Activation Director (Performance Director-SearchSocialProg)

As part of Publicis Groupe we unleash the power of creativity data and media to deliver personalized experiences at scale. We have one of the most robust data sets in the industry and world-class marketplace connections and buying scale. You cant escape it.

Our moment is as complex as its ever been. An era of blink-and-youll-miss-it thats always whizzing scrolling streaming by. And its not slowing down.

Yet instead of staying connected moving people with real human insight marketers feel even more disconnected. Frantically optimizing with only the next few minutes in mind. Trying to solve this ever-evolving puzzle with a short-term focus.

Instead of pioneering an ever-expanding universe . . .

. . . And all the creative solutions that await us.

At Starcom its never scared us when the kaleidoscope of marketing added another shiny mirror. Weve seen this as an opportunity since Leo Burnett first reached his hands to the stars. To move the brands we support every day by truly knowing the real people who support them. Responsibly unlocking possibilities across new channels new technologies new data opportunities and beyond.

Its our opportunity to pioneer the next new world for your business. And to prove that media . . . is always the message. We know the next ten years will look a lot different. So will the ten after that. Thats where our expertise comes in to explore and decipher it all alongside you. Our people help you navigate whats next moving your business forward to the future by moving your customers forward today.

These days its no longer what you shout from the mountaintops. It takes true insight to move people at the human level in a powerful lasting way.

Because how you move people moves your business for good

About the role:

The Activation Director leads the activation craft for the agency and client teams ensuring the best possible ROI and outcomes from clients media investment through high quality execution optimisation governance and commercial delivery. This role holds end to end accountability for workflow quality control and delivery excellence across activation disciplines (including Search & Social and Programmatic) ensuring campaigns meet or exceed agreed benchmarks/KPIs and contractual obligations. The Activation Director partners closely with agency leadership planning disciplines and product partners (e.g. PMX) to deliver leading solutions provide thought leadership and drive innovation efficiency and capability uplift across the agency.

Your scope will include:

• Provide senior thought leadership and activation expertise guiding clients through new opportunities in the evolving media landscape.
• Develop and deliver formal presentations on market landscape trends insights and activation innovations.
• Build exceptionally strong relationships with senior clients and establish effective operating rhythms and ways of working.
• Act as a primary escalation point for client and media related issues ensuring timely resolution while maintaining strong relationships
• Identify opportunities to leverage broader agency capabilities (e.g. tech/analytics/experience) to solve client challenges and deepen partnership
• Lead and inspire the activation team setting standards for delivery excellence operational discipline and craft reputation across the agency.
• Manage coach and nurture the Activation team supporting skill development accountability and career growth.
• Develop best in class playbooks operating standards and market-leading first-party tools that improve activation quality and efficiency.
• Provide market overview summaries and bring industry-leading thinking into activation recommendations and operational practices.
• Lead strategic initiatives that refine benchmarking processes (rate/value and performance) using internal and external tools to maximise client outcomes.
• Identify and integrate new activation capabilities and products (including Internal Propriety product integration where relevant) to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Be accountable for delivery of client contractual and commercial KPIs including audit requirements and documented learnings/recommendations.
• Lead (or oversee) negotiation frameworks investment strategies and annual media deal inputs where relevant to activation outcomes and value delivery.
• Oversee the process for media audit reporting and contract KPI tracking maintaining strong stakeholder relationships with auditors/procurement as required.
• Lead monthly forecasting alignment with client leadership (e.g. CSD) to ensure delivery against commitments and commercial performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media vendors/platform partners and ensure clear briefing/feedback practices

What youll bring:

Deep expertise in activation disciplines including Search & Social and/or Programmatic trading & background in Activation

Strong understanding of the Australian media landscape and how market dynamics influence activation outcomes

Ability to translate performance data and market trends into actionable activation strategy and client recommendations.

Proven ability to lead inspire and develop high performing teams through coaching training growth planning and career conversations.

Strong stakeholder influence and ability to manage upwards and across leadership teams.

Commercial and financial acumen including forecasting invoicing accuracy governance audit requirements and KPI delivery.

High competence in operational workflow oversight quality control and process improvement across activation delivery.

Exceptional communication and presentation skills to articulate complex strategies and insights to clients partners and internal stakeholders.

Strong relationship management across clients media/platform partners and internal teams including senior external stakeholder

#LI-DS1

Publicis Groupe benefits: Be a part of the Publicis Groupe family recent winner of the Employer of Choice Awards and one of the worlds most progressive and dynamic modern communications businesses. You can learn more about us at .

Enjoy all the perks that come with our network offering:

• A comprehensive Wholeself program supporting physical mindful and financial wellbeing.
• A creative lively and rewarding office environment where people love working with each other supported by our Publicis Liberté flexibility approach working your way with us.
• Access to our Global AI Platform Marcel connecting Publicis Groupe employees with opportunities for career mobility and collaboration across our global network.
• Extensive Learning & Development opportunities including more than 15000 learning programs via our online learning platform Marcel Classes.
• A culture of open feedback and support to reach your goals through our Career Conversations program.
• A committed Diversity Equality and Inclusion strategy driven through our Viva Women Égalité enABLE EmbRACE and Écologique committees.
• Leave benefits including Birthday Leave Flexible Public Holidays and an additional 5 days of leave after 2 years of service.
• Work Your World program enabling employees the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world for up to 6 weeks per year.
• Parental leave policy with up to 18 weeks based on tenure paid primary carer leave secondary carer swap and Cub Care leave.
• Access to counsellors psychologists and professionals through Sonder an all-in-one digital wellbeing technology platform designed to support psychological medical & safety needs.
• A workplace that stands together to provide a more open supportive and recovery-forward culture for all employees with life-threatening illnesses. Read more about our Working With Cancer Pledge: partners of Diversity Council Australia Pride in Diversity Family Friendly Workplaces Supply Nation and the Australian Disability Network.

If you dont tick every box in this ad please dont rule yourself out. Research suggests that women and other people in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. We focus on hiring people who share our values of inclusion collaboration adaptability fearlessness and integrity rather than ticking boxes so if this role resonates with you please apply.

Diversity. Inclusion. Equity. More than just words; these are part of our DNA. At Publicis Groupe we are committed to the inclusion and recognition of all people regardless of race age culture ability ethnicity gender identity or expression sexual orientation marital status and religious affiliation. We believe that to deliver the best solutions to our clients our people need to reflect the diverse communities in which our clients operate. We value diversity and the skills knowledge and experience that difference brings to our culture and solutions.

Uniqueness is powerful; without it we wouldnt be where we are today. So be you we like it that way.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for people with disability or those that require additional support throughout the application process. If you need any assistance or adjustments please contact us via ; your personal information will be kept confidential.