Media Director

The Client Lead - Microsoft is a new and key role within Publicis Media Japan. The role has been created due to the win of the Microsoft business in Japan and will be responsible for the day to day management of the account. This leadership position drives growth and excellence in Japan, fosters a culture of innovation, and ensures alignment with Publicis Media’s global vision and objectives.

The Client Lead is also responsible for driving the overall strategy, planning work, implementation and reporting for the client. They will ensure best in class media product, that make sure they are solving their clients business needs while delivering on the wider commercial targets.

Key Accountability:

Strategic Leadership: Define and implement the strategic direction for the client, ensuring alignment with global objectives and addressing local market dynamics.

Client Relationships: Build and nurture senior-level relationships with key clients, ensuring that their business objectives are met and exceeded.

Solutions: Accountable for building and scaling the team’s offering across media, content, operations and analytics.

Team Development & Culture: Lead, mentor, and grow the team, promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Operational Excellence: Ensure that the markets deliver high-quality services consistently across the region.

Financial Management: Ensure revenue targets are met, that invoicing and POs are managed by the team properly and general financial accuracy for the team.

Business Development: Where needed drive new business efforts, from identifying opportunities to leading pitches and onboarding new clients.

Innovation & Thought Leadership: Champion the adoption of cutting-edge digital strategies, tools, and technologies.

Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the region, specialized teams and other divisions within the Groupe to deliver integrated solutions to clients.

Key OKRs

Innovate and scale a market leading team focusing on excellent media planning work and delivery.

Ensure high scores on client satisfaction surveys and internal surveys

Foster team growth and development by attracting key talents and nurturing existing ones

Deliver on key buying / media pricing metrics, service metrics to ensure any performance incentives are delivered.

The Criteria

At least 10+ years of experience in running a client team and having senior client relationship ownership, with a proven track record of running a regional or global business

Strong understanding of the media industry.

Strategic thinker, can create a storyline that compels the prospect to work with the agency brand in question.

Extreme time management & organization, can manage multiple complex activities at once

Can thrive during peak periods of deadline-oriented activity with professionalism and composure.

Demonstrates AI fluency, including the ability to leverage AI tools to enhance work quality and productivity, critically evaluate outputs, and apply ethical and responsible judgment in their use.

Expansive Network of industry leaders and top tier client stakeholder in Japan

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.

Experience working with globally distributed cross-functional teams.

15+ years in industry experience. The variance will depend on practical skills obtained, the amount of experience in a mature market and education qualifications.

Deep understanding of the entire Japanese media ecosystem, with a focus on IT media

Understanding of data based marketing and the changes that has on the media planning process

Ability to present to all levels clients as well as global and regional clients and internal stakeholders

The ideal candidate will be able to inspire the team and clients with their knowledge and passion for media

Must be fluent in Japanese and be able to speak English at a presentation and business level