Business Manager

IT & TechnologyHybrid Remote, Johannesburg, South Africa Cape Town, South Africa


Description

Position at Acceleration

REPORTING: Managing Partner, Client Services  

ACCELERATION OVERVIEW:
Acceleration is WPP’s specialist practice for data, analytics & technology consulting. We are a curious team of highly skilled data and technology practitioners, inspired by experimentation and new ideas. This is the lifeblood of the future-forward solutions we deliver, that empower our clients to compete every day, in a dynamic environment. And it is the reason we have become trusted advisors to CEOs, strategic partners to CMOs, and operational partners to CIOs, around the globe.
We help clients leverage the power of Google’s Marketing and Cloud platforms to transform their marketing organizations and accelerate growth. With access to expert consultancy services and a deep bench of specialised skills, we deliver what marketers need to compete effectively, increase efficiency, and drive growth. We are well known for our open, transparent, and honest relationships with clients. We identify opportunities for innovation while remaining firmly grounded in business reality. We demystify complex tasks and impart knowledge without hype or pretence, and we shape marketing ecosystems to drive growth through the intelligent application of data and technology. Most importantly, we speak in specifics and get the job done.
Our contribution is measured by our clients’ success. We understand that speed to value is critical. This is why we release value at every step of the process. Every day we build our skills and hone our craft to get our clients the results they deserve. 
Google and other partners are a key strategic pillar and critical to the development of a healthy opportunity pipeline, for sustainable and profitable growth. 
We are Acceleration: We turn bold ambition into business reality.

ROLE OVERVIEW:
We are looking for a Business Manager to support the Google Technology business unit. The ideal candidate will have a passion for digital media and advertising and extensive direct experience within the digital and publishing arena. 
As a key member of the Acceleration team, you will work directly and manage clients alongside the support of the Technical Consultants to deliver solutions to unique business problems using the Google Marketing Platforms. The  Business Manager will interact with the Google Partnerships team regularly in order to provide feedback and gain knowledge around Google technologies in order to better service the clients needs and development.

AREA OF EXPERTISE:
Acceleration is part of WPP, the world’s largest advertising and marketing services group. Clients come to us to solve today's biggest challenges, surrounding the use of data and technology, to support delivery of improved digital marketing experiences for their customers, across paid, owned and earned environments.
The  Business manager should be a highly motivated and a proven self-starter with high levels of personal accountability. The candidate should be comfortable with deadlines and pressure but in addition to this possess excellent communication skills in order to build strong and trusting relationships with clients.
The Business Manager should also be a strong leader and team player with qualities of an organised and effective project manager, and also be adept at working with multiple brands and consumer segments.

 IDEAL CANDIDATE: 
The Business Manager will possess sound experience within the sector and have worked with large, listed clients, assisting in defining solutions for their online marketing initiatives. In addition, they will manage the relationship with their clients and be part of a team of Business Managers and Technical Consultants. 
The Business Manager will also support business development efforts. The role requires a good technical understanding of marketing technology and is squarely focused on the delivery of services and solutions, constantly ensuring maximum client ROI. 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES: 
•    Key management of select client base in EMEA across Small, Medium and Enterprise clients
•    Compose and execute online technology strategic plans and implementations across client base to accomplish client and Acceleration business strategy
•    Interface with relevant internal and client stakeholders to accomplish business and implementation strategies
•    Provide online, strategic and business insights to clients and the rest of the company
•    Responsible to meet and exceed budget objectives as per revenue plans
•    Responsible for establishing business opportunities within the existing account base in order to contribute to the growth of the organisation, and meet / exceed revenue objectives
•    Maximize business growth by ensuring high adoption and usage of Google Marketing Platform in the market.
•    Be the primary account management contact for our client base, providing prompt client service to ensure an elevated level of customer satisfaction.
•    Partner with Finance Teams to ensure client billing, collections, invoicing and forecasting is accurate and up to date 
•    Partner with the Business Development and Technical Consulting Support teams to oversee client requirements, provide guidance on best practices, to address customer's business and technology needs.
•    Collaborate with internal and external technical and developer teams to drive communication, prioritization, analysis, and resolution of customer challenges and issues.
•    Maintain industry, Google product, and customer knowledge to provide successful ad management operational and technical consultation. Lead or contribute to projects that increase operational efficiency.
•    Provide support to other members of the team including Business Development, Technical Consultants to deliver upon complex solutions while upskilling others.
•    Work closely with Technical Consultants to identify opportunities for the business to cross-sell other technologies, services, including but not limited to data analysis, media measurement, conversion attribution and optimization, ad-tech, CRM integration using Google Cloud Platforms and marketing automation.
•    Have the ability to identify and successfully improve client processes and frameworks

REQUIREMENTS: 
•    Knowledge of, and certification in Google Ad Tech Platforms (Google Marketing Platform) essential
•    Minimum 4 years of client services/account management related work experience
•    Experience in Google Marketing Platform licensing and Partner Reselling a distinct interest
•    Skilled in resource allocation and capacity planning
•    Strong business, commercial & marketing acumen
•    Skilled in the formulation and execution of marketing plans
•    Good understanding of technology and project implementation
•    Exceptional Advanced level of MS Excel knowledge, including pivot tables, charts, and formulae
•    Strong numeracy including capability with formulas in order to provide support to clients around billing, invoicing and forecasting
•    Proven presentation skills
•    Enthusiastic and confident individual with the ability to interact well with people of all levels personally and professionally
•    High energy levels and a dedicated team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage teams outside of their expertise.
•    Ability to present to clients.