Business Executive

  • Full-time

Company Description

At Saatchi & Saatchi we believe in the philosophy of Nothing is Impossible. It’s the spirit that guides us in everything we do, leading to best in class work that we, and our clients, can be proud of. We expect our account teams to embody this in everything they do.

Our account people are experts on the clients’ business, knowing the players, products, objectives and challenges inside-and-out. They are masters of building and fostering strong relationships, and earning the trust of clients and agency peers alike. Our account people are champions of great work and are not afraid to push the client and internal team to be relentlessly curious and take risks that take them out of their comfort zone. Our account people are accountable, understanding the need to set, meet and manage expectations with the clients and team every step of the way. Our account people are proactive, consistently looking for opportunities to help the agency learn, grow and succeed. They are both creative and strategic, in the way they solve problems, question the status quo and tirelessly work through obstacles. And they are collaborative, working tirelessly in delivering the best service possible.

Job Description

Expectations of a Business Executive

As a Business Executive (BE) you are an integral part of the account service team. You are here because you love the advertising industry. Starting as an BE is the best way to get in on the ground floor and learn everything you need to know as you make your way up the ladder. You are well organised, handle pressure, can meet tight deadlines and juggle many jobs at once. You thrive on the opportunity to make a difference.

On occasion you will be required to accompany the account service team to client meetings and presentations, giving you an opportunity to gain the confidence and trust of the client. You are interested in keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the advertising industry.

You will take care of meeting room preparation and assist your Line Manager in having all documents ready including WIP, contact reports and creative for any presentations if required.

We expect our BE’s to uphold best industry practice and not be afraid to put your hand up when you need to ask. Every person within the agency is an ambassador for the agency and lives the values of Saatchi & Saatchi.

Client Responsibilities:

  • Disseminate information to all team members as appropriate. This will include schedules, cost estimates, market/competitive information, WIP reports etc. 
  • Learn the client’s business. Keep an eye out for important information involving the client, the competitors and the agency.
  • Attend client meetings and ensure (with the help of your line manager) that accurate contact reports are issued within 24 hours.
  • Gain the trust and respect of client counterparts, writing and following through Task Briefs (including chasing creative, studio and production to ensure timelines are being kept) flagging any potential issues to your Line Manager.

Agency Responsibilities:

  • Assist your Line Manager in creative development. Gather information, track down materials, review work with an eye towards forming your own opinion. 
  • Understand, in detail, how the agency works, from the point of view of paperwork / administration / process, creative control, cost control, trafficking, invoicing, etc.
  • Assist your line manager in all other areas, as needed. Organise meetings, ensure all materials are ready for meetings, draft competitive creative reviews, update WIP etc.

Skills required:

  • Strong communication skills. Accurately communicate information, be a good listener and be keen to develop presentation and selling skills.
  • Outstanding organisational abilities. Be able to juggle multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, prioritising your workload to meet deadlines. 
  • Care about the last detail. Display a level of literacy and numeracy – this should be particularly evident when preparing correspondence, reviewing estimates etc.  Proactively ensure that all material you are involved in is impeccable before leaving the agency.
  • Be a quick learner. Be able to quickly assimilate information. Be inquisitive and have a genuine interest in advertising and communications. You should be capable of suggesting and implementing solutions for day-to-day challenges. 
  • Develop positive relationships with other agency departments. Be honest and conscientious in dealing with other departments. Treats all other members of the agency with respect and courtesy.
  • Proactive and responsive. Take ownership of projects as relevant (but also know when to delegate responsibility upward). You should not require constant supervision in order to get the job done. Have a sense of urgency.  
  • Be optimistic, curious, collaborative and brave.

Follows our core belief that ‘Nothing is Impossible’.