Managing Director – C5286

SEARCHLIGHT; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Searchlight is seeking a Managing Director to drive commercial success in talent management and brand partnerships across the US and London. You will lead a small team, shape partnerships, and grow revenue while protecting the agency's reputation and roster.

You should have proven experience in media/entertainment, strong leadership, and a hands-on approach to seizing new opportunities in a fast-paced environment. The role emphasizes strategic negotiation and industry engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in talent management or brand partnerships within media/entertainment.
• Proven ability to secure major commercial deals.
• Strong leadership and performance drive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive partnerships: secure high-value endorsements, ambassadors, licensing deals and brand collaborations.
• Lead and develop a small team across US and London.
• Negotiate contracts to deliver commercial and reputational outcomes.
• Set targets, budgets, KPIs, and growth priorities.
• Shape PR and media visibility across multiple platforms.
• Oversee revenue growth, profitability and commercial stability.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Negotiation

Relationship management

Job description

Drive commercial success, brand partnerships, and high‑profile client representation.

THE COMPANY

Our client is an international talent management & PR agency specialising in elevating the careers of high‑profile clients across the entertainment, fashion, music & sports industries.

THE ROLE

As Managing Director, your role will combine business development, talent representation, PR and partnership negotiation.

You will lead a team small team across the US and London to build the agency's reputation and profitability while maximising opportunities for the talent roster.

Key responsibilities:

• Drive major commercial partnerships by securing high‑value endorsements, ambassadors, licensing deals and brand collaborations.
• Maintain strong relationships with brands, agencies, marketing leaders and key decision‑makers.
• Negotiate contracts to deliver strong commercial and reputational outcomes for talent and the agency.
• Spot and unlock new revenue streams through strategic partnerships and emerging commercial opportunities.
• Set and manage strategic targets including budgets, KPIs, growth goals and operational priorities.
• Recruit and develop top talent while building trusted relationships and long‑term career strategies.
• Shape high-impact PR and media visibility across print, digital, broadcast, podcast and social platforms.
• Expand the agency’s market presence through networking, industry engagement and business development.
• Oversee financial performance to ensure sustained revenue growth, profitability and commercial stability.

THE PERSON

You should have solid experience in talent management or brand partnerships within media and entertainment, supported by a proven ability to secure major commercial deals.

Strong leadership skills are essential, as is the ability to drive performance while setting clear standards and expectations whilst guiding your team. Being commercially sharp, you will spot new revenue opportunities, grow the business, and bring a hands‑on approach to this fast‑paced environment.

To be successful in this role, you should be passionate about talent development, media and building powerful brand partnerships.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Searchlight only advertises active roles
• Your details will be sent directly to the Consultant who is handling this role
• We aim to respond to candidates within 14 days.

We strive to promote equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.