Business Director

Company Description

With a history that dates back over 80 years, Starcom is a global communications planning and media leader. We are an agency still grounded in our founding principle that people are at the centre of all we do. Each day, we apply this belief to harness the transformative power of data and technology to inspire and move people and business forward. With more than 7,000 employees in over 100 offices around the world, we are the flagship Publicis Media agency that uses our 'Power of One' business model, with teams that span multiple disciplines across clients such as Aldi, P&G, P&O Ferries, Primark, Samsung, Stellantis, and Visa.

We place a huge focus on our People and have driven flagship D&I and L&D programmes within Publicis Media; our goal is to help every individual reach their fullest potential. We encourage everyone to make "Brave Plays" in how they approach their work and their own career development. As a result, we have an exceptionally energised and committed talent base, all of us proud of our welcoming and supportive culture, as evidenced by our recognition as one of Campaign's Best Places to Work for three years in a row (2021, 2022 and 2023) and most excitingly, Media Week's Agency of the Year 2023!

Overview

This is one of the biggest and most high-profile accounts in the industry, with a multi-million budget and a fast-moving, always-on approach to media. The work spans everything-TV, digital, sponsorships, partnerships-you name it.

As the Business Director, you'll be at the center of it all, leading media planning, managing senior client relationships, and making sure every campaign delivers. This is a high-visibility role, perfect for someone who thrives under pressure, tackles last-minute challenges head-on, and leads with confidence.

What's in it for you?

• You'll be noticed-this role gets senior-level attention across the agency and client side.
• A leadership role in an A-team-you'll set the tone for a talented group of planners.
• Work with the best-collaborate across Publicis Groupe, from creative to sponsorships.
• Shape groundbreaking campaigns-think bold, innovative, and never-been-done-before media activations.

Responsibilities

What will you be doing?

• Be the client's first call for anything media-related, owning the relationship and setting the strategic direction.
• Lead media planning-deep strategic thinking backed by data and a sharp understanding of execution.
• Thrive under pressure-fast-moving, high-expectation work is the norm here.
• Drive innovation-bring ideas that push boundaries and elevate the brand.
• Be a visible leader and mentor, supporting your team and shaping their development.

Qualifications

What are we looking for?

• A solid media planner - You know media inside out and can back up your plans with data and logic.
• A confident leader - You can hold your own with senior clients, support your team, and keep things moving under pressure.
• Commercially aware - You understand budgets, profitability, and how to make media work for the business as well as the client.
• Strategic but hands-on - You set the direction but also make sure the details are right, from planning to execution.
• Curious and proactive - You stay on top of trends, challenge the status quo, and bring fresh thinking to every brief.

This is a career-defining role-if you're ready to take on a high-profile, high-impact position and lead work that shapes the industry, we'd love to hear from you.

Additional Information

Starcom has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Plans, we also offer:

• WORK YOUR WORLD opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis office, for up to 6 weeks a year.
• REFLECTION DAYS - Two additional days of paid leave to step away from your usual day-to-day work and create time to focus on your well-being and self-care.
• BENEFITS 24/7 helpline to support you on a personal and professional level. Access to remote GPs, mental health support and CBT. Wellbeing content and lifestyle coaching.
• FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES We provide 26 weeks of full pay for the following family milestones: Maternity, Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental Leave.
• FLEXIBLE WORKING, BANK HOLIDAY SWAP & BIRTHDAY DAY OFF You are entitled to an additional day off for your birthday, from your first day of employment.
• GREAT LOCAL DISCOUNTS This includes membership discounts with Soho Friends, local restaurants and retailers in Westfield White City and Television Centre.

Full details of our benefits will be shared when you join us!

Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full-time employees being office-based three days during the working week.

We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process.

Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Page which showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAGs (Employee Action Groups).