Client Lead

WPP Media; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media agency is seeking a Client Lead to oversee key client relationships and drive growth. You will manage operational excellence across campaigns and ensure high-quality client deliverables, while mentoring a high-performing team. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in client relationship management and strong leadership skills, complemented by budget management expertise. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic insights and foster valuable client partnerships.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in client relationship management with senior stakeholders.
• Strong leadership capabilities to guide a team effectively.
• Ability to manage budgets and financial forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee client relationships to drive growth.
• Manage the entire service process from brief to campaign execution.
• Provide strategic insights and operational success.

Skills

Client relationship management

Strategic insight application

Team leadership

Budget management

Negotiation skills

Job description

The Client Lead is responsible for overseeing a particular portfolio/category. This individual serves as the primary partner and key client contact, accountable for fostering strong, successful client relationships and driving growth across their assigned portfolio. This role focuses on leveraging strategic insights provided by specialist teams.

The Client Portfolio Lead directs and guides a team to ensure the delivery of high-quality client deliverables. Their role is to support the Client Partner in the profitable and efficient management of the portfolio through process optimization, system/tools utilization and financial management across the entire portfolio.

• Client Relationship Management & Growth:
• Develop and nurture strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders at all client levels, including brand managers, media managers, and senior leadership on their portfolio.
• Act as the primary connection and driver of client and agency relationships on their portfolio, translating client vision and strategic objectives into tangible action plans and operational success.
• Proactively identify opportunities to solidify the agency's value as an indispensable partner.
• Serve as a client visionary on your portfolio, bringing a highly valued perspective based on a deep understanding of their business, issues, and opportunities.
• Manage senior relationships between clients and brand partner agencies (e.g., Creative, PR, media owners) to achieve integrated solutions.
• Effectively manage client expectations, addressing concerns promptly, and consistently exceeding expectations.
• Own and lead communication and updates on media trends, landscapes, and thought leadership. This includes writing an insight piece on a quarterly basis that is shared with clients.
• On a monthly basis, drive and present innovative media solutions to clients.

• Account Oversight & Operational Excellence:
• Direct and guide teams to deliver high-quality client deliverables on time and within budget.
• Oversee the entire client service process, from initial brief reception to campaign execution and post-campaign analysis, ensuring adherence to established workflows and quality standards.
• Lead the annual and/or campaign strategy briefing process, overseeing internal coordination (including creative agency involvement) and client presentations.
• Work with the Strategic Lead to review and provide feedback on strategic outputs generated by the Strategy team, ensuring alignment with client objectives and brand vision.
• Take responsibility for maintaining the quality of contracted services and ensuring client satisfaction with agency work.
• Track and course-correct service and operations of delivery across the portfolio.
• Oversee client budgets, ensuring accurate forecasting, meticulous tracking of expenditures, and timely reporting.
• Negotiate favorable rates and contracts with media vendors, securing cost-effective solutions.
• Work closely with the Investment Lead to monitor all values delivered to clients on a monthly basis (e.g., commitments, deals, discounts, make-goods) and present this back to clients.
• Be cognizant of and mitigate any financial risks for the client and business within the portfolio.
• Oversee the timely and accurate delivery of post campaign analysis with both quantitative and qualitative insights.
• Ensure adherence to all financial processes, including accrual submissions and PO receipt, as per client and internal deadlines.
• Proactively lead, inspire, and motivate a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Provide clear direction and guidance, ensuring team members have clarity around business objectives and goals.
• Mentor and develop team members, identifying growth opportunities, implementing necessary training, and recognizing achievements.
• Manage team workload and resources, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.