Business Unit Director

Established in 2004,
OLIVER is the world’s first and only specialist in designing, building, and running bespoke in‑house agencies and marketing ecosystems for brands. We partner with over 300 clients in 40+ countries and counting. Our unique model drives creativity and efficiency, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions that resonate deeply with audiences.

As a part of The Brandtech Group
, we’re at the forefront of leveraging cutting‑edge AI technology to revolutionise how we create and deliver work. Our AI solutions enhance efficiency, spark creativity, and drive insightful decision‑making, empowering our teams to produce innovative and impactful results.

Business Unit Director

Johannesburg/Pretoria, South Africa (hybrid)

Working in partnership with our clients, the Business Unit Director will understand the complexities around working together with clients on a daily basis and has a strong passion for championing and producing engaging and innovative creative work. We’re looking for a strong strategic thinker who works closely with the client as a long‑term business partner, steering the development of their brand and marketing strategy and building lasting relationships with Brand Directors and Brand VPs.

The Business Unit Director will be responsible for the commercial growth of the portfolio and will identify, lead and drive opportunities for growth and innovation. The Business Unit Director is ultimately responsible for the relationship between Agency and Client (driving strong and enduring Client/Agency working relationships, driving Integration of the Agencies offerings effectively).

• Manage the delivery and set income targets for a group of clients
• Explore and recommend new cost‑effective/innovative methods to deliver campaigns
• Overall delivery of client briefs through active team management and distribution of workload
• Manage all day‑to‑day activity relating to the client accounts
• Understand the role of communication within the broader business context to aid the development of the agency's relationship with the client from advertising supplier to marketing communication partner and Brand Leader
• Ensure a thorough understanding of the production processes and costs in order to maximise agency profitability and client budgets
• Deliver business initiatives that enhance the development of skills, knowledge and good practice
• Deliver tactical solutions when necessary to achieve higher quality within the confines of cost and time ensuring that any change is clearly communicated across the business
• Implement change within the business to achieve operational excellence to take the lead as brand leaders with the Client and throughout the agency
• Case Studies: ensure detailed strategic case studies of all campaigns on are kept and updated on a quarterly basis
• Explore and secure opportunities for organic growth and cross‑selling
• Assist with New Business activities e.g. Project Management of a pitch
• Ensure clear understanding of the client's business requirements and to translate this into clear deliverables for your team
• Lead and drive integration between various agencies working on the Client's account
• Adhere to company guidelines, such as timely completion of performance conversations and time sheets, accurate revenue forecasts and achieving ultimate utilisation of budgets and targets
• Ensure understanding of the relevant client contract and relevant legal/regulatory guidelines
• Actively network within the industry to identify and create potential leads, contacts and opportunities.
• Exceptional relationship building skills with a track history of creating long‑lasting, beneficial alliances with clients
• Act as the escalation point for the client for any issues with your teams, taking a problem‑solving attitude and approach
• Confident with client interaction and challenging them, when necessary, whilst maintaining a positive relationship.
• The ability to negotiate to create win‑win compromises with the client on behalf of the team where needed.
• Responsible for the guidance and development of the team so great communication is essential; ability to inspire the team and spot…