Associate Director, Operations Chicago, IL

Overview:

The Associate Director, Client Operations is an integral role within the Publicis Health Media team, responsible for monitoring and building internal operational processes throughout the account. The Associate Director, Client Operations will also be responsible for monitoring and enhancing a reporting tool used heavily throughout the account. Data integrity is of upmost importance, so a keen eye for detail and forward thinking are key attributes required for this position.

Role Objectives:

• Work alongside the planning, investment, operations, finance, and reconciliation teams to execute the end-to-end financial management process inclusive of budget authorization, client billing, supplier invoice reconciliation and payment, and compliance with internal/external audit requirements
• Partner with Finance and Procurement teams to deliver financial reporting and tracking (e.g. monthly analysis of planned vs. actual spend, delivery reporting, etc.)
• Manage the tools, systems, and process that enable sound financial operations including planning/investment team support and training
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and groups, facilitating synergy between the planning and activation functions that manage day-to-day client business
• Build and develop relationships with client business directors and brand teams, ensuring that client and overall data proposition is relevant and aligns with strategy direction
• Drive a culture of always-on, data-driven decision making that will institutionalize the use of consumer-driven analytics in media and marketing investment planning
• Grow product delivery and agency revenue organically by cross-selling and up-selling value-add analytical products across client divisions, markets & categories
• Scope and direct advanced analytics projects to ensure that the deliverables are designed to answer valuable client and media team questions, and that timelines and scope are adhered to

Qualifications

• The candidate must have 4-5 years of experience consulting with clients on making strategic investment decisions to improve business results
• Strong Analytical skills with a foundation in strategic business management
• Experience implementing a practical and redundant set of double-checks and balances team-wide to consistently strive for flawless execution in all operational areas
• Extensive experience using MediaTools and Excel
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills; demonstrated ability to identify actionable insights
• Solid communication skills, able to write clearly, speak professionally, and convey complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience
• Proven history of meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Hands-on problem solving abilities and a “can do” approach (someone who is a both a thinker and a doer)