Business Director

About Ogilvy  

Ogilvy, part of WPP, has been creating impact for brands through iconic, culture-changing, value-driving ideas since the company was founded by David Ogilvy 75 years ago. It builds on that rich legacy through Borderless Creativity – innovating at the intersections of its advertising, public relations, relationship design, consulting, and health capabilities with experts collaborating seamlessly across over 120 offices in nearly 90 countries. Ogilvy currently ranks as the #1 global agency network for creative excellence and effectiveness by WARC, signifying its ability to deliver creative solutions that drive unreasonable impact for clients and communities. Ogilvy is a WPP company (NYSE: WPP). For more information, visit Ogilvy.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

 Business Director  
Large Beauty Portfolio

Department: WPP Onefluence  
Location: London 
Contract type: Fixed-Term (8-months) 
Full Time/Part time: Full Time 
Reporting into: Client Partner  
 

About Ogilvy:   

Ogilvy UK has been creating iconic ideas that deliver impact at scale for clients ever since David Ogilvy founded the company in 1948. The agency specialises in bringing together brand advertising, customer experience marketing, PR, influence and consulting, all fuelled by Behavioural Science. Our world-class award-winning creative campaigns deliver solutions for clients including Sainsbury’s, Lloyds Banking Group, Madri, Unilever and Mondelēz International. 

Ogilvy’s influencer marketing practice is the largest globally; we are proud to be the most awarded influencer agency for six years running and the recipient of the Cannes Grand Prix for Social & Creator for two consecutive years.  

Ogilvy UK also hosts the world’s biggest festival of behavioural science and creativity, Nudgestock – which is now in its 12th year. James Murphy is the CEO of Ogilvy Group UK, which includes Ogilvy UK and New Commercial Arts (NCA), a boutique creative agency he co-founded in 2020, recently acquired by WPP. .  

The Role

We are currently seeking an experienced and talented individual to join our team as a Business Director. As a Business Director, you will have the opportunity to lead large and complex projects across one of our leading beauty brands, driving growth and delivering exceptional work. Your ability to think beyond short-term goals and identify opportunities and risks will be crucial in helping your team achieve their objectives. Your role will also involve being a trusted partner, adding value to relationships beyond account management and planning. You will be the commercial lead, developing and scoping out a wide range of deliverables. 

You will be someone who has experience managing teams across complex campaigns within high volume brands, operating in a cool, calm manner. A Leader who inspires their team and earns the respect of senior clients.

As a Business Director, you will lead the strategic development of high-impact client presentations and influence-led proposals, translating business objectives, cultural insights, and campaign strategies into compelling narratives and commercially strong decks.

You will partner closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to shape strategic recommendations, articulate creative thinking, and deliver polished presentations that drive client confidence, growth opportunities, and best-in-class influence solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Demonstrated track record in successfully driving growth and delivering high-quality work on large and complex projects.  

• Ability to think strategically, identify potential opportunities and risks, and provide solutions to achieve team goals.  

• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to develop and maintain trusted partnerships with mid-level and senior clients. 

• Accountability and responsibility for agency performance and client relationships, effectively managing key stakeholders.  

• Keep up with current trends across Social, Influence and advertising 

• Collaborative mindset, working effectively with other crafts and departments within the agency to identify opportunities and mitigate risks. 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.  

• Passion for championing equity and inclusivity, fostering an inclusive work environment, and meeting diverse client needs.  

• Proactive and forward-thinking approach, able to anticipate industry trends and adapt strategies accordingly.  

• Ability to take a holistic view of projects and activities, identifying future opportunities for growth and expansion.  

• Demonstrated leadership abilities, inspiring and guiding teams towards achieving exceptional results.  

• Passion for the cultural sector and the ability to create a global 360 integrated campaign that brings the vision to life.  

Requirements: 

• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to lead and inspire teams to achieve exceptional results.  

• Ability to drive growth and deliver high-quality work on large and complex projects.  

• Forecast, reconcile and monitor client revenue and profitability  

• Strong client relationship management skills, with the ability to build and maintain trusted partnerships.  

• Deep understanding of client business objectives and aspirations, providing strategic insights and guidance. 

• Collaborative mindset, working effectively with cross-functional teams and departments within the agency.  

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.  

• Inclusive and diverse approach, championing equity and inclusivity in the workplace and meeting diverse client needs.  

• Proactive and forward-thinking, staying ahead of industry trends and adapting strategies accordingly.  

• Ability to think beyond short-term goals and take a holistic view of projects and activities.  

• Strong problem-solving skills, able to make decisive decisions and act quickly when faced with challenges.  

• Passion for the cultural sector and the ability to create impactful global integrated campaigns.    

How we help you Thrive:  

•  25 days annual leave + 1 Volunteer Day   

• Bupa Healthcare  

• Enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Shared Parental Leave  

• We have a Flexible Working Model with core working hours: 10am – 4pm  

• A 1.5:1 Matching Pension Structure  

• Wellbeing and Health: Up to £25.00 per month towards physical or online exercise class membership, Unmind membership, LifeWorks tool and annual eye tests and development budgets and Wellbeing incentives and activities throughout the year   

• Season Ticket Loan and Cycle to Work Scheme  

• Life Assurance