Associate Director, Brand

Company description

CoLab is a fully integrated, cross-discipline team that provides best-in-class services in a fluid and modular way. With our clients at the center, we create brand movement at the speed of people’s lives by connecting real-time data with world-class creative, content, and media in service of growth and Return on investment.

CoLab is a “power of one” solution, encompassing data, media, and production. By drawing from across the vast Publicis Groupe network, we are uniquely positioned to deliver innovation and specialized skills to our clients, as well as enriching opportunities and inclusive benefits to our employees. We pride ourselves on combining the atmosphere of a startup company with the stability and experience of a global leader.

The Associate Director, Brand Experience will lead the digital strategy and planning process for assigned Pharma clients, playing a pivotal role in shaping brand strategy. This leadership position involves fostering strong client relationships across all levels and managing the internal strategy team. The Associate Director will also be hands‑on in executing strategic plans and ensuring fiscal accountability for budget management.

• Collaborate and lead development of media and communications strategies:
  • Partner with strategic solutions to interrogate client briefs and respond as relevant
  • Work with strategic solutions and audience outcome teams to develop recommended audience approaches, including identifying sources of growth, segmenting and prioritizing audiences, and developing audience data strategies
  • Develop a strong understanding of target audiences, including multicultural segments, using research tools and data‑led analysis. Craft effective communications strategies rooted in audience insight and a deep understanding of the client’s business
  • Partner with cross‑functional agencies to integrate media into holistic marketing strategies and creative ideas
  • Present strategic approaches and/or media strategies to clients
• Steward client budgets and media plan scenarios:
  • Oversee and evaluate full‑funnel media plan budget scenarios and recommended channel allocations using proprietary and syndicated tools, applications, historical performance data, and audience insights
  • Assist direct reports in routine budget QA, troubleshooting, and problem solving
  • Identify optimal creative formats and messaging for creative concepting and tactical planning
• Effectively manage clients, direct reports & cross‑functional teams:
  • Oversee timelines, projects, and cross‑functional teams effectively
  • Perform quality assurance (QA) and review client deliverables to ensure accuracy, quality, and excellence in financial stewardship, budget management, POVs, internal briefs, and recommendations
  • Build strong, collaborative client relationships to instill trust and authority on behalf of the agency
  • Coach and support direct reports in skill development, ensuring the completion of mandatory trainings
  • Manage and develop direct reports through catch‑ups, soliciting 360‑degree feedback, and evaluating performance through wrap‑up sessions as directed by Publicis
• Deliver thought leadership:
  • Craft points of view (POVs) on key category, competitive, client, and media opportunities
  • Identify and implement optimizations for agency and client processes, tools, and systems
  • Maintain in‑depth knowledge of media trends and clients’ categories

• 5+ years of experience in digital media planning across channels with increasing responsibility
• Pharma and HCP experience preferred
• Previous team management experience
• Experience working within media systems/platforms (Kantar, IMS, Media Tools Flowchart Software, R/F and Optimization Software, com Score, Prisma, Mbox, MRI/GfK, GWI)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with strong understanding of Excel and Power Point
• Proven expertise in holistic media strategy, planning, implementation, and reporting.
• Strong budget management experience, including forecasting and actualizing budgets.
• Demonstrated business acumen with a track record of success in media services.
• Ability to think strategically and critically, offering unconventional solutions…