Business Unit Director

Tbwa South Africa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading advertising agency is seeking a Business Unit Director in South Africa to drive growth and creative excellence on the Heineken Beverages account. This role involves strategic leadership, client relationship development, and team mentorship. The ideal candidate will foster a high-performing team culture while ensuring seamless campaign delivery and financial stewardship. Strong operational and commercial management skills are essential for success in this position.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain strong senior-level relationships with clients.
• Champion integration across all agency functions and partner agencies.
• Act as the strategic steward of the brand.
• Drive income growth through proactive account development.

Job description

JOB TITLE Business Unit Director (Reporting into the Business Director)

KEY PURPOSE OF ROLE The Business Unit Director is a strategic and operational leader of the Heineken Beverages account within TBWA.

They are ultimately accountable for driving business growth, creative excellence, and client satisfaction across all channels and partner relationships.

The BUD ensures seamless TTL campaign delivery while fostering a high-performing, integrated team culture.

RESPONSIBILITY / ACCOUNTABILITY

Client Relationship Development Lead and maintain strong senior-level relationships with clients.

Demonstrate strategic influence and business foresight.

Foster enduring partnerships that elevate the agency's status as a trusted advisor.

Deep understanding of clients evolving business needs, category dynamics, and cultural context.

Business Commercial Management

Take full ownership of client business growth and profitability.

Translate business objectives into actionable plans that drive results.

Ensuring strategic and creative output delivers tangible impact for the client and agency.

Champion integration across all agency functions and partner agencies.

Creative Strategic Leadership

Act as the strategic steward of the brand.

Guide creative teams and planners to develop culturally resonant, insight-led, and commercially effective work.

Challenge, support, and refine ideas to ensure alignment with the client's brand vision and objectives.

Operational Excellence

Oversee the development, implementation, and refinement of processes to ensure smooth delivery.

Lead operational planning, resource management, and risk mitigation to uphold efficiency and quality.

Financial Stewardship

Accountable for all financial performance indicators of the unit: revenue growth, profitability, forecasting accuracy, and cost control.

Drive income growth through proactive account development and internal team empowerment.

Team Leadership Development

Inspire and lead a multidisciplinary team to achieve excellence.

Provide mentorship, clear direction, and feedback to ensure team development and motivation.

Build a collaborative and high-performing team culture.