VP, Commercial Strategy & Growth

Position Overview

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency, offering Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights services.

Over 30 years we have used flexible delivery models: Embedded teams, Corporate Campus operations, and Full‑Service Agency.

We manage over 37,000 events & projects annually across 110 countries, serving 130+ brands, including Fortune 500 companies in Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Media, and Professional Services.

Role Summary

As VP, Commercial Strategy & Growth, you’ll drive profitability by evolving pricing models, governance, and commercial strategy across new and existing clients.

You will translate business growth objectives into actionable plans, collaborate with executive leadership, and lead optimisation of pricing, deal structures, forecasting, and client retention.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimisation of pricing models, deal economics, commercial terms, and remuneration frameworks.
• Partner with executive leadership to refine the go‑to‑market and commercial approach.
• Develop commercial plans, resource recommendations, and investment priorities aligned with growth objectives.
• Oversee commercial governance and support negotiation of client contracts, KPIs, and commercial risk.
• Partner with Finance on forecasting, revenue planning, and performance monitoring.
• Drive client retention, growth, and expansion through a coordinated commercial strategy.
• Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and key client decision‑makers.
• Champion AI‑enabled commercial practices, forecasting tools, and decision‑making frameworks.
• Ensure consistency in commercial practices and pricing across regions while allowing local flexibility.
• Align cross‑functional teams – Data & Analytics, Finance, Operations, Client Services, and Marketing – to support commercial outcomes.
• Build, develop, and lead a high‑performing, client‑focused commercial team.
• Develop executive reporting and dashboards on commercial performance, revenue health, and growth opportunities.
• Use market intelligence to shape growth strategy and targeting priorities.
• Monitor performance against growth targets and recommend corrective actions.
• Partner with Operations and Finance to identify supplier commercial opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of relevant experience, preferably in agency or B2B services.
• Expertise in pricing strategy, pricing model design, and commercial governance.
• Strong experience in forecasting, profitability management, and performance reporting.
• Proven ability to build and scale commercial operating models and account management frameworks.
• Experience managing and growing large enterprise accounts and executive‑level client relationships.
• Expertise in proposal management, commercial negotiations, and deal structuring.
• Solid financial acumen to analyse revenue, margin, and profitability drivers.
• Leadership experience in transformation initiatives and organizational change.
• Ability to operate effectively in complex, global, and matrixed environments.
• Advanced proficiency with CRM platforms, business intelligence/reporting tools, and AI‑enabled commercial technologies.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, strategic thinking, analytical, and decision‑making skills.

Benefits & Perks

• Private medical insurance with BUPA from day one.
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Personal volunteer day.
• 20 days of sick pay per year.
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity & paternity).
• Wellness stipend.
• Complimentary access to Headspace, Rocket Lawyer & Maven.
• Life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Season Ticket Loan.
• Mobile phone allowance.
• Pension scheme enhancements.
• Discretionary bonus structure.
• Global opportunities across headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore.
• Equal Opportunity Statement

FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.

First will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on these characteristics.

If you feel you do not meet the requirements, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or suitable roles.

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