Business Unit Director (Sandton) at TBWA\ South Africa

KEY PURPOSE OF ROLE

• The Business Unit Director is a strategic and operational leader of the Heineken Beverages account within TBWA. They are ultimately accountable for driving business growth, creative excellence, and client satisfaction across all channels and partner relationships. The BUD ensures seamless TTL campaign delivery while fostering a high-performing, integrated team culture. 

RESPONSIBILITY / ACCOUNTABILITY         

Client Relationship Development       

• Lead and maintain strong senior-level relationships with clients. Demonstrate strategic influence and business foresight.
• Foster enduring partnerships that elevate the agency's status as a trusted advisor.
• Deep understanding of clients’ evolving business needs, category dynamics, and cultural context.

Business & Commercial Management

• Take full ownership of client business growth and profitability.
• Translate business objectives into actionable plans that drive results.
• Ensuring strategic and creative output delivers tangible impact for the client and agency.
• Champion integration across all agency functions and partner agencies.

Creative & Strategic Leadership

• Act as the strategic steward of the brand.
• Guide creative teams and planners to develop culturally resonant, insight-led, and commercially effective work.
• Challenge, support, and refine ideas to ensure alignment with the client’s brand vision and objectives.

Operational Excellence   

• Oversee the development, implementation, and refinement of processes to ensure smooth delivery.
• Lead operational planning, resource management, and risk mitigation to uphold efficiency and quality.

Financial Stewardship    

• Accountable for all financial performance indicators of the unit: revenue growth, profitability, forecasting accuracy, and cost control.
• Drive income growth through proactive account development and internal team empowerment.

Team Leadership & Development

• Inspire and lead a multidisciplinary team to achieve excellence.
• Provide mentorship, clear direction, and feedback to ensure team development and motivation.
• Build a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

Requirements
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Proven leadership in advertising and communications, with at least 12–15 years of experience, including senior management roles.
• Deep knowledge of integrated marketing, creative processes, digital transformation, and client industries.
• Experience in managing large teams and complex client businesses.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.
• High emotional intelligence and decision-making skills.
• Ability to lead change and drive innovation.

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Financial and commercial literacy with experience managing large budgets.
• Expertise in campaign lifecycle management across traditional and digital media.
• Proficient in operational tools and project management platforms.

REQUIRED BEHAVIOURS

• Visionary thinker with a bias for action and accountability.
• Inspirational leader with a people-first mindset.
• Trusted client partner with a reputation for integrity and excellence.
• Resilient and calm under pressure, with a solutions-oriented approach