Job Title: Team Business Lead
Level: Senior Director
Work Location: London, Farringdon (3 days in office)
Reports to: Managing Director UK
Direct Reports: Snr. Business Lead , Client Service Director
Whalar is the leading independent Creator and Social Agency, recognized as the most awarded in its field. We empower brands to become cultural drivers by harnessing the full creative potential of creators.
Our approach goes beyond traditional social and influencer strategies. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative methodologies, we connect brands with the heartbeat of communities, uncover cultural nuances, and craft unforgettable connections.
With hubs in London, Berlin, New York, and Los Angeles, our reach is global. In the UK, we proudly collaborate with clients such as Skyscanner, Oatly, Twinings, Nike, Vodafone, Diageo, eBay, and Uber.
Whalar is part of Whalar Group. Under Whalar Group, there are six companies: Whalar, a global creator agency; Sixteenth, a full-service, 360° creator and talent management company; Foam, a suite of AI tools, templates, and services; Moby Ventures, a creator-centric venture studio; Umi Games, a groundbreaking gaming studio; and The Lighthouse, an IRL campus for creators and their teams. Creators are at the heart of everything we do! We are a curious, diverse team of 300 individuals around the world who are passionate about the Creator Economy. Our proximity, understanding, and trust of creators evolved into a first-of-its-kind creator ecosystem.
About the role:
The Team Business Lead is a pivotal role at Whalar with responsibility for driving growth across some of the Agency’s most significant clients.
As the leader of a full service ‘Pod’ comprising Business leadership, Strategy, Community, Media and Delivery - the Team Business Lead sets the vision, strategy and pace of the Pod to achieve commercial growth whilst delivering an outstanding client experience across a portfolio of accounts.
This role requires proven leadership expertise, commercial acumen and stakeholder management. The ideal candidate excels at crafting and executing client-centric strategies while fostering team collaboration to ensure operational excellence.
Here’s what you’ll do day-to-day:
Client Leadership & Revenue Growth:
- Drive revenue growth and deliver senior leadership across a portfolio of key UK clients; collaborating with the Snr Business Lead Director and Client Services Director to plan, develop, and execute strategies that maximize portfolio growth.
- Allocate incoming new client responsibilities between yourself and the supporting Snr Business Lead, ensuring balanced and effective client management.
- Monitor Pod performance against goals, adjusting strategies as necessary.
Client Onboarding and Relationship Management:
- Partner with the Business Development team to onboard new clients into the Pod, building long-term, profitable, and trusted client relationships.
- Engage with Marketing Procurement teams to establish sustainable commercial models that deliver value for both clients and the business.
Sales Pipeline and Profitability Management:
- Manage the Pod sales pipeline, ensuring excellent forecasting and pipeline hygiene.
- Review monthly campaign profitability, implementing plans to maximize ROI
Operational Excellence:
- Collaborate with Business Affairs and Finance to ensure all partnership program paperwork is accurate and up to date.
- Work with the Pod CS Director and Snr Business Lead to establish a business rhythm that prioritizes team resources effectively and fosters a collaborative team spirit.
Strategic Leadership and Innovation:
- Provide leadership in the development of innovative, market-leading strategies that differentiate Whalar and deliver exceptional client outcomes.
- Stay ahead of emerging trends, innovations, and thought leadership within the Creator Economy, pro-actively taking creative business solutions to clients that align with business goals.
- Organize and lead Creator Economy learning sessions, leveraging support from the broader Whalar team to inspire and educate clients.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- 10+ years agency or platform experience with a focus on business development
- Strong experience in creative advertising partnerships at a senior level, including leading contractual negotiations. Experience at an Influencer, Social, PR or Creative agency or Platform is preferred.
- A strategic thinker who is able to see the big picture and use data effectively to drive decision making.
- An appreciation of creativity and culture with a deep understanding of the importance of creator marketing within the broader marketing ecosystem with the ability to discuss with senior marketers.
- Excellent communicator and active listener. A natural storyteller who is able to build trust and rapport with stakeholders at all levels.
- Demonstrable team management/leadership experience
- High EQ with a Growth mind-set - we are a business growing at pace and adaptability to respond to changing market conditions and business needs is a must.
Our values:
At Whalar Group, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn't just a statement, it's our collective strength. Our people are our superpower. A diverse team and inclusive leadership have shaped Whalar Group since our inception in 2016, fueling a constant evolution of growth. We champion a culture of respect and empathy, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends demographics. We hire individuals of all backgrounds and empower them to thrive, challenge stereotypes, and actively break societal barriers. Learn more.
The perks:
Whalar Group provides flexible benefits and collaborative work environments and experiences so employees can work productively in a setting that best and uniquely suits their needs.
- Private medical insurance
- Health cash plan
- 25 days of PTO + Sick days + Winter break
- Private pension scheme
- Monthly phone/internet reimbursement
- Home office allowance
- 22 weeks of enhanced paid maternity/paternity leave
- Reduced fee gym membership (next to office location)
- Volunteer Days
- Social Programs (ERGs)
Whalar Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Equal opportunity extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including hiring, promotions, training, working conditions, compensation, and benefits.
