PR Client Lead

Join to apply for the PR Client Lead role at Publicis Groupe Africa Responsibilities Reporting into MSL MD to ensure alignment of the client mandate, resource management, financial sustainability, and organic growth opportunities. Collaborating with GM & Head of Africa Practice to deliver on the PGA network mandate and facilitate skills transfer. Working with the senior MSL BrandProtect team on potential issues, reputation management, and crisis communications briefs. Managing a team of 6‑7 PR consultants to deliver on corporate mandates of the client’s two South‑African key divisions. Overseeing 15 key African territories to ensure on‑ground execution of OpCo mandates, consistency of PR messaging, reporting, and best practice. Developing, managing, and implementing the Business Unit’s financial plan. Reviewing content and providing mentorship to the team. Providing oversight of the senior Influencer team. Leading through strategic talent management, delegation, and time‑billing capture via PGA software platforms. Maintaining a client‑centric mindset, a positive and inspirational outlook at all times. Acting as the senior client interface and relationship manager. Unlocking cross‑service opportunities for sister PR agencies (other disciplines and solutions beyond PR & Influencer Relations). Managing the lead agency approach with all client PR stakeholders. Applying strategic thinking to guide and develop PR briefs across PR & influencer mandates. Identifying software and / or AI tool gaps to improve client and agency efficiencies. Acting as custodian of MSL agency well‑being and culture. Collaborating with the Financial Partner to meet revenue targets, accurate financial portfolio management, monthly BU finance reporting, and weekly/monthly client New Business updates. Financial Responsibilities Collaborating with Financial Partner to ensure revenue targets are met. Accountable for accurate financial portfolio management (Revenue, WIP, Debtors support). Accountable for accurate monthly BU finance reporting. Client Billings custodian (Billings vs. Revenue). Accountable for weekly/monthly client New Business (project) updates, as required. Qualities We Look For Positive Influence – a positive team member who keeps the team motivated and demonstrates a healthy culture. Operational Efficiency – able to spread across multiple tasks simultaneously by working smartly, efficiently, and effectively. Meticulous – pays attention to all details, ensures outputs go through rigorous quality control, and keeps pride in work. Bigger Picture Mentality – able to step back and understand how all components of a project interact. Time Management – prioritises urgent & important tasks to ensure delivery to client and stakeholders. Interpersonal Skills – builds both internal and external relationships, acting as the point of contact between agency team members, client, and PGA. Solutions Driven – thinks on feet and produces quick solutions to everyday problems. Delivery Accountability on Projects – manages client expectations on quality, cost & timing with strict process adherence. Financial Acumen – owns full internal and campaign financial ownership (invoices, POs, budgets, reconciliations). Passion for PR & Corporate Communications – drives best‑in‑class work and nurtures innovation. Strategic Mindset – integrates PR strategy into communications output. Essential Requirements 10+ years’ experience in the PR Account Management function. PR BUD, SAD, and/or Client Lead experience is advantageous; experience managing a team of 5+ people is critical. Client‑side experience is advantageous. Experience working with senior clients across multiple portfolios, including C‑suite executives. Reputation Management experience. Strong content generation abilities (thought leadership). Strong knowledge of the global and local news agenda and proactive/ reactive PR ideas spotting. Experience with multiple stakeholders. Experience within a lead agency model. Strong Corporate PR understanding. Excellent communication skills. Excellent presentation skills. Excellent financial acumen. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Publicis Groupe Africa by 2x #J-18808-Ljbffr