Partnerships Director

BRAND: Zenith UK
Job Function: Content
Location: London, United Kingdom
Experience Level: Specialist
Workplace Type: Hybrid

Company description

We help brands make BOLD MOVES

Nowadays, brands want rapid, spectacular growth and they expect media to deliver it.

Clients used to give us media briefs that said "deliver 80% awareness" or "give me an impactful Christmas campaign."

Now we hear

"Take me from 4th to 1st in my category"

"Help me grow 10% in a market declining 10%"

"Make me the most loved brand in my industry"

These are huge asks of media, that can't be met through tweaking the media plan of two years ago.

Decades of advertising research prove that without a big change, large brands stay large and small brands stay small.

This is why Zenith help brands make BOLD MOVES.

Bold moves are big, brave changes to media strategy, delivering more impact for brands and more value for consumers.

Bold moves are backed up with a solid forecast - they are a better path to growth.

Bold moves build a partnership - we believe in this approach so much we link our growth to your success.

Bold Moves bring bigger ROI

This approach works for our clients, our people and consumers - it's why we are recognised as the UK's best media agency.

Our Commitment
At Zenith UK, we believe that fostering an inclusive culture where all talent can thrive makes our company stronger. It enables a greater idea exchange, which fosters innovation and creativity, and enriches our perspective.We are committed to Publicis Groupe's wide variety of talent engagement and inclusion programming, and encourage our people to take an active role in continuing to drive positive change within our agency.

Overview

We're looking for a dynamic and strategic Media Partnerships Account Director to lead integrated branded content campaigns for some of the world's most exciting brands . Reporting to a Business Director, you'll oversee a talented team delivering cross-platform partnerships - ranging from sponsorships and advertiser-funded programmes (AFPs) to product placement and bespoke publisher content.

In this role, you'll develop best-in-class strategies, forge first-to-market media opportunities, and negotiate high-value deals that drive impact and innovation. You'll act as a key senior voice within the team, pushing boundaries with partners, building lasting client relationships, and setting the creative vision for campaigns across all Publicis Media agency brands.

If you're commercially savvy, creatively driven, and ready to lead with energy and ambition- this is your next big move

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic media partnership frameworks for a portfolio of top-tier clients across Publicis agencies.
• Lead your team to deliver standout branded content and sponsorship campaigns-on time, on budget, and against KPIs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media owners, championing innovation and first-to-market solutions.
• Negotiate competitive rates and ensure alignment with trading teams and pricing guarantees.
• Partner closely with internal stakeholders - including planners, creatives, strategists, and trading - to build integrated, culturally relevant campaigns.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of Partnerships Managers and Executives, fostering a culture of growth and accountability.
• Proactively contribute to new business and organic growth opportunities, challenging briefs and presenting creative solutions to client challenges.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, client landscapes, and competitor activity to inform strategy and identify growth opportunities.
• Own campaign revenue forecasting, budgeting, and financial accuracy across all projects.
• Represent Publicis Media Content at senior-level client and agency partner meetings.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience creating and managing multi-channel branded content and media partnerships.
• Proven success in developing media partnership strategies that deliver real business impact.
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills, with experience securing competitive, high-value deals.
• Excellent leadership credentials-able to inspire and lead a team while managing multiple priorities.
• Creative thinker with a structured approach to problem-solving and campaign delivery.
• Established relationships with UK and global media owners.
• Confident communicator and presenter, comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and clients.
• Hands-on experience managing budgets, forecasting, and campaign performance reporting.
• Deep understanding of media agency processes, media owner capabilities, and cross-channel campaign planning.

Additional information

Zenith UK 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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