Bud Client Service

Publicis Groupe Anz; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 500 000 - 2 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global marketing agency is seeking a strategic leader to architect and drive the marketing agenda for Toyota. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in marketing leadership with a focus on automotive or technology. This role requires exceptional relationship management with C-suite stakeholders and a deep understanding of South African consumers. Key responsibilities include overseeing project delivery and fostering data-driven innovation within the team.

Qualifications

• 7+ years' experience in marketing leadership within top-tier agency networks.
• Proven track record in automotive, technology, or consumer categories requiring full-funnel integration.
• Strong commercial and relationship management experience with C-suite stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of South African consumers and market.
• Skilled at leading large, cross-functional teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Exceptional communicator — able to translate complexity into simplicity.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Toyota's primary strategic partner within the Publicis Power of One model.
• Build relationships with client CMO and brand teams to align on business goals.
• Translate client ambitions into actionable workstreams.
• Oversee the Toyota portfolio, ensuring excellence in delivery and reporting.
• Drive the adoption of data-driven innovation across initiatives.
• Inspire and mentor cross-functional teams for better integration.

Skills

Marketing leadership

Relationship management

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Consumer understanding

Job description

Overview

To architect and lead the strategy, transformation, and growth agenda for Toyota under the Power of One model— unifying creative, production, media, data, and digital excellence across Publicis Groupe.

This is an operational role and strategic role requires vision, influence, and orchestration across the Groupe's ecosystem to shape Toyota's future — balancing brand equity, digital acceleration, and performance-driven commerce in partnership with the Media Lead, Strategic Lead and Creative Lead.

Mission

Be the strategic media architect for Toyota, aligning Groupe capabilities (Creative, Data, Media, Production, CRM, Commerce) around a unified growth framework.

Drive integration, consistency, and innovation across all touchpoints to deliver brand-led, data-powered, and outcome-driven marketing.

Serve as a trusted advisor to senior Toyota stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Client Partnership & Growth Leadership

Operate as Toyota's primary strategic partner, representing Studio One within the Publicis Power of One construct.

Build deep relationships with client CMO, brand, and digital teams to align on business priorities, market context, and long-term growth goals.

Anticipate business challenges and proactively present market foresight and innovation opportunities— from new consumer behaviours to technology shifts.

Champion the "One Publicis" mindset — ensuring integration with creative, digital experience, and data teams.

Translate client ambitions into actionable workstreams that balance brand storytelling with measurable business outcomes.

Operational Governance & Excellence

Oversee the Toyota portfolio, ensuring excellence in delivery, forecasting, and reporting.

Maintain governance on scope of work, budgets, and compliance, ensuring accountability across local and regional teams.

Innovation, Data & Transformation

Drive the adoption of data-driven innovation— integrating Connected ID, AI optimization, and audience intelligence into strategic frameworks.

Foster new product development opportunities across mobility, retail media, and commerce solutions.

Champion a test-and-learn culture, using data to unlock new efficiencies and customer growth opportunities.

Identify and pilot digital acceleration projects (e.g., precision marketing, video personalization, full-funnel attribution).

Leadership & Capability Development

Inspire, mentor, and elevate cross-functional integration of all team members.

Build a culture of curiosity and commercial creativity— where teams push thinking, not just process.

Manage monthly financial forecasting, billings and media contract approvals.

Foster collaboration with creative, performance, and analytics partners to deliver unified client value.

Key Deliverables & KPIs

• Strategic Impact : Evidence of Toyota contributing to measurable business and brand outcomes.
• Integration Score : Strength of alignment between media, creative, and data within Power of One.
• Client Advocacy : Improvement in satisfaction and trust scores from Toyota senior leadership.
• Innovation Index : Number of new frameworks, tools, or pilots successfully deployed.
• Operational Health : Forecasting accuracy, billing integrity, and process governance.
• Reputation : At least 2 case studies or award entries annually reflecting excellence and innovation.

Qualifications

• years' experience in marketing leadership within top-tier agency networks.

Proven track record in automotive, technology, or consumer categories requiring full-funnel integration.

Strong commercial and relationship management experience with C‑suite stakeholders.

Deep understanding of South African consumers and market.

Skilled at leading large, cross-functional teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Exceptional communicator — able to translate complexity into simplicity and inspire confidence through clarity.