Business Director

Message Space is the UK's leading specialist media buying agency for political influence and reputation campaigns. We connect brands with the decision‑makers that traditional media agencies cannot reach: parliamentarians, regulators, senior civil servants, C‑suite executives, and the advisers who shape policy and markets. Our client roster includes some of the world's most recognised brands, from Airbnb and McDonald's to EDF, Lloyds, and Visa.

We combine exclusive publisher relationships, proprietary Westminster audience research, and a programmatic trading desk with targeted out‑of‑home, video, and connected TV capabilities. The result is full‑spectrum campaigns that demonstrably shift opinion among the audiences that matter most. The Opportunity We are hiring a Business Director to take ownership of new business development and drive the next phase of Message Space's growth.

This is a senior commercial role with a clear mandate: bring in new accounts and deepen our market presence in financial services media planning & buying. What You Will Do Develop and execute a new business strategy that materially increases the number of key accounts across financial services. Leverage an established personal network of senior contacts to generate warm introductions and convert them into agency relationships.

Build and present compelling, insight‑led media proposals for B2B and B2G campaigns spanning digital display, programmatic audio, OOH, print, video, and connected TV. Own the full commercial lifecycle from prospecting through to pitch, close, onboarding, and ongoing account growth. Meet and exceed quarterly and annual revenue targets for new business. Collaborate closely with the Message Space team to integrate our political and elite audience targeting capabilities into every proposal.

Represent the agency at industry events, party conferences, parliamentary receptions, and networking opportunities where business is won. Contribute to the agency's broader strategic direction, identifying new market opportunities and shaping the service offering to meet them. Qualifications Minimum of 8 years' experience in media sales and/or media planning and buying, with a demonstrable track record of winning and managing significant client accounts.

Proven agency experience; in‑house marketing, corporate affairs, or government relations experience is a strong complement. Strong understanding of B2B, B2G, and brand campaign strategies, and how media buying fits within a broader influence or public affairs programme. Track record of successful business development with evidence of pipeline generation, conversion, and account growth. Experience creating and presenting cross‑channel media plans to senior stakeholders.

Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset and sharp commercial acumen. Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship management skills. Self‑starter who thrives with autonomy while collaborating effectively with a small, expert team. Direct experience advising or selling to clients in financial services (asset management, banking, insurance, fintech). Existing client relationships that could translate into near‑term pipeline for Message Space.

Preferred Qualifications Deep knowledge of the UK media landscape, including national newspapers, specialist political and financial publishers, and the growing role of partisan and digital‑first outlets. Understanding of programmatic advertising, data‑driven audience targeting, and how these complement traditional media buying. Experience operating in or alongside the EU policy landscape;
Brussels and EU market exposure is highly valued.

What We Offer Competitive base salary plus a generous, uncapped performance‑based commission structure delivering total on‑target earnings in excess of £100,000 for the right candidate. Opportunity to build and lead a new business vertical with significant growth potential inside a profitable, well‑established agency. Direct line to the Managing Director and a seat at the table in shaping the agency's commercial strategy.

A platform to work with premium media environments: national newspapers, Politico, the Financial Times, The Spectator, New Statesman, Politics Home, and many more. A small, expert team (no bureaucracy, no committees) with deep domain knowledge in political and financial audience targeting. Central London office in Victoria, SW1. Message Space is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.

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