We are currently supporting a strategic search for a senior leader to join a premier global integrated communications group.

This is a high-visibility, mission-critical role designed for a media visionary ready to architect next-generation marketing standards in Japan. As a core leader, you will bridge the gap between sophisticated data-driven strategies and Japan’s unique cultural landscape, driving measurable business growth for a diverse portfolio of world-class brands.

About the Role

The Media Director serves as the strategic compass for the agency’s media operations, driving the end-to-end project lifecycle from initial design to rigorous governance. Reporting directly to the Head of Media, you will lead a cross-functional team of specialists and manage a complex network of external suppliers and media vendors to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions.

The "vibe" of this role is a sophisticated balance of high-level strategic consultancy and disciplined operational excellence. You are expected to act as a "trusted advisor" to senior client stakeholders, moving beyond simple execution to provide holistic business solutions. This is an environment that values a growth mindset, where you will use robust data and AI tools to back your intuition and deliver outstanding performance.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Design the overall media project architecture, enforcing strict governance to manage quality, timelines, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as the primary strategic lead, leveraging a deep understanding of the modern media ecosystem (Digital, TV, and Offline) to guide client business goals.
• Architect integrated solutions that harness "Cultural Capital" to build brand trust and drive actual commerce.

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Cultivate and strengthen senior-level client relationships, establishing yourself as a vital business partner and escalation point.
• Orchestrate collaboration across internal specialist teams and external media partners to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Negotiate complex agreements and uncover latent client needs to ensure long-term partnership health.

Commercial & Operational Excellence

• Own the full financial health (P&L) of assigned projects, including budget formulation, revenue management, and cost control.
• Identify and convert up-sell and cross-sell opportunities to drive agency growth alongside client success.
• Mentor and develop managers and team members, fostering a high-performance culture rooted in ownership and ambition.

Requirements



• Industry Expertise: Approximately 7+ years of practical management experience within an advertising or media agency.
• Technical Breadth: Comprehensive knowledge of the media ecosystem, including TV, offline, digital display, ad networks, and third-party partnerships.
• Project Leadership: A proven track record of managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder campaigns with full P&L responsibility.
• Strategic Mindset: Strong logical thinking skills with the ability to structure complex issues and drive holistic solutions.
• Soft Skills: Advanced negotiation abilities and the leadership presence to mentor talent in a fast-paced environment.
• Cultural Fluency: Ability to operate with a global perspective while maintaining deep relevance within the Japanese market.

Why Apply

• Strategic Influence: Stand at the core of a process that reshapes how global brands engage with Japanese culture and consumers.
• Innovation-Led Environment: Access a sophisticated operating system powered by data and AI (Converged.AI) to elevate your media strategies.
• High-Stakes Impact: Take full ownership of large-scale projects and P&L, providing a direct line of sight between your decisions and business outcomes.
• Global Momentum: Be part of one of the world’s largest communications groups, leveraging a network of 23,000 experts across 100 countries.
• Career Trajectory: Join an agency focused on "building and shaping" rather than maintaining, offering a stage for significant professional challenge and growth.