Senior Business Unit Director

A leading integrated communications consultancy is seeking an experienced Business Unit Director to drive client growth, new business development and strategic account leadership.

This is a senior leadership role suited to an accomplished PR and communications professional with a proven track record of winning new business, leading high-performing teams and building long-term client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Client Growth & Business Development

• Lead the agency’s new business strategy and pipeline development.
• Identify, secure and convert new business opportunities.
• Lead pitches from strategy development through to presentation and conversion.
• Drive organic growth across existing client portfolios through upselling and cross-selling opportunities.
• Develop strategic partnerships and identify new revenue streams.

Client Leadership

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders and C-suite executives.
• Provide strategic counsel and identify opportunities to solve complex business challenges.
• Ensure exceptional service delivery and client retention.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop senior client service teams.
• Manage and inspire Account Directors and other senior communications professionals.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and high performance.
• Support succession planning and talent development initiatives.

Commercial Management

• Contribute to revenue growth, profitability and business performance.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and industry developments.
• Support resource planning and operational efficiency across the business unit.

Requirements

• Minimum 15 years’ experience within a PR, communications or integrated agency environment.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role such as Business Unit Director, Client Service Director, Managing Director, VP, SVP or equivalent.
• Demonstrated success in driving client growth and securing new business.
• Extensive experience leading and winning competitive pitches.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing revenue targets and business performance.
• Proven ability to build and maintain executive-level client relationships.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across communications, strategy, digital, and creative functions.
• Strong understanding of integrated communications, PR, digital, and social media landscapes.

Ideal Candidate

My client is looking for a commercially minded leader who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to business development. The successful candidate will be highly credible with clients, passionate about agency growth, and confident in leading senior teams in a fast-paced environment.

If you have a strong agency background and a proven ability to drive growth through both new business acquisition and client expansion, we would love to hear from you.