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 Responsibilities 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 requirements, 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 requirements (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 requirements, 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 qualifications 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 benefits: 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 about us 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 benefits 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 shows that women and other people in under‑represented 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, contact us via recruitment@publicisgroupe.com; your personal information will be kept confidential.
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