Business Director

Company Description

Marketing today is complex, fastmoving and under constant pressure - but that's where we do our best work.

At Starcom, we believe progress comes from focus. In a world of endless data, accelerating technology and constant change, we help brands move beyond what they could do and concentrate on what they should do to drive real growth.

Our Focus Framework gives our people the clarity to identify the audiences, ideas, media, and metrics that matter most - turning complexity into impact and ambition into results.

If you're motivated by smart thinking, meaningful collaboration, and the opportunity to make a real difference, you'll find your unfair advantage here.

Starcom. Focus For Growth.

Job Description

Who are we looking for?

We're looking for a commercially minded and relationship-led Business Director to take ownership of a flagship account while supporting a portfolio of premium beauty and consumer brands. This is a highly visible leadership role where you'll act as a trusted client partner, lead integrated agency teams, and shape media and communications strategies that drive real business impact.

Your primary account is a long-standing, high-profile partnership that has played a significant role in the agency's success and reputation within the Australian market. You'll work across integrated media, creative, PR and digital agency partners, bringing teams together to deliver exceptional outcomes and build deep, long-term client relationships.

You'll thrive in this role if you're passionate about building trusted and credible client partnerships, leading high-performing teams and driving innovative thinking. You'll partner closely with senior leaders and be supported by a culture that invests in learning, career growth and long-term success.

If you're a seasoned Account Director or Senior Account Director who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with handson execution and want a role where your influence and client partnership extends well beyond delivery, this is an opportunity to make your mark.

What will your day-to-day look like?

• Build and nurture trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders, becoming a strategic advisor and valued business partner.
• Lead the development and delivery of client business plans, ensuring work aligns to business objectives and drives meaningful outcomes.
• Act as a senior escalation point and proactively identify opportunities to strengthen client partnerships.
• Drive innovative thinking and strategic recommendations that help clients stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
• Collaborate with specialist teams across media, data, technology, creative and communications disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team, creating an environment where people can do their best work.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning and professional growth.
• Champion inclusive leadership and contribute to a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued.
• Support team engagement, coaching and career development initiatives.
• Lead integrated communications planning and contribute to future-focused media strategies.
• Stay abreast of emerging industry trends, media innovation and evolving client needs.
• Leverage data, insights and audience understanding to inform strategic recommendations.
• Contribute thought leadership that strengthens both client outcomes and agency reputation.
• Support organic account growth through strong client partnerships and identification of new opportunities.
• Maintain a strong understanding of account commercial frameworks, scopes of work and resource planning.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to support forecasting, planning and sustainable business performance.
• Balance commercial outcomes with exceptional client service and team success.

What you're looking for

• An encouraging, positive, and collaborative culture.
• A role with real variety, exposure, and opportunity to grow.
• To work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders during a period of business growth, momentum, and transformation.
• Flexible working and a culture that values trust, balance, and wellbeing.
• To fulfil your growth and career development ambitions in a business large enough to accommodate them.

What will set you up for success?

• Proven experience in a senior client leadership, business director, or account leadership role within media environments.
• Strong client partnership skills with the ability to influence and build credibility with senior stakeholders.
• Experience leading complex accounts and managing cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen and an understanding of how to drive business growth through client partnerships.
• A solutionsfocused mindset - you anticipate needs, spot issues early, know when to escalate them, and take ownership.
• Comfort working in a dynamic environment where plans evolve and priorities shift - you are unflappable, know how to keep a cool head and lean in with a positive mindset.
• Excellent communication, storytelling and presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of media, marketing and digital ecosystems.
• Strategic thinking paired with the ability to translate ideas into actionable plans.
• A collaborative leadership style that empowers teams and fosters high performance.
• Curiosity, adaptability and a passion for developing people and building meaningful relationships.

#LI-LJ1

Additional Information

Publicis Groupe benefits: Be a part of the Publicis Groupe family, recent winner of the Employer of Choice Awards and one of the world's most progressive and dynamic modern communications businesses. You can learn more about us at www.publicisgroupeanz.com.

Enjoy all the perks that come with our network offering:

• A comprehensive Wholeself program supporting physical, mindful, and financial wellbeing.
• A creative, lively, and rewarding office environment where people love working with each other, supported by our Publicis Liberte flexibility approach - "working your way with us."
• Access to our Global AI Platform Marcel, connecting Publicis Groupe employees with opportunities for career mobility and collaboration across our global network.
• Extensive Learning & Development opportunities including more than 15,000 learning programs via our online learning platform, Marcel Classes.
• A culture of open feedback and support to reach your goals through our Career Conversations program.
• A committed Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion strategy driven through our Viva Women, Egalite, enABLE, EmbRACE, and Ecologique committees.
• Leave benefits including Birthday Leave, Flexible Public Holidays, and an additional 5 days of leave after 2 years of service.
• Work Your World program enabling employees the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world for up to 6 weeks per year.
• Parental leave policy with up to 18 weeks based on tenure, paid primary carer leave, secondary carer swap, and Cub Care leave.
• Access to counsellors, psychologists, and professionals through Sonder, an all-in-one digital wellbeing technology platform designed to support psychological, medical & safety needs.
• A workplace that stands together to provide a more open, supportive, and recovery-forward culture for all employees with life-threatening illnesses. Read more about our Working With Cancer Pledge: https://workingwithcancerpledge.com/
• Proud partners of Diversity Council Australia, Pride in Diversity, Family Friendly Workplaces, Supply Nation, and the Australian Disability Network.

If you don't tick every box in this ad, please don't rule yourself out. Research suggests that women and other people in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. We focus on hiring people who share our values of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, fearlessness, and integrity rather than ticking boxes - so if this role resonates with you, please apply.

Diversity. Inclusion. Equity. More than just words; these are part of our DNA. At Publicis Groupe, we are committed to the inclusion and recognition of all people regardless of race, age, culture, ability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, and religious affiliation. We believe that to deliver the best solutions to our clients, our people need to reflect the diverse communities in which our clients operate. We value diversity and the skills, knowledge, and experience that difference brings to our culture and solutions.

Uniqueness is powerful; without it, we wouldn't be where we are today. So be you - we like it that way.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for people with disability or those that require additional support throughout the application process. If you need any assistance or adjustments, please contact us via recruitmentpublicisgroupe.com; your personal information will be kept confidential.