Business Director

3 weeks ago

London, UK, United Kingdom Spark Foundry Full time

Spark Foundry make up part of a thriving global media network and are part of the Publicis Groupe, one of the world’s leading communications groups. We are globally connected with over 8,000 employees in 110 offices across 70 countries.



Who We Are in the UK?


Spark Foundry, the Acceleration Agency.

We help brands to identify, learn and respond to opportunities faster than the competition.

Every client has an area of their business they need to accelerate, from short-term goals to long-term transformation.

We’ve proven our approach during the most difficult year on record. Now we’re using it to provide a launchpad for their future.

Come be an accelerator with us.


How we accelerate

  • Planning: an approach that works in practice rather than theory, arming planners with the ability to create cutting edge campaigns
  • Intelligence: a suite of tools that give definitive answers to big questions, and uncovers actionable insights about real people
  • Trading: a model built on flexibility and trusted relationships, underpinned with bold guarantees
  • Relationships: a culture of asking challenging questions to better understand the brief – we are not a ‘yes’ agency
  • People: a strong history of recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds and accelerating their careers


Our Commitment

We are diverse though our experience, people and the clients we look after - and we celebrate that diversity. Our people hold us accountable to our beliefs and via regular surveys and our grass roots D&I team, The Collective, and internal next generation board, Firestarters, we hold regular events and work continually towards generating ideas, initiatives and educating our people to ensure we are a diverse and inclusive agency.

As part of our dedication to create an inclusive and diverse workforce, Spark Foundry is committed to equal access to opportunity for people without regard to race, age, sex, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.



The Role

We are looking for a Planning Business Director to lead strategic media planning and account management for these prestigious clients. This is a maternity cover position, working closely with the Managing Partner and another Business Director to maintain seamless service and innovative media solutions.

The Clients

  • Lindt & Sprüngli: A global leader in premium chocolate with iconic brands like Lindor, Excellence, and the Gold Bunny. This role offers the opportunity to influence multi-channel campaigns as part of Lindt’s Global Learning Agenda.
  • Valeo Foods: A diverse FMCG portfolio, including Kettle Chips, Poppets, and Rowse Honey. The role involves high-profile campaign activation across multiple touchpoints with a focus on fast-moving strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the development of cross-channel media strategies aligned with client objectives.
  • Act as a trusted advisor, cultivating senior client relationships and understanding their business needs.
  • Ensure all plans and proposals meet the highest quality standards before client submission.
  • Collaborate with specialist activation teams to recommend testing strategies and innovative media solutions.
  • Provide guidance, motivation, and professional development opportunities for direct reports.
  • Oversee cross-departmental budgeting, forecasting, and financial control.


What We’re Looking For:

  • Strong experience in media planning and strategy, ideally with exposure to FMCG clients.
  • Expertise in media tools such as MATCH/Media Planner, TGI, and AdIntel.
  • Ability to manage client relationships at a senior level, delivering insights and challenging clients to think differently.
  • Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with experience in mentoring talent.
  • Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and forecasting effectively.
  • Ability to hit the ground running and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.


Why Join Us?

  • Work with globally recognised brands in the premium chocolate and FMCG sectors.
  • Be part of a collaborative, diverse, and high-performing planning team.
  • Enjoy opportunities for personal development and career growth within Publicis Groupe.
  • Inclusive and supportive leadership that prioritises empathy and collaboration.



Spark has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Plans we also offer;

  • WORK YOUR WORLD opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis office, for up to 6 weeks a year.
  • REFLECTION DAYS - Two additional days of paid leave to step away from your usual day-to-day work and create time to focus on your well-being and self-care.
  • HELP@HAND BENEFITS 24/7 helpline to support you on a personal and professional level. Access to remote GPs, mental health support and CBT. Wellbeing content and lifestyle coaching.
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES We provide 26 weeks of full pay for the following family milestones: Maternity. Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental Leave.
  • FLEXIBLE WORKING, BANK HOLIDAY SWAP & BIRTHDAY DAY OFF You are entitled to an additional day off for your birthday, from your first day of employment.
  • GREAT LOCAL DISCOUNTS This includes membership discounts with Soho Friends, local restaurants and retailers in Westfield White City and Television Centre.

Full details of our benefits will be shared when you join us

Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full time employees being office-based three days during the working week.

We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process.

Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Page which showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAG’s (Employee Action Groups).

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