Business Director - #1705888

Company Description

PlatformGSK is a bespoke agency proposition for GSK and is one of Publicis Media’s three dedicated global client groups, designed to drive the future model of Publicis through transformation in technology and ways of working. We blend Media with Data and Technology to create stronger Consumer connections. It is composed of more than 600 media, data and technology experts around the world and is centered around driving client growth by blending media, data and technology to create most relevant and powerful consumer experiences. GSK is one of Publicis Media’s biggest clients globally.

Our Commitment

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

Overview

About the Team....

Our team is deliberately diversified — with experts in strategy, data, creative, media, and tech working seamlessly across capabilities and continents to make better connections and achieve ambitious outcomes through ideas that excite, provoke and inspire. We are endlessly curious and fully transparent, always examining real human behaviour to create authentic connections — between brands and consumers, clients and partners, and ideas and outcomes

The pGSK Pharma team currently consists of 3 pillars, one supporting Vaccines, another supporting Corporate campaigns and one supporting ViiV* (therapies for HIV).

• ViiV Healthcare is a pharmaceutical company specializing in the development of therapies for HIV infection - it was born out of a partnership between GSK and Pfizer in 2009, with Shionogi joining in 2012.
  
  

Sitting within the Pharma team in the platformGSK London Hub, you will be a core senior member of the GSK team with responsibilities split between Global GSK strategic initiatives and Local GSK UK campaign activation. These teams are tight and extremely collaborative.

The Global team consists of 20 specialists who deliver thought leading paid media strategy and planning that demonstrates the value of advertising investment across a range of therapy areas in ex-US markets.

The Local planning team consists of a Planning Director, who you’ll line manage directly, a Planning Manager and a Planning Exec. A Digital Investment Director contributes to campaign strategy and tactics, and the account is overseen by local market leadership too.

Responsibilities

About the work....

In this Business Director role, you are responsible for driving the overall strategic direction and growth of the GSK accounts, ensuring the delivery of exceptional media solutions that drive business outcomes. The Business Director serves as the key client contact, providing strategic counsel and overseeing the execution of media plans across all channels. The role involves leading cross-functional teams, managing financial performance, and ensuring client satisfaction while identifying opportunities for growth and innovation. You are also responsible for setting long-term goals, cultivating high-level client relationships, and driving new business development.

• Lead client relationships, ensuring strategic alignment with business objectives and delivering innovative media solutions
• Oversee financial performance, including budget management and finance processes
• Drive business growth by identifying new opportunities and fostering strong, high-level client partnerships
• Manage and mentor cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless execution of media strategies and continuous team development
• Hands-on development of proactive and reactive new business opportunities
  
  

Qualifications

What you need to succeed....

To ensure this role is a suitable match for you, we are looking for the following requirements:

• Healthcare and Pharma Category: working knowledge of the HCP media landscape across branded or non-branded campaigns
• Medical Publishers: experience in campaigns targeting HCPs with endemic partners
• Strategic Leadership: Proven experience in leading and developing comprehensive media strategies for high-profile clients, ensuring alignment with business goals and KPIs.
• Client Relationship Management: Exceptional ability to build and maintain senior-level client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor while managing expectations and delivering strategic counsel
• Media Expertise: Knowledge of the full media landscape, with specific knowledge of digital channels, with the ability to craft integrated multi-channel strategies
• Financial Acumen: Strong financial management skills, including the ability to oversee account profitability, forecast revenue, manage budgets, and ensure cost efficiency
• Business Development: Proven track record of driving new business opportunities, identifying client growth potential, and leading pitches and proposals for new and existing clients
• Team Leadership & Development: Experience in leading, mentoring, and motivating cross-functional teams, with the ability to manage performance, develop talent, and foster a collaborative environment
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to interpret data, analytics, and insights to optimise campaign performance and demonstrate ROI, while driving data-driven decision-making
• Negotiation & Vendor Management: Skilled in negotiating media deals and fostering relationships with media vendors, ensuring the best rates and opportunities for clients
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate challenges, manage risks, and make quick, informed decisions under pressure
• Communication & Presentation Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex media strategies and results to senior stakeholders clearly and persuasively
• Industry Knowledge: Up-to-date understanding of industry trends, innovations, and regulatory changes, with a proactive approach to adopting new technologies and methodologies
• Results-Oriented: Proven success in meeting or exceeding client objectives, driving both short-term campaign success and long-term brand growth
  
  

Additional Information

PlatformGSK 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.
• 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).