Comms Director - 9 Month Contract

About Us

UM is a media agency designed to Futureproof our clients’ businesses for the now and the next. We leverage the transformational power of rich business analytics and real-time intelligence to maximise growth and activate the full consumer journey across content and connections – all rooted in culture. We believe in purposeful growth, and our Better World Media philosophy puts diversity, equity, and sustainability at the heart of our business operations. We are committed to investing in diverse and responsible media partners, in order to drive more meaningful and authentic messaging for our clients.

As the leading global media network in IPG Mediabrands, UM operates in over 100 countries, with more than 3,000 people innovating on a roster of global clients. Here in the UK we are proud to work with some of the world’s most exciting brands, including Accenture, American Express, Just Eat Takeaway, Johnson & Johnson, Mattel, MoneySuperMarket and Spotify. London is also the home of our UM EMEA Headquarters, providing the full spectrum of integrated media and marketing services to global clients across the region. Our in-house tools and technology capabilities, driven by a truly multi-national, talented and passionate team of people, makes us perfectly placed to create tailored, regional solutions for a diverse range of clients. As a regional hub, we act as a catalyst to integrate and connect – fuelling central strategies with both local insights and regional expertise. We have specialists across brand strategy, research & insight, data-driven analytics, 360 digital media planning and content creation, and we bring all of these disciplines together to provide frameworks that optimise our clients’ advertising investment in each market.

Role Description

An exciting opportunity to join the vibrant UK planning team and play a leading role across two of the agency’s core clients, American Express and Fidelity. As the Comms Director, you will play a significant role in the team, driving forward media planning excellence and innovative thinking, as well as upkeeping the excellent client relationships across these accounts. We are looking for someone who has a deep understanding of the UK media landscape, and will embody our BETTER philosophy to deliver ground-breaking, commercially successful work that delights and inspires clients.

Key Responsibilities

• The Comms Director is tasked with working closely with the Client Partner to deliver critical business, whilst having the autonomy to deliver outstanding day-to-day management across all the accounts you work on.
• Identify opportunities and build strategic end-to-end recommendations alongside specialist business units to ensure brilliant thinking is turned into brilliant implementation.
• Build strong, meaningful relationships with client peers and colleagues.
• Support the Client Partner in building the right process and procedures for effective day-to-day management.
• Input in the development of, and significantly contribute, in the delivery of annual and ongoing client action plans.
• Accountable for the accurate upkeep and delivery of financial processes.
• Collaborate and build close working relationships with third parties and Media Owners to bring innovation and new solutions into the agency to deliver a better UM product.
• Inspire, coach and guide teams in the delivery of fantastic work and the transformation of the business.

Desired Skills & Experience

• You have experience in managing a team and enabling the development of those around you.
• You are experienced and well versed in ATL and digital media and able to clearly articulate how communications are able to deliver a positive impact on our client’s business.
• You are comfortable leading meetings and presenting to clients.
• You have good communication skills, familiar with developing strong client and industry connections.
• You are ambitious, with a thirst for continually learning and delivering an improved UM product.

Employee Transparency

At Mediabrands and Kinesso, we celebrate difference and believe this makes us stronger. Mediabrands and Kinesso are equal opportunity employers and committed to championing an inclusive culture that provides a sense of belonging for all our employees. We do not discriminate against any applicant based on age, disability, race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, belief, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please reach out to our Talent Inclusion Specialist Jess at if you would like to have a confidential conversation regarding any adjustments that would ensure our recruitment process is accessible for you. Please note requesting a reasonable adjustment will not affect your application.

The Perks

We aim to provide all our people with a supportive and fun work environment where you can develop your full potential and benefit from the broad range of opportunities within the agency. When you join us, we want to make sure you feel valued – and that you are rewarded for your fantastic work. So, we also offer a range of benefits:

• Flexi–leave, with 25 days annual leave to be taken as minimum. In addition to your holiday entitlement, the office usually closes between Christmas & New Year.
• Free breakfast and free lunch.
• Early finish Fridays.
• Core Hours (Mon-Thurs, flexible start/finish times).
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifices car scheme.
• Interest free season ticket loan.
• Paid time off for Volunteering.
• Group Income Protection.
• Life Assurance.
• Private Medical Insurance or Health Cash Plan (dependent on level).
• Group Personal Pension Plan with matched contributions from 3-6%.
• Generous Parental Leave & Pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Free eye tests.
• Flexible benefits including Dental, Travel insurance, Cycle to Work, Gym Discounts and many more!