shows, team offsites and vendor facilities. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.; at this time, we are not able to provide sponsorship. At ADVOC8, building an inclusive team that celebrates our differences is integral to our success. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply even if you don't meet all qualifications. At ADVOC8, we are committed to fostering transparency and equity in compensation. The salary range provided for this position reflects the base salary offered to a successful candidate based on their experience, qualifications, and internal compensation structures. Please note that this salary range is subject to change based on evolving market conditions, company budget, and other factors, and does not include potential bonuses, benefits, or other forms of compensation. Final compensation may vary depending on the candidate's negotiation, location, and the specific role's requirements. We believe in fair pay for all employees and encourage candidates to engage in open conversations with us regarding compensation expectations during the hiring process. ADVOC8 is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to achieving a diverse workforce, and prohibits discrimination and harassment: ADVOC8 is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ADVOC8 are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, neurodivergence, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, exercising the right to family care and medical leave, veteran status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law. ADVOC8 will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.