Managing Director – C5286, SEARCHLIGHT

Guardian Jobs; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardian Jobs is seeking a Managing Director for its international talent management and PR agency, focusing on elevating careers across entertainment, fashion, music and sport. You will combine business development, talent representation, PR and partnership negotiation to lead a small team across the US and London, driving reputation and profitability.

The role requires solid experience in talent management or brand partnerships, with a proven track record of securing major commercial deals.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in talent management or brand partnerships within media and entertainment.
• Proven ability to secure major commercial deals.
• Strong leadership skills with a hands-on, performance-driven approach.

Responsibilities

• Drive major commercial partnerships through high-value endorsements, ambassadors, licensing deals and brand collaborations.
• Maintain relationships with brands, agencies, marketing leaders and key decision-makers.
• Negotiate contracts to deliver strong commercial and reputational outcomes for talent and the agency.
• Identify and develop new revenue streams via strategic partnerships and opportunities.
• Set and manage strategic targets including budgets, KPIs and growth goals.
• Recruit and develop top talent, building 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 and business development.
• Oversee financial performance to ensure revenue growth and profitability.

Skills

Talent management

Brand partnerships

Leadership

Business development

Negotiation

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 & sport 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.

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.