Job Title:

Associate Commercial Director, UK

Reporting to:

Commercial Director, UK

Location:

 London

Role Overview:

Drive the commercial success of multi-million-dollar local contracts for some of the world's most recognisable brands. As an Associate Director in the UK Commercial team, you will have the opportunity to lead complex negotiations, build strong client relationships, and contribute to revenue growth while ensuring contract compliance and maximising profitability. You may oversee a mix of Commercial Analysts.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to be involved in the commercial management of and negotiations with existing and potential new clients. You will have the opportunity to manage your own client portfolio and partner with Commercial Directors on complex negotiations, gaining valuable experience and developing your commercial expertise.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Growth & Profitability

• Identify and pursue opportunities for revenue growth.
• Develop competitive pricing and remuneration models that maximise profitability for GroupM while delivering value to our clients.

Commercial Management & Reporting

• Develop and implement commercial strategies for a portfolio of clients, ensuring alignment with overall agency goals and client objectives.
• Oversee all commercial aspects of assigned client accounts, including meticulous contract compliance, accurate reporting, adherence to payment terms and effective incentive management.

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• Serve as the primary commercial contact and trusted advisor for a designated portfolio of local clients, fostering strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Proactively manage client communication, skilfully navigating complex discussions with confidence and providing expert commercial guidance to both clients and internal stakeholders.

Contract Negotiation and Compliance

• Lead and manage client contract negotiations (with the support from the Legal Team), ensuring favourable terms and conditions to GroupM while maintaining positive client relationships.
• Support client contract compliance audits, collaborating with our internal client compliance team to provide necessary documentation where required.
• Support the media leadership team in day-to-day management of client account
• Reviewing SOW with support from legal
• oversee Commercial Analysts in pricing on-going and one-off projects

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Support, mentor and guide any direct reports fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Provide ongoing coaching, training, and development opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of team members, contributing to their professional growth and success.

Skills and Behaviours:

• Ability to manage the overall financial performance and drive revenue, profit and cash flow of clients.
• Deep understanding of various pricing models and the ability to recommend and implement changes to optimise financial outcomes.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels.
• Experience of negotiating client contracts.
• Proactive problem-solving approach and a desire for continuous improvement.
• Ability to work autonomously, with an awareness of wider business context and approval processes.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to delegate effectively and support the development of junior staff, including providing clear instructions and constructive feedback.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree and professional accounting qualification and/or equivalent experience.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in roles such as commercial management, client finance, or business affairs, with a proven track record of managing and mentoring a team. Experience of working in a media agency is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting, applying, and negotiating contract terms in a client-facing role, preferably within the media or advertising industry.
• Proficiency in Excel, including experience with financial modelling and data analysis.

Why join us?

• Be part of a market-leading organisation within the WPP network.
• Work on high-profile international client accounts in a dynamic and fast-paced industry.
• Gain hands-on experience in international commercial negotiations and financial analysis, that will prepare you for more senior roles.
• Collaborate with experienced industry professionals and gain exposure to international media operations.
• Be part of a fast-paced, dynamic environment where you'll constantly be learning and benefit from ongoing training and development programs.