ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE
Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA, and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.
The General Manager (m/f/d) will play a pivotal role in leading, launching and growing a startup integrated marketing agency. The successful candidate (m/f/d) will play a crucial role in shaping the agency's success and contributing to its growth in the competitive marketing industry. This individual (m/f/d) will be responsible for overseeing and managing various aspects of the agency's operations, supporting its clients' well-established business as well as in-house brand identities and propositions supporting the go-to-market strategy. The agency will provide a fully integrated omni-channel offering covering; brand strategy, creative and corporate communications, PR, events and experiences, creative design, digital marketing, client servicing, and business development. As the agency is part of a group of companies there will be a direct access to a variety of existing clients. The proposition is around client growth acceleration, transforming companies from start up to high performing businesses. The role requires a strategic thinker, an effective team leader, and someone with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Your duties and responsibilities will include:
Leadership and Strategy:
- Develop and implement the overall agency strategy and vision
- Provide leadership to a diverse team, fostering a creative and collaborative work environment
- Drive the agency's mission to become a leading player in the integrated marketing industry
Brand Strategy:
- Collaborate with clients to understand their brand objectives and develop comprehensive brand strategies
- Oversee the execution of brand strategies, ensuring consistency and alignment with client goals
- Brand strategy to include the in-house brands and new businesses – identity strategy, proposition development and messaging
Creative and Corporate Communications:
- Manage corporate communication efforts to maintain a positive brand image for both the agency and its clients
- The role includes the internal communications strategy and plan for the group and its employees
Public Relations (PR):
- Develop and implement PR strategies to enhance the agency's and clients' visibility in the market, including PR strategy for the group and working closely with the communications team
- Cultivate relationships with media outlets, influencers, and key stakeholders
Campaigns:
- Oversee the planning and execution of digital and creative marketing campaigns
Events and Experiences:
- Oversee the planning and execution of events and experiential marketing campaigns
- Ensure seamless coordination and delivery of memorable brand experiences
Creative Design:
- Build best in class design team, producing visually appealing and effective creative
- Maintain high standards of design quality and creativity across all projects
Digital Marketing:
- Drive digital marketing strategies, including social media, SEO, SEM, and other online channels
- Full service digital offering including all channels; UX web design and execution, mobile application development and user journeys
- Stay abreast of industry trends and leverage digital platforms to enhance brand visibility
Client Servicing:
- Build and maintain strong client relationships through effective communication and understanding of their business goals
- Ensure client satisfaction by delivering high-quality services and meeting or exceeding expectations
Business Development:
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand the agency's client portfolio
- Develop and maintain relationships with potential clients, partners, and industry influencers
Budget and Resource Management:
- Develop and manage budgets for various projects and departments
- Optimize resource allocation to ensure efficient project delivery
To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, or a related field; MBA preferred
- Proven experience (typically 15+ years) in marketing, with a focus on B2B, B2B2C and B2C, integrated marketing
- Track record in a leadership role within an integrated marketing agency, previous experience as hybrid agency and CMO also considered
- Experience managing and leading a team of marketing professionals and entrepreneurial environments
- Strong understanding of branding, creative design, digital marketing, and public relations
- Extensive knowledge of of digital marketing channels, technologies, and trends
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
- Demonstrated ability to drive business development and client acquisition
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for building and growing businesses
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic startup environment that requires a hands-on as well as a strong strategical approach