Commercial Director

Company Description

Publicis Media helps clients drive sustainable business growth by harnessing the modern media landscape to drive one-to-one consumer connections at scale. Publicis Media UK is made up of 2000 people working across market-leading media agencies including Zenith, Starcom and Spark Foundry as well as specialist practices Publicis Media Exchange (PMX), Performics, Publicis Sport & Entertainment, Publicis Media Content and NextTECHnow. Together they combine deep expertise in media investment, strategy, insights and analytics, data and technology, commerce, performance marketing and content. Publicis Media is part of Publicis Groupe and is present in more than 100 countries with over 108,000 people employees worldwide.

Job Description

The Commercial Director is charged with creating a win win commercial environment for Publicis Media and our clients. Reporting to the CGO/COO, you'll lead pricing strategy, contract negotiation and commercial modelling for new business and existing accounts. You will develop innovative fee structures and incentive models that enhance agency profitability while maximising client value.

You'll partner closely with agency brand heads, Finance and Legal to shape rate cards, RFP responses, pitch decks and ongoing contract governance. You'll also build relationships with procurement and intermediary communities, ensuring our commercial approach is competitive, transparent and dynamic.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the CGO on new business pricing frameworks and commercial propositions.
• Develop, maintain and update consistent rate cards in partnership with agency brands and client negotiations.
• Design innovative commercial models (performance linked fees, blended rates) that balance agency margins and client outcomes.
• Lead end to end contract negotiation, working with Legal to ensure business needs are embedded and contracts remain live documents.
• Craft clear, compelling commercial narratives and charts for pitch decks and written RFP responses.
• Build strong relationships with procurement teams, intermediaries and senior client finance contacts.
• Provide commercial counsel during renewal and upsell discussions, identifying value add opportunities.
• Monitor deal performance against margins and profitability targets; recommend adjustments and optimisations.

Qualifications

What are we looking for?

• Extensive experience in commercial or business development roles ideally within a media/creative agency.
• Deep understanding of P&L drivers, margin management and commercial modelling.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex contract terms with clients and procurement teams.
• Strong analytical skills; able to translate market trends and data into strategic commercial decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication - fluent in crafting clear, persuasive commercial narratives.
• Works effectively with Finance, Legal, Growth and agency leadership.
• Meticulous approach to contract terms, fee schedules and governance processes.

Additional Information

Publicis Media has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and IncomeProtectionPlans we also offer;

• WORK YOUR WORLD opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis office, for up to 6 weeks a year.
• REFLECTION DAYS - Two additional days of paid leave to step away from your usual day-to-day work and create time to focus on your well-being and self-care.
• BENEFITS 24/7 helpline to support you on a personal and professional level. Access to remote GPs, mental health support and CBT. Wellbeing content and lifestyle coaching.
• FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES We provide 26 weeks of full pay for the following family milestones: Maternity. Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental Leave.
• FLEXIBLE WORKING, BANK HOLIDAY SWAP &BIRTHDAY DAY OFF You are entitled to an additional day off for your birthday, from your first day of employment.
• GREAT LOCAL DISCOUNTS This includes membership discounts with Soho Friends, local restaurants and retailers in Westfield White City and Television Centre.

Full details of ourbenefits will be shared when you join us!

Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full time employees being office-based three days during the working week.

We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process.

Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Pagewhich showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAG's (Employee Action Groups).