Client Director

Company description At Spark Foundry we bring HEAT to brands, Higher Engagement, Affinity and Transaction

Engagement with consumers, customers and stakeholders, affinity with brands, and transactions, that materially impact our client’s businesses

Spark is uniquely positioned to deliver HEAT because we have an aligned set of beliefs that guide how we navigate a changing media landscape, a structure that is designed for total accountability and a repeatable methodology to bake continuous improvement into everything we do

In order to bring this vision to life, we seek alignment around key values from our talent

Diverse thinkers with diverse thinking—what we call Allsorts—are essential to tackle challenges through the lens of different disciplines and perspectives

To succeed at Spark, you must thrive on the belief that great ideas are only great if they work

It’s not enough to be new, cool, or interesting; our solutions must drive business results

You need to embrace both the art and the evidence—right and left brain, imagination and activation, insight and technology in the pursuit of big ideas that are forensically measured

If you are motivated by these values, we welcome you to apply to become a Sparkie

Overview About Spark Foundry Spark Foundry is driven by the belief that great work happens when diverse perspectives, creativity and evidence come together

We’re committed to creating an environment where people feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best work

Our values guide how we show up for each other, our clients and our partners: Allsorts – We believe diverse thinkers and diverse thinking lead to better ideas and better outcomes

Art and Evidence – Creativity and effectiveness go hand in hand

Royalty Makes Loyalty – We build strong, respectful and long‑lasting client relationships

Good Humans – We treat everyone with integrity, empathy and respect

If these values resonate with you, we’d love to hear from you

Role Purpose The Client Director leads the development of media strategy and communication plans across a portfolio of clients

This role provides strategic direction, supports high‑quality delivery, and fosters a collaborative, inclusive team culture

You will build strong, long‑term client relationships, typically at Marketing Manager level and, where relevant, Marketing Director level

You will also help identify opportunities for integrated solutions across Spark Foundry and Publicis Groupe

This role may also contribute to new business opportunities

Key

Strategy, Planning & Implementation Develop communication and media strategies, independently or in partnership with strategists and agency partners

Translate client briefs into clear, innovative and effective media recommendations

Ensure planning recommendations align with communication strategy and demonstrate strong planning principles

Apply agency processes and templates consistently

Understand relevant benchmarks, trading strategies and contractual

, and incorporate them appropriately

Collaborate with the Activations Director on major partnership briefings and negotiations

Identify opportunities to enhance client outcomes through Spark Foundry and Publicis Groupe services

Client Service Maintain strong day‑to‑day client relationships and ensure work is delivered in line with agreed service levels

Develop a deep understanding of each client’s business, priorities and constraints, adapting support accordingly

Ensure all client deliverables meet quality standards

Navigate category‑specific advertising

(e.g., alcohol, gaming, healthcare) with accuracy and care

Client Management Oversee the development of media initiatives that meet client objectives within agreed timeframes

Proactively share insights, opportunities and updates that support clients’ broader business goals

Communicate the value of Spark Foundry and Publicis Groupe capabilities (SEO, SEM, Content, PMX) where relevant

Address client challenges constructively and escalate emerging issues early to maintain strong relationships

Team Leadership & Development Lead and support the team in delivering high‑quality planning and activation across campaigns

Foster an inclusive, collaborative team environment where people feel supported to contribute and grow

Provide clear guidance, coaching and mentoring to team members

Conduct regular performance and development conversations

Create training opportunities for Coordinators and Planning Executives, and mentor Client Managers

Ensure quality control processes are followed and deadlines are met

Facilitate weekly team WIP meetings and share key updates with the Director group

Financial Management Monitor, forecast and re‑forecast client financials

Highlight changes such as budget shifts or campaign adjustments in weekly Director WIP meetings

Understand each client’s financial

, including financial year, credit insurance and commission structures

Ensure contractual obligations and performance‑linked KPIs are understood and managed appropriately

Skills & Experience We’re looking for someone who brings a mix of experience, capability and mindset

If you don’t meet every requirement but believe you can excel in this role, we encourage you to apply

Experience in media, advertising or a related field (typically gained over 8+ years, but equivalent experience is welcome)

Tertiary

are valued but not essential

Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Solid understanding of the media landscape, both current and emerging

Strong financial acumen and ability to manage budgets effectively

Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders

Inclusive leadership style that supports, motivates and develops teams

Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities

Ability to build constructive relationships with media partners

Strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving skills

Commitment to accountability, collaboration and delivering meaningful outcomes for clients

Our Commitment to Inclusion We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to thrive

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences

If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, we’re happy to support you

Additional information Publicis Groupe

: Be a part of the Publicis Groupe family, recent winner of the Employer of Choice Awards and one of the world's most progressive and dynamic modern communications businesses

You can learn more

at www.publicisgroupeanz.com

Enjoy all the perks that come with our network offering: A comprehensive Wholeself program supporting physical, mindful, and financial wellbeing

A creative, lively, and rewarding office environment where people love working with each other, supported by our Publicis Liberté flexibility approach — "working your way with us." Access to our Global AI Platform Marcel, connecting Publicis Groupe employees with opportunities for career mobility and collaboration across our global network

Extensive Learning & Development opportunities including more than 15,000 learning programs via our online learning platform, Marcel Classes

A culture of open feedback and support to reach your goals through our Career Conversations program

A committed Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion strategy driven through our Viva Women, Égalité, enABLE, EmbRACE, and Écologique committees

Leave

including Birthday Leave, Flexible Public Holidays, and an additional 5 days of leave after 2 years of service

Work Your World program enabling employees the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world for up to 6 weeks per year

Parental leave policy with up to 18 weeks based on tenure, paid primary carer leave, secondary carer swap, and Cub Care leave

Access to counsellors, psychologists, and professionals through Sonder, an all-in-one digital wellbeing technology platform designed to support psychological, medical & safety needs

A workplace that stands together to provide a more open, supportive, and recovery-forward culture for all employees with life-threatening illnesses

Read more about our Working With Cancer Pledge: https://workingwithcancerpledge.com/ Proud partners of Diversity Council Australia, Pride in Diversity, Family Friendly Workplaces, Supply Nation, and the Australian Disability Network

If you don't tick every box in this ad, please don't rule yourself out

Research suggests that women and other people in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they meet every requirement

We focus on hiring people who share our values of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, fearlessness, and integrity rather than ticking boxes — so if this role resonates with you, please apply

Diversity

Inclusion

Equity

More than just words; these are part of our DNA

At Publicis Groupe, we are committed to the inclusion and recognition of all people regardless of race, age, culture, ability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, and religious affiliation

We believe that to deliver the best solutions to our clients, our people need to reflect the diverse communities in which our clients operate

We value diversity and the skills, knowledge, and experience that difference brings to our culture and solutions

Uniqueness is powerful; without it, we wouldn't be where we are today

So be you — we like it that way

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for people with disability or those that require additional support throughout the application process

If you need any assistance or adjustments, please contact us via [email protected]; your personal information will be kept confidential.