Business Lead, Client Services in London

Whalar is the leading, most awarded, independent Creator and Social agency. We transform brands into cultural drivers by unlocking the full creative power of Creators. We go beyond the conventional social and influencer strategy. We have the technology and methodology to tap into the beating pulse of communities, listen to nuances that move culture, and connect brands in ways that make them unforgettable.

With hubs in London, Berlin, New York, and Los Angeles, our reach is global. In London, we proudly collaborate with clients such as Diageo, eBay, Nike, Oatly, Skyscanner, Twinings, Uber, Vodafone, and many more.

About The Role

The Team Business Lead is a pivotal leadership role at Whalar with responsibility for driving growth across some of the Agency’s most significant clients. As the leader of a full-service ‘Pod’ comprising Business leadership, Strategy, Community, Media and Delivery — the Team Business Lead sets the vision, strategy, and pace of the Pod to achieve commercial growth whilst delivering an outstanding client experience across a portfolio of accounts.

This role requires proven leadership expertise, commercial acumen and stakeholder management. The ideal candidate excels at crafting and executing client‑centric strategies while fostering team collaboration to ensure operational excellence.

Here’s What You’ll Do Day‑to‑day

• Client Leadership & Revenue Growth: Drive revenue growth and deliver senior leadership across a portfolio of key UK clients; collaborating with the Senior Business Lead Director and Client Services Director to plan, develop, and execute strategies that maximize portfolio growth. Allocate incoming new client responsibilities between yourself and the supporting Senior Business Lead, ensuring balanced and effective client management. Monitor Pod performance against goals, adjusting strategies as necessary.
• Client Onboarding and Relationship Management: Partner with the Business Development team to onboard new clients into the Pod, building long‑term, profitable, and trusted client relationships. Engage with Marketing Procurement teams to establish sustainable commercial models that deliver value for both clients and the business.
• Sales Pipeline and Profitability Management: Manage the Pod sales pipeline, ensuring excellent forecasting and pipeline hygiene. Review monthly campaign profitability, implementing plans to maximize ROI.
• Operational Excellence: Collaborate with Business Affairs and Finance to ensure all partnership program paperwork is accurate and up to date. Work with the Pod CS Director and Senior Business Lead to establish a business rhythm that prioritizes team resources effectively and fosters a collaborative team spirit.
• Strategic Leadership and Innovation: Provide leadership in the development of innovative, market‑leading strategies that differentiate Whalar and deliver exceptional client outcomes. Stay ahead of emerging trends, innovations, and thought leadership within the Creator Economy, proactively taking creative business solutions to clients that align with business goals. Organise and lead Creator Economy learning sessions, leveraging support from the broader Whalar team to inspire and educate clients.

Here’s What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years agency or platform experience with a focus on business development.
• Strong experience in creative advertising partnerships at a senior level, including leading contractual negotiations. Experience at an Influencer, Social, PR or Creative agency or Platform is preferred.
• A strategic thinker who is able to see the big picture and use data effectively to drive decision making.
• An appreciation of creativity and culture with a deep understanding of the importance of creator marketing within the broader marketing ecosystem with the ability to discuss with senior marketers.
• Excellent communicator and active listener. A natural storyteller who is able to build trust and rapport with stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrable team management/leadership experience.
• High EQ with a Growth mindset – we are a business growing at pace and adaptability to respond to changing market conditions and business needs is a must.

Based in Farringdon, London, we embrace a flexible hybrid model. We ask our team to work from the office two to three days a week, with Tuesday and Thursday serving as our "anchor days." These days are dedicated to collaborating in person and celebrating Whalar’s vibrant culture together.

Our Values

At Whalar, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn’t just a statement, it’s our collective strength. Our people are our superpower. A diverse team and inclusive leadership have shaped Whalar since our inception in 2016, fueling a constant evolution of growth. We champion a culture of respect and empathy, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends demographics. We hire individuals of all backgrounds and empower them to thrive, challenge stereotypes, and actively break societal barriers.

The Perks

• Private medical insurance
• Health cash plan
• 25 days of PTO + Sick days + Winter break
• Private pension scheme
• Monthly phone/internet reimbursement
• Professional development stipend
• New joiner’s Home office allowance
• Enhanced maternity (up to 22 weeks) / paternity (up 16 weeks) leave
• Reduced fee gym membership (next to office location)
• Life Assurance
• Workplace Nursery Scheme
• Volunteer days
• Social programs