Business Director

Who We Are in the UK? 

Spark Foundry, the Acceleration Agency.

We help brands to identify, learn and respond to opportunities faster than the competition.

Every client has an area of their business they need to accelerate, from short-term goals to long-term transformation.

We’ve proven our approach during the most difficult year on record. Now we’re using it to provide a launchpad for their future.

Come be an accelerator with us.

How we accelerate

• Planning: an approach that works in practice rather than theory, arming planners with the ability to create cutting edge campaigns
• Intelligence: a suite of tools that give definitive answers to big questions, and uncovers actionable insights about real people
• Trading: a model built on flexibility and trusted relationships, underpinned with bold guarantees
• Relationships: a culture of asking challenging questions to better understand the brief – we are not a ‘yes’ agency
• People: a strong history of recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds and accelerating their careers

Our Commitment

We are diverse though our experience, people and the clients we look after - and we celebrate that diversity. Our people hold us accountable to our beliefs and via regular surveys and our grass roots D&I team, The Collective, and internal next generation board, Firestarters, we hold regular events and work continually towards generating ideas, initiatives and educating our people to ensure we are a diverse and inclusive agency.

As part of our dedication to create an inclusive and diverse workforce, Spark Foundry is committed to equal access to opportunity for people without regard to race, age, sex, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion. 

Spark Foundry, part of Publicis Groupe, is seeking a Planning Business Director to lead media strategy and planning for an exciting portfolio of clients: Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and TrustFord. This role is ideal for a dynamic leader who thrives on driving innovation, building strong client relationships, and delivering exceptional results.

About the Role
As a Planning Business Director, you’ll be at the forefront of media strategy, working across both brand and performance marketing. Your role will involve:

• Leading strategic thinking and crafting media solutions that align with client goals.
• Developing innovative approaches that position brands as category leaders.
• Cultivating senior-level client relationships and acting as a trusted advisor.
• Guiding your team to deliver high-quality media plans and proposals.
• Ensuring budgets, forecasts, and finance controls are meticulously managed.
• Collaborating with activation specialists to recommend cutting-edge media solutions and testing approaches.
• Staying ahead of industry trends to proactively identify opportunities for your clients.

About You
You are an experienced and confident media professional with a strong track record of leading client relationships and managing cross-channel media strategies. Key attributes include:

• Passion for media, with the ability to inspire clients and teams alike.
• Proven experience developing strategies that challenge conventional thinking and drive business growth.
• A deep understanding of both offline and online media channels.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present confidently to senior stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to identifying opportunities and addressing challenges.
• Strong leadership skills to mentor and develop your team.

Spark has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Planswe 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.
• HELP@HAND 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 EAG’s (Employee Action Groups).

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