At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead agency strategy and drive growth through innovative campaigns and strong relationships.
- Company: Join a mission-driven media house with a focus on collaboration and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, Flex Fridays, health programmes, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for coaching and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the media landscape while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in media sales and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
As Agency Development Director, you will lead the WPP agency strategy and commercial campaigns for a key sales patch, strengthening Hearst’s position with major agency partners. You’ll work with cross-functional teams to craft commercially strong, strategically aligned proposals from brief to delivery, driving growth beyond the top accounts. You’ll cultivate senior agency relationships and coach your team to deliver outstanding results. This role offers impact across digital, print, partnerships and events within a mission-driven media house.
Pay / Benefits
- Hybrid working
- Flex Fridays
- Health and wellbeing programs
- Pension and Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee discounts
Responsibilities
- Own the agency strategy for the WPP patch, identifying priority agencies, relationship opportunities and growth points to support revenue delivery
- Build and maintain senior relationships with agency planners, buyers, Directors, Heads of and key decision-makers, as the primary contact for campaign responses and execution
- Identify and drive commercial opportunities across existing and new business accounts, focusing on upselling campaigns and revenue growth
- Lead agency presentations, reviews, immersion sessions and meetings, communicating Hearst’s proposition, performance, insights and opportunities
- Manage budgets, pipeline activity and booked revenue for the patch, with forecasting and strategic recommendations to senior leaders
- Collaborate with Account Management, Creative Strategy, editorial teams and other stakeholders to shape briefs into commercially strong responses and translate ideas into strategy
- Maintain understanding of Hearst’s product portfolio, market positioning and agency spend trends, and stay aligned with commercial targets
- Line manage and support direct reports, coaching and development, while acting as Hearst ambassador
Key requirements
- Significant experience in commercial media, agency sales or partnerships at Director/Head of level
- Proven ability to own and grow an agency patch with revenue growth and long-term opportunities
- Strong relationships across WPP
- Strong commercial awareness with budgeting, forecasting and revenue performance
- Excellent communication and presentation skills to influence senior stakeholders
- Deep understanding of digital, print, partnerships and events landscape and market trends
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving to interrogate briefs and shape responses
- Highly organized with prioritisation, multitasking and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
- Experience mentoring or developing others with a collaborative, resilient approach
Agency Development Director employer: Hearst Corporation
At Hearst UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. Our office in the heart of London not only offers a collaborative environment but also provides numerous benefits such as flexible working hours, health and wellbeing support, and opportunities for professional growth. As a Junior Management Accountant, you'll be part of a dynamic team where your contributions are valued, and you'll have the chance to develop your skills while making a meaningful impact across our iconic media brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Agency Development Director
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Hearst Corporation and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Hearst Corporation are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Hearst Corporation on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Hearst Corporation. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Agency Development Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Hearst Corporation. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Hearst Corporation:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Hearst Corporation’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hearst Corporation
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Hearst Corporation will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Hearst Corporation, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
