Associate Business Director - Communications Consultancy

Since its launch at the start of the last century, NIVEA has held a special place in the public mind as an icon of Pflege (care). They have led innovation both in product and marketing, always engaging people with a focus on our shared humanity. Now, for the first time in over 100 years, they have selected a new partner for their next transformation. Publicis Groupe and Beiersdorf have created Publicis One Touch, a new breed of agency model based on agility and interdisciplinary design. Here, client and agency talents work together in the same space, with shared passion and dedication.

Together we are reshaping all NIVEA marketing activity for the future, from global product launches and social media presence, digital experience and campaigns, to data management and strategy, package design and events, along the entire customer journey. Fuelled by data, technology and human insight, creativity is at the heart and centre of everything we do, because it is with creativity that we will connect and engage with people.

Job Description

The Associate Director role is responsible for both building client relationships and managing a team, while collaborating with senior leadership (Business Lead / CEO), other agency departments (creative, strategy, production) and other potential partners from Publicis Group (media, Vertical, epsilon, sapient). This candidate will lead the strategic, operational and delivery aspects of major accounts and own relationships with MSL client(s). They will work closely with the Business Lead of your account(s) and ultimately ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and revenue growth across your assigned client portfolio.

The Business Director will take responsibility & accountability for the growth of their team and client business, identifying and developing opportunities to drive new business proposals involving the group capabilities. Foster the agency's beliefs and spirit externally-internally, as well as develop and drive vision for the business, aiming to bring in more business and drive the Power of One development and implementation.

As part of their day-to-day office leadership team, the candidate will work to inspire, mentor, and guide the career development of your team members.

Technical & Product

1. Lead client conversations and work closely with Business Lead(s) to ensure excellence in strategy, creative and production.
2. Oversee strategy, planning, creative execution, production for all assigned client-account(s): Responsible for winning client commitment to the agency and Group's direction, strategy, recommendations, and subsequent execution, translating business needs to creative challenges and ensuring a timely delivery milestone.
3. Perceived as a trusted advisor by your own clients and as an expert in specific industry, internally and in the market, by demonstrating deep understanding and knowledge of category.
4. Be able to do the correct scope, the needed resources and deliver accordingly to financial targets for the current year.

Business Acumen & Operational Efficiency

1. Responsible for all outcomes, quality control and the health of the relationship with the client across all disciplines, practices, facets of the business internal and external.
2. Build strong client relationships to understand the needs and requirements to proactively support the day-to-day delivery of projects.
3. Responsible for driving cross client's collaboration to drive both business growth as well as strategic alliances across industries.
4. Set the yearly strategic roadmap with the client on business transformation by becoming the trusted consultant and authority on the client's consumer journey.

Innovative & Analytical Mindset

1. Able to think strategically, creatively, and analytically to challenge the clients' partners and propose innovative solutions to briefs.
2. Own the clients and partners' relationships as a trusted advisor.
3. Able to predict emerging market trends in specific categories and quickly grasp trends and dynamics of other categories to create new business opportunities.
4. Adopt an always-on innovation mindset, with a hunger for delivering competitive advantage for your client and cascade it to your team and key partners (strategy/creative).
5. Identify growth opportunities and solutions within the assigned clients for Publicis group's vertical or services.

People & Leadership

1. Takes initiative to challenge an established point of view with respect and openness.
2. Able to use storytelling to connect with internal and external stakeholders in a compelling manner to influence and inspire.
3. Able to handle complex issues and make decisions even when missing information.
4. Capable of proactively developing meaningful relationships with key decision makers.
5. Accepts responsibility for client problems, manages conflict and actively works to solve issues internally and externally.
6. Able to build succession plans and grow and mentor future talent.
7. Able to provide constructive feedback to others in a timely manner.

Qualifications

1. 10-12 years experience with a track record in brand, digital, social and data-driven marketing projects in a communication, media or marketing industry.
2. Experience in being client facing in a leading role.
3. Management experience of 5-8 subordinates.
4. Excellent understanding of end-to-end communication eco-system, with a deep understanding of digital, data usages and technology.
5. Experience in planning, strategy, managing and activating multichannel campaigns.
6. BA degree (or similar).