Managing Director: Global Advertising Agency

We have a truly stimulating opportunity for an experienced and dynamic Managing Director to head up a highly awarded, full-service heritage advertising agency group for Johannesburg & Cape Town. The agency, part of a renowned global group network, is one of South Africa’s most awarded agencies, working on exciting and iconic brands. As the Managing Director you will efficiently guide and inspire the operational management and execution of accounts, and inspire your colleagues, within the business. You will not only run the agency, but you will also establish powerful and profitable partnerships with all agency clients. We’re looking for an inspirational leader with a track record of excellence. Under your leadership the agency should look forward to growing its creative accolades in line with global award-winning standards.

If your industry knowledge and large ad agency experience are prolific, in conjunction with your entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to drive innovative thinking, this is for you If you advocate strategic direction that builds a solid business platform for future growth, we definitely want to hear from you Get in touch today.

**Responsibilities**:
Building Relationships & People/Colleague Management & Collaboration
- Cultivates and nurtures an expansive network of professional relationships both within and outside the organisation.
- Establishes strong rapport with key colleagues, including peers, direct reports, and higher management.
- Regularly engages with employees across various levels, fostering open communication and trust.
- Acknowledges personal mistakes and limitations, promoting a culture of continuous learning.
- Encourages the incorporation of diverse ideas and perspectives, fostering creativity and innovation.
- Prioritises transparency, fostering open, candid, and trusting relationships throughout the organisation.

Client Relations
- Actively engages in listening sessions to understand clients’ and prospective clients’ specific needs concerning unit products or services.
- Demonstrates consistent honesty and integrity in all client interactions.
- Prioritises understanding and fulfilling customer requirements, showcasing a genuine commitment to their best interests.

Integration
- Gains a comprehensive understanding of the roles and functions within the organisation and their interdependencies.
- Seamlessly coordinates efforts across various functions, ensuring optimal collaboration for desired outcomes.
- Recognises the impact of individual departmental goals on the organisation’s broader objectives.

Talent Acquisition & Development
- Proactively identifies, attracts, and hires individuals with the potential to excel within the organisation.
- Invests in professional development programs to hone the diverse skills of team members.
- Provides regular, constructive feedback to team members, recognizing strengths and addressing areas of improvement.
- Formulates and maintains a strategy for succession planning and developing a pool of potential future leaders.

Driving Execution
- Clearly delineates roles, responsibilities, authority, and accountability to ensure optimal productivity.
- Leads transformative changes while ensuring operational efficiency.
- Ensures synchronisation of efforts across different units and functions for cohesive outcomes.
- Regularly monitors performance outcomes and addresses challenges promptly.

Financial Management
- Understands and applies key financial indicators.
- Uses financial data to guide strategic decisions.
- Manages overall business financial health.

Business Development
- Actively seeks out new business opportunities in alignment with organisational capabilities.
- Converts business opportunities into actionable plans and projects, ensuring they materialise successfully.

**Requirements**:

- Degree.
- Extensive advertising agency management experience.
- Visionary/strategic thinker.
- Entrepreneurial spirit.
- Holds a clear, long-term vision for the business.
- Stays updated with global trends impacting the business.
- Shapes unique strategies to gain a competitive edge, aligning resources accordingly.
- Encourages innovation and manages associated risks.
- Continuously seeks opportunities for growth and understands the global market context.
- Challenges conventional thinking and embraces change.
- Understands the global impact on the organisation’s trajectory.
- Prioritizes efforts that significantly benefit the organisation.
- Demonstrates a clear direction and purpose.
- Goal Setting: Prioritises stakeholder success with aggressive goal setting.
- Aligns personal, team, and organisational goals with overarching strategy.
- Trustworthiness: Demonstrates transparency, fairness, and integrity; upholds commitments and consistently acts in line with expressed values.
- Cross-Functional Expertise: Grasps the significance and interconnectedness of organisational functions like marketing, sales, operations, and HR;