Director, Sales & New Business Development

Job Description

Publicis Digital Experience is seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Business Development Director to help drive the next phase of agency growth. This individual will play a critical role in identifying, pursuing, and converting new business opportunities across the commerce, retail, digital, and connected marketing landscape.

The ideal candidate is equal parts strategic storyteller, relationship builder, and growth operator. They possess a deep understanding of the modern marketing ecosystem and are energized by building relationships, uncovering opportunities, and leading integrated pitch processes from prospecting through close.

This role will partner closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams across Publicis Groupe to develop compelling solutions that solve complex client challenges and position Publicis Digital Experience as a differentiated growth partner.

PLEASE NOTE:
This is a hybrid role that can be based out of either our Chicago or New York offices and will require onsite engagement an average of 3-4 days/week. All candidates should be commutable to one of these locations and willing to commit to a hybrid schedule.

• Identify, qualify, and lead new business opportunities that align with Publicis Digital Experience growth priorities and capabilities.
• Build and cultivate senior-level relationships with prospective clients, agency partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Develop strategic pursuit plans and pitch win strategies tailored to each opportunity.
• Partner with executive leadership to shape compelling narratives, integrated solutions, and differentiated go‑to‑market approaches.
• Lead end‑to‑end pitch management, including RFI/RFP responses, timeline management, team coordination, presentation development, and final delivery.
• Collaborate across strategy, creative, media, commerce, retail, data, technology, and production teams to develop integrated client solutions.
• Drive proactive outbound business development efforts through networking, industry events, thought leadership, and targeted outreach.
• Maintain and grow a robust pipeline of opportunities across key categories and verticals.
• Leverage a consultative approach to uncover client pain points, growth opportunities, and transformation needs.
• Serve as a trusted and credible representative of Publicis Digital Experience and the broader Publicis Groupe Power of One model.
• Partner with marketing and communications teams to evolve external-facing materials, case studies, credentials, and thought leadership content.
• Track and report pipeline activity, pitch performance, and business development metrics through Salesforce and related systems.
• Stay informed on emerging industry trends across commerce, retail media, AI, consumer engagement, and digital transformation.

• 10+ years of progressively‑responsible professional experience in account management, sales, business development, client leadership, growth strategy, or customer relationship management within a digital agency, commerce agency, consulting organization, or integrated marketing environment. Prior experience within Publicis Groupe or another holding company preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, or related field preferred; experience may be substituted.
• Proven track record of driving revenue growth and leading successful new business pursuits.
• Deep understanding of modern marketing, commerce, retail media, digital transformation, and connected consumer experiences.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or comparable CRM platforms.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to engage and influence senior client stakeholders.
• Experience leading complex, cross‑functional pitch processes across multiple disciplines and stakeholders.
• Ability to translate client business challenges into strategic, integrated marketing and commerce solutions.
• Active listener with exceptional storytelling, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills as well as a high degree of emotional intelligence.
• A natural sense of urgency with an ability to work quickly, efficiently, and accurately within tight deadlines and constantly‑evolving project…