Digital Business Director in London

With a history that dates back over 80 years, Starcom is a global communications planning and media leader. Each day, we harness the transformative power of data and technology to inspire and move people and business forward. With more than 7,000 employees in over 100 offices worldwide, we operate as the flagship Publicis Media agency, using our ‘Power of One’ business model to deliver integrated solutions across clients such as Aldi, P&G, Primark, Samsung, Stellantis, and Visa.

The client, Mars, is a recent new client win for Starcom. The account is set to be incredibly dynamic, delivering awareness, traffic, and DTC objectives to its consumer audience. Activity runs across social, search and programmatic channels across the EU and Central & Aurasia region. The Business Director is a key leadership role that will enable the management of a team of 10+ people across paid media, strategy, and analytics. This individual will work on leading strategy and performance across EMEA, reporting to a Digital Lead, manage account directors based in London and oversee a team of Account Managers and Executives based in the UK and in Starcom India.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of 10+ people across multiple disciplines to deliver world‑class media strategies and performance for Mars.
• Build strong relationships with the client and your team to foster a collaborative partnership between Mars, Publicis UK and local teams.
• Ensure consistent high‑quality work and integrated media responses from the team.
• Collaborate closely with the global team, applying global principles in the ECE region.
• Implement global tools, processes and reporting requirements.
• Create leading strategies and media plans that meet client objectives.
• Serve as a source of knowledge on all things media for clients and the team.
• Present confidently and knowledgeably to senior clients about key developments in the media ecosystem.
• Speak deeply about digital and its use to deliver key client objectives, diving into detail when necessary.
• Drive digital thought leadership for the client and the team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of programmatic experience (preferred) or paid social/paid search experience.
• Deep understanding of the digital media landscape, as well as the overall media landscape.
• Experience managing multi‑market strategy and execution.
• Agency experience running a team of 10+ members.
• Understanding of data‑based marketing and its impact on media planning.
• Ability to present to all client levels, including global and regional stakeholders.
• Passion for the digital industry, technology and client business.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Capacity to inspire the team and clients with knowledge and passion for media.

Benefits

• Pension, Life Assurance and Private Medical cover.
• Enhanced policies such as Reflection Days and Shared Parental Leave.
• Additional initiatives such as inclusive benefits and employee action groups.
• Work flexibility: primarily from office or clients’ office four days per week.

Equal Opportunity

Starcom is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. 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. We are committed to providing a fair, accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you have any access needs – for example, related to disability, neurodivergence, or a health condition – please let us know. We’ll work with you to ensure the process works for you. Sharing this information will never impact your application. 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.