Present in over 100 countries and employing nearly 80,000 professionals, Publicis Groupe is the third largest communications group in the world. Publicis Groupe is listed on the Euronext Paris and is part of the CAC 40 index. Active across the entire value chain, Publicis Groupe offers its major clients a transversal, unified and fluid model allowing them access to all the Groupe’s tools and expertise around the world through the mantra "The Power of One.

We are currently seeking a leader to drive new growth for Publicis Groupe’s MENA business. This Associate Director, you will develop and lead winning capture strategies and activate long-term strategic and executive level relationships. This highly visible role will be responsible for critical aspects within the Business Development Practice, including but not limited to: lead generation, identification, qualification, opportunity management, commercial excellence and award of opportunity targets to meet or exceed the forecast and plan. In addition, this individual will recommend external communication and marketing strategies to maximize market penetration to the goal of elevating both Groupe and agency level image in market.

The ideal candidate has played a previous leadership role in new business development and or has shown management of diverse talent teams and commercial excellence. This leader will be required to identify and foster relationships with a wide network of both external and internal complementary partners, agencies and organizations, audit and strengthen Publicis Groupe’s go-to-market positioning, and build and monitor a pipeline tracking process. We are seeking someone who is a problem solver and great teammate who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is ready to hit the ground running with a solid reputation for building and cultivating strategic partnerships to support growth.

Main tasks and Responsibilities:

• Plays a key role in the development and execution of the long-term strategic plan to accelerate Publicis’ growth.
• Drive lead-generation programs and drive capture plan.
• Spearhead and orchestrate agency pitches and proposals.
• Inspire alignment, participation and collaboration across various solution hubs and agencies across Publicis Groupe - especially for “Power of One” initiatives that involve multiple agencies and an integrated solution.
• Constantly optimize the new business process, response content and pursuit plans to increase the new business pipeline and conversion rates.
• Support thought leadership and other content development and marketing efforts.
• Grow the opportunity pipeline through diligent and timely identification and qualification of new business opportunities by leveraging current technologies, customer intimacies, and inter-company collaboration.
• Identify and cultivate business partner relationships, including large and small businesses.
• Lead and participate in the identification, qualification, and pursuit of strategic business opportunities.
• Apply marketing intelligence and competitive data pertaining to potentially targeted pursuits and advanced marketing strategies.
• Participate in bid decisions, gate reviews and the development of price and cost strategies.
• Conduct customer visits and perform research to understand current and emerging customer needs and requirements.
• Establish, build, and maintain customer relationships and assess competitor capabilities aligned to specific customers by ensuring solution value drivers are reflected in the client value proposition.

• 10+ years of prior relevant experience with majority of years in business development running program capture, planning pitching, and execution.
• Demonstrated success leading, managing, and overseeing the business development activity for portfolio supporting MENA Groupe operations.
• Sales leadership across the full lifecycle with a proven track record in meeting, as well as exceeding, Business Development goals.
• Ability to identify, establish and use important customer relationships with senior-level officials and program stakeholders.
• Proven track record influencing and thinking through a consultative process, and closing complex contracts.
• RFP response coordination, with excellent creative and writing skills a must, as well as experience presenting to senior executives and customers.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing organizational, account, and deal strategies.
• Possesses the skills and ability to empower and engage people and instill drive and passion into the organization.
• Proven ability to collaborate within and across organizational boundaries.