Business Director (Canberra)

Part of M&C Saatchi this specialist division partners with governments civil society academia and the private sector to work on the critical issues of our time including conflict prevention and sustainable development. We provide a fully integrated end to end service combining multi-disciplinary communications teams with subject matter experts across the world. Our work is domestic and global often affecting the most vulnerable in society with international activity orientated towards conflict affected or developing countries.

Based out of offices in Canberra this role will be responsible for the Indo-Pacific Region.

This role requires the ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government NV1 security clearance. Australian citizenship is required. Existing clearance is advantageous.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Work:

• Be fully accountable with the Head of Production for the creative output across the business setting the ambition high and clearly establishing the long-term direction and parameters we are working to

• Demonstrate excellent creative judgement and be able to balance the client needs with our creative ambition to ensure we are seen by our clients as a true creative partner and brand guardians

• Demonstrate your passion for communications by regularly sharing best in class examples and encouraging your team to do the same

• Be trusted to lead a pitch working into senior management

• See all creative work and client deliverables as a point of final sign-off before it goes to client

The Agency:

• Be the driving force behind business transformation within the agency looking 12-18 months ahead and constantly looking for growth opportunities and ways to make the accounts they work on work better

• Be instrumental in shaping the Account Management department and ensuring your team members feel motivated and rewarded

• Proactively work with senior management to help shape the direction of the agency

Relationships:

• Be indispensable to your Senior Client(s). If there is an issue youre the person they should pick the phone up to

• Be respected and trusted by both the strategic and creative leads on the business to work as a triumvirate to set the long-term direction and drive it forward

• Be able to anticipate the needs of the client and the account before they arise think three steps ahead

• Be able to have different and frank conversations take responsibility if things arent going to plan and work with the senior client to find a suitable solution

• Have strong relationships with the heads of the Group companies to devise effective ways of working and encourage mutually beneficial collaboration

• Be a sounding board for your Account Directors and Senior Account Directors and allow them the space to operate. Be approachable to all positions and make time for junior staff when you sense they need it

Strategy:

• Be fully accountable with the Strategy Director for the long-term strategic direction on their business leading all strategic conversations at the highest levels both internally and externally

• Be able to lead strategic conversations at the most senior level from Senior clients to Senior management within the agency

• Seen by the client as an extension of them who is absolutely trusted as their strategic partner who has the best interests of their business at heart and brings fresh thinking to deliver impact across their business

• Actively seek out wider industry knowledge and training and development opportunities to ensure they are equipped to understand complex business problems and recommend the right solutions

• Be able to write a strategy paper in a way that is clear and concise

• Be trusted to craft a pitch submission with the oversight and support of Senior Management

Business Impact:

• Have total responsibility and accountability for all resourcing profitability T&E contracts across the business and be driven by an ambition for growth

• Be responsible for all pastoral care of team members ensuring they are motivated have clear paths for progression tangible performance objectives regular feedback and are both properly rewarded and happy. This also includes having tricky conversations where necessary around performance issues

• Be relied upon by the Client as the senior business lead who is fully accountable for all creative outputs and business outcomes

• Be trusted to lead a pitch with light touch from senior management

ABOUT YOU:

• 10-15 years experience in a commercial communications capacity or in a similar working environment

• Has demonstrated capability in managing leading and mentoring teams of diverse talents

• Has proven ability in financial management of multiple programs of work

• Capable of strategic thinking regarding client requirements

• Deep understanding of creative production and dissemination

• Fluent in written and spoken English

• Practical understanding of business operations

• Excellent oral and written communications skills (English)

• Proficient in all components of Microsoft Office (Outlook word-processing power point and spreadsheets)

• We are interested in candidates with a working knowledge of or a degree degree in Politics History International Relations Marketing Communications or a related topic

WHAT YOULL GET

For the right candidate we will offer a competitive salary and benefits package along with all the necessary personal development required to set someone up for success.

ABOUT M&C SAATCHI GROUP

M&C Saatchi Group is a creative company that connects specialist expertise fuelled by data technology and culture to help clients navigate create and lead meaningful change. The Group operates across five core divisions: Connected Creativity; Passion Marketing; Global & Social Issues; Brand Experience & Innovation; and Performance Media. Headquartered in London operations span 23 countries with major hubs in the UK Europe US Middle East & Africa Asia and Australia.

M&C Saatchi Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not discriminate celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on talent and capability without regard for any personal characteristics.

All employee information is kept confidential according to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 30 APRIL 2026. NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES.

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