Commercial Director/ Accounts Director in London

Company descriptionPublicis Media harnesses the power of modern media through leading agency brands Dysrupt, Infinite Roar, Publicis Collective, Publicis Health Media, Spark Foundry, Starcom and Zenith, as well as global accelerator PMX; A key business solution of Publicis Groupe, Publicis Media's digital-first, data-driven global solutions deliver client value and drive growth in a platform-powered world. It is present in over 100 countries with over 23,000 employees worldwide. OverviewReporting to the Senior Commercial Director, the Commercial Director will lead the commercial management of one or more major global client relationships and play a senior role in global pitches for Connected Media and, when required, for Publicis Groupe. The role is accountable for translating client requirements into clear commercial strategies, negotiating and maintaining contractual and fee arrangements, and ensuring global agreements are understood and implemented consistently across regional and local markets. The Commercial Director will combine strong commercial judgement, financial discipline and contract knowledge with confident stakeholder leadership. The role will act as a trusted commercial business partner to Global Client Leads and senior agency stakeholders, while guiding junior commercial colleagues and serving as an escalation point for markets. ResponsibilitiesKEY RESPONSIBILITIESGlobal pitches and growthShape the commercial strategy for global pitches and growth opportunities, translating client ambition into compelling, commercially robust proposals. Lead the development of fee models, rate cards, efficiencies, operating models and scope assumptions that balance competitiveness, margin protection and delivery quality. Identify commercial risks, dependencies and value levers across pitch materials, contracts and client requirements, ensuring they are clearly understood and addressed. Partner with client, agency, market and specialist teams to align the proposed commercial model with the operating solution and implementation plan. Represent the commercial position in senior stakeholder, client, procurement and auditor discussions, providing clear, confident and strategic guidance. Global client commercial leadershipAct as the senior commercial partner to Global Client Leads, providing strategic guidance across major multinational client relationships. Own the commercial architecture of key accounts, ensuring fee, scope, contractual and performance terms are clear, current and commercially effective. Identify and convert revenue, margin and value-creation opportunities through scope growth, value-based solutions and disciplined commercial governance. Lead senior client, procurement and governance discussions, representing the commercial position with clarity, confidence and authority. Drive contract, MSA, amendment and fee negotiations in partnership with Legal, Finance and business leadership. Ensure global commercial agreements are understood, cascaded and implemented consistently across regional and local markets. Team and capability developmentSet annual goals and hold regular career and development check-ins for direct reports. Guide and quality-assure the work of Associate Directors, Managers and Senior Managers, ensuring delivery is timely, accurate and of a consistently high standard. Share relevant work and learning with the wider Commercial team and deliver at least two team training sessions each year. QualificationsEXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURSSubstantial commercial leadership experience in a media agency, marketing services, consultancy or similarly complex client-services environment. Strong knowledge of MSAs, SOWs, fee models, rate cards, incentives, scope control and global commercial governance. Proven ability to lead senior client, procurement and stakeholder negotiations while protecting commercial value and building durable relationships. Confident financial and analytical capability, with strong commercial modelling, data interpretation and advanced Excel skills. Clear, persuasive communicator able to simplify complex commercial matters for senior, international and cross-functional audiences. Collaborative leader, able to coach junior colleagues and work credibly across Client Leadership, Finance, Legal, Procurement, New Business and operational teams. Full details are shared when you join, but highlights include core benefits such as Pension, Life Assurance, and Private Medical cover, alongside enhanced policies like Reflection Days and Shared Parental Leave. Publicis Groupe works primarily from the office or our clients' office four days per week. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, disability, age, citizenship, relationship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. If you have any access needs - for example, related to disability, neurodivergence, or a health condition - please let us know. Guided by our values, we listen with empathy, uplift each other, take responsibility, and embrace change - building a culture where everyone feels seen, respected, and genuinely included.