Business Director

**Company Description**
Starcom is a world-renowned media communications agency that architects connected human experiences to create value through precision marketing, content and technology solutions. With more than 5,000 employees worldwide, Starcom partners with the world's leading marketers and new establishment brands, including Airbnb, Bank of America, Kellogg Company, Kraft Heinz, Novartis, Samsung, Visa and more. Starcom is part of Publicis Media—the global media solutions group which also encompasses Zenith, Mediavest | Spark and Optimedia | Blue 449—a key division of Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC 40], one of the world’s leading communications groups.

Strategy plays a fundamental role in shaping creativity and innovation through the veins of our agency, as a strategist for your client account(s) you will be responsible for leading the quality of strategic thinking across the span of your remit. Armed with the understanding of your client's business. their vertical sector and their typical consumers and prospects, you will be tasked to create compelling and innovative strategic direction that enables your client's brands and products to gain competitive advantage in the marketplace.

In close collaboration with various agency & account teams, the job the of strategist is to be the go-to thought leader for their given client businesses & sectors, translating creative and innovative thinking into the activation of memorable & award winning ad campaigns.

As a leading strategist you will serve as a key internal and external stakeholder, elevating the strategic capability throughout the agency, as well as representing the agency and it's strategic pedigree in various forums.

**Responsibility and Focus**
- Lead the overall strategic direction of the agency.
- Manage a team of strategists and lead the development and implementation of strategic plans for key clients.
- Lead the agency’s strategic efforts to identify new business opportunities and grow the agency’s client base.
- Create proposals, presentations and research reports.
- Monitor media and social media trends.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities

**Technical & Product**
- In-depth knowledge of media planning and buying processes, platforms, and tools.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data and market research.
- Strong understanding of media laws and regulations.

**Business Acumen & Operational Efficiency**
- Strong understanding of the advertising and media industries and the role of media strategy within them.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and clients.
- Strong project management skills and ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
- Strong understanding of budgeting and forecasting.

**Innovative & Analytical Mindset**
- Ability to think strategically, creatively, and analytically.
- Proven ability to identify new opportunities and develop effective solutions.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong problem-solving skills

**People & Leadership**
- Capable of developing and sharing a strategic vision that others can aspire and commit to, having the confidence to adjust and adapt in the dynamic world.
- Able to use storytelling to connect with internal and external stakeholders in a compelling manner to influence and inspire.
- Able to handle complex issues and make decisions even when missing information.
- Able to proactively develop meaningful relationships with key decision makers across functions.
- Accepts responsibility for client problems, manages conflict and actively works to solve issues internally and externally.
- Able to build succession plans and grow and mentor future talent.
- Encourages others to value difference, collaboration and positive spirit while getting the best out of their diverse teams.

Self
- Showcases agility and ability to adapt to different situations based on past experiences, feedback and industry changes.
- Is able to set high impact objectives and goes above and beyond to exceed performance.
- Demonstrates the Growth Mindset and is capable of taking ownership of personal development to continuously evolve and futureproof their capabilities.
- Able to constructively challenge the status quo and take risks to challenge internal and external perspectives.
- Approaches situations and individuals with honesty, integrity, transparency and humbleness.
- Able to stay resilient and maintain drive and a positive outlook when faced with challenges.

**Qualifications**
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10-13 years of experience in a strategic planning role, preferably within a media agency, with a proven track record of leading teams and managing client relationships, and senior-level management experience.
- Strategy & project management related certification is a plus
- Talent based in Saudi would be highly preferred
- Media agency experience is a must