At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead agency sales, build relationships, and drive revenue growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join SMG, pioneers in connected commerce marketing since 2008.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, wellbeing fund, flexible working, and extra days off.
- Other info: Embrace change and grow with a values-driven team focused on equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make an impact in retail media and thrive in a dynamic, innovative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in agency sales and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Location: London, minimum 2 days per week in the office and travel to other office locations where needed.
Level: Senior Director-level, with commercial responsibility across senior agency relationships and the wider SMG portfolio.
Who are we? We’re the original pioneers in connected commerce marketing. Since 2008, we’ve been partnering with major retailers, powering global brands, and building meaningful connections with shoppers. We simplify the mind-boggling complexity of today’s retail media landscape. We deliver impactful campaigns that connect with people where it matters. We create seamless and personalised shopping experiences. Above all, we deliver amazing results for our partners, driven by our unshakeable desire for growth.
About the role: We are looking for a Senior Director, Agency Sales to join SMG. In this role, you will own and grow senior agency relationships, identify and convert strategic revenue opportunities, and position SMG as a leading strategic retail media partner by bringing together the strengths of our networks to solve client challenges. If you love variety, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and embrace change with energy, this could be your right role.
What you’ll do:
- Own and grow a portfolio of senior agency relationships, identifying and converting revenue opportunities across SMG.
- Build a strong pipeline of proactive and brief-led opportunities and deliver against agreed commercial targets.
- Develop trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across agency planning, investment, strategy and specialist teams.
- Champion the full SMG portfolio and position us as a strategic retail media partner.
- Recommend the right combination of SMG solutions against agency and advertiser objectives.
- Lead high-quality pitches and commercial conversations across multiple SMG networks.
- Own opportunities throughout the sales cycle, from prospecting and qualification through to proposal development, negotiation and conversion.
- Partner with the central Planning function to develop proactive, insight-led and integrated responses to agency briefs.
- Build deep knowledge of SMG network capabilities, products, audiences, roadmaps and innovation.
- Bring new products and capabilities to market in a clear and compelling way.
- Stay close to agency priorities, retail media trends and competitor activity to identify new growth opportunities.
- Maintain accurate pipeline reporting and provide clear visibility of opportunities, risks and expected revenue.
- Act as a senior ambassador for SMG within the agency community, strengthening awareness of our collective capabilities and reputation.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong experience in agency sales, media sales, partnerships or a comparable commercial role.
- Established experience building trusted senior relationships, ideally within media agencies.
- A proven track record of delivering against commercial targets and converting complex sales opportunities.
- Strong knowledge of the media agency landscape, including planning, investment and client decision-making.
- Experience developing and pitching strategic, multi-channel media solutions.
- Strong understanding of retail media and the wider digital and commerce media landscape.
- The ability to work effectively across planning, insight, media and commercial teams.
- A highly commercial, proactive mindset with a strong motivation for revenue growth.
- Excellent relationship-building skills and the credibility to influence senior agency stakeholders.
- A strategic sales approach, with the ability to move conversations beyond individual products into broader client solutions.
- Strong presentation and storytelling skills, translating complex capabilities and insight into compelling commercial narratives.
- Curiosity and the ability to quickly build knowledge of new products, audiences and capabilities.
- Strong organisation, pipeline management and forecasting skills.
- A solutions-focused, entrepreneurial approach to identifying new opportunities.
We're looking for people who enjoy the buzz of change, the satisfaction of building something better, and the joy of working with a close-knit, values-driven team. If you love variety, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and embrace change with energy, this could be your right role. Don’t meet every single requirement? We still want to hear from you. If you believe you’d thrive in this role, your unique perspective might be just what we’re looking for.
Why SMG? At SMG, we hire for the future, which is fast-moving and changing shape. Do you have the potential to help shape our business? We’re looking for brilliant, diverse talent who want to grow with us - people who are curious, ambitious, and eager to learn, whether as specialists or across teams. We value those who take ownership of their growth and bring fresh perspectives. That’s why we’re committed to equity, inclusion, and building a place where everyone feels empowered to grow. At SMG, it’s not just about filling a role but building the future together.
10% discretionary bonus, £1,800 yearly wellbeing fund (on top of your salary!), Free Headspace subscription, £500 yearly 'Uni Fund' for learning, 4 extra Wellbeing Days off per year, Annual Summer conference + year-round celebrations, 4pm finishes every Friday, Flexible and hybrid working.
Senior Director, Agency Sales employer: SMG
At SMG, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions growth and innovation in the dynamic landscape of retail media. Our London office fosters a vibrant work culture where collaboration and creativity thrive, offering employees unique benefits such as flexible working arrangements, a generous wellbeing fund, and opportunities for professional development. Join us to be part of a close-knit team that values diversity and empowers you to shape your career while delivering impactful results for our partners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Agency Sales
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Senior Director, Agency Sales at SMG, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including SMG. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Senior Director, Agency Sales. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Agency Sales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for SMG:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for SMG. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at SMG
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show SMG that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show SMG that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with SMG’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
