OverviewBusiness Director (Maternity Cover) role at Havas Play UK. The role sits within the Activations Team, leading one of Havas Play’s biggest Sponsorship clients – HSBC – and managing parts of their UK sponsorship portfolio. This role will also oversee additional clients spanning sport and entertainment, with experience in delivering live experience campaigns, activations and events. The role is a senior leadership position focused on driving growth through opportunities within the existing client base and by leading new business initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesSenior Leadership: deliver strategic and creative programmes for client brand portfolios, plan and execute best-in-class partnerships, demonstrate industry knowledge in sport, culture, and related territories, collaborate with Strategy & Insights and Creative teams, provide senior counsel to clients, and maintain strong networks.Client Specific: HSBC-focused leadership overseeing a team across client services, strategy, creative and studio; shape partnerships strategy for 2026 and beyond; manage rights holders and partners; plan and deliver partnership campaigns; oversee inter-agency budgets and timely delivery; plan customer experiences and live activation events; demonstrate experience in brand activation and 360 sponsorship campaigns.Client Management: develop and implement account management principles; foster entrepreneurial spirit within the team; act as senior day-to-day client contact; monitor resources and budgets; maintain up-to-date records and knowledge sharing; collaborate with Strategy & Insight to evaluate campaign effectiveness.Organic Growth: own client growth plans, contribute to reporting/forecasting, ensure financial management processes are followed, drive profitability and resource alignment.New Business Growth: lead and win pitches, identify growth opportunities, cross-sell capabilities across Havas Play, produce thought leadership, leverage Meaningful Brands in Culture, write proposals and RFI/RFPs, and collaborate with other Havas Village and network agencies for cross-pitches.People / Leadership: provide exceptional leadership, talent management, mentorship, ensure peak performance and career development, ensure appropriate staffing for each client, and maintain clear upward and downward communication.People Management: direct management of senior staff and indirect management of wider team on projects.Financial/Time Management: accountable for growth and profitability of accounts and related budgets.Experience & SkillsExperience in Sponsorship and activation across live events, with ability to manage multi-site campaigns and large client portfolios.Strong leadership, client relationship management, and cross-functional collaboration with Strategy, Creative, and Account Management teams.Proven track record in growing client businesses, managing budgets, and delivering measurable outcomes.Ability to work within a senior leadership team and influence across the agency.SeniorityDirectorEmployment TypeFull-timeIndustriesAdvertising Services #J-18808-Ljbffr