We're growing our team at Spark Foundry and looking for an experienced Associate Business Director to join the team at Spark.
In this role, you will lead the development and execution of integrated media strategies across multiple clients and industries. You'll combine strategic thinking, commercial acumen and strong client leadership to deliver measurable business results, strengthen partnerships and develop high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities:
Client Leadership & Strategy
- Lead the development and execution of integrated media strategies aligned with client objectives, agency priorities and agreed KPIs.
- Build trusted, long-term relationships with clients through proactive communication, strategic counsel and a strong understanding of their businesses.
- Translate client requirements, consumer insights and market data into clear, actionable media plans.
- Oversee the day-to-day delivery of media strategies, ensuring quality, accuracy and operational excellence.
- Identify opportunities to grow client partnerships and support broader business objectives.
- Represent the agency confidently in client meetings, industry discussions and presentations.
- Develop learning initiatives that strengthen clients understanding of media, technology and emerging industry trends.
Commercial & Business Growth
- Identify new business opportunities and actively contribute to lead generation, pitches and business development.
- Demonstrate strong commercial acumen, driving measurable ROI for both clients and the agency.
- Use cross-functional capabilities and agency expertise to unlock efficiencies and deliver integrated solutions.
- Contribute to the strategic direction, growth and continued success of the wider media planning team.
People Leadership
- Lead, mentor and develop planning managers and junior team members.
- Allocate resources effectively and ensure teams are equipped to deliver against client priorities.
- Provide timely, constructive feedback and create meaningful development opportunities.
- Support succession planning and help build the next generation of media talent.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable and high-performing team culture.
Technical & Product Expertise
- Strong understanding of communications strategy, media planning and advertising principles.
- Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to interpret audience insights, sales data, brand tracking, competitive intelligence and market research.
- Expert knowledge of media planning, buying and research platforms such as Z/X Plan, Statex, GWI, Euromonitor, WARC and Similarweb.
- Strong working knowledge of digital platforms including DV360, Google Ads, Meta Business Manager, Snapchat Ads Manager, X Ads and TikTok Ads Manager.
- Deep understanding of digital media, commerce and emerging technologies.
- Thorough knowledge of the regional media landscape and the opportunities available across channels.
- Ability to build constructive relationships with media owners and industry partners.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong project-management, organisational and presentation skills.
Innovative & Analytical Mindset
- Thinks strategically, creatively and analytically to identify opportunities and develop effective solutions.
- Demonstrates strong problem-solving, negotiation and decision-making capabilities.
- Challenges established thinking respectfully and looks for ways to improve existing processes.
- Uses data and insights to develop clear recommendations and influence decision-making.
- Confidently navigates complexity and makes sound decisions, even when information is incomplete.
Leadership Behaviours
- Uses compelling storytelling to engage, influence and inspire internal and external stakeholders.
- Proactively builds meaningful relationships with key decision-makers.
- Takes ownership of client challenges, manages conflict constructively and works collaboratively to resolve issues.
- Remains agile and adaptable as priorities and business needs evolve.
- Demonstrates resilience, integrity, transparency and humility.
- Welcomes different perspectives and applies feedback to continuously improve.
- Sets ambitious objectives and maintains a strong focus on delivering impact.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, communications or a related discipline.
- 8–11 years of experience in media planning, strategy or a related role.
- Demonstrated experience managing senior client relationships and leading integrated media planning.
- Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop planning managers and wider teams.
- Experience contributing to new business development, pitches and industry representation.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Relevant certifications across major platforms such as Google, Meta, Snapchat, TikTok and X are preferred.
- Strong understanding of current and emerging developments across digital media, commerce, data and technology
- Native Arabic talent would be highly preferred
