SVP, Managing Director

SVP, Managing Director

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid, 3 days per week in office)

Company Overview

Our client is a full-service agency and brings together strategy, creative, media, and analytics to solve its clients’ toughest business challenges. As the firm continues to expand its senior leadership bench, it is seeking an SVP, Managing Director to help drive the next chapter of client growth and agency innovation.

Position Overview

This is a rare opportunity to step into the most senior client-facing leadership seat at an agency, owning the strategy, growth, and profitability of a significant piece of business. The role sits at the intersection of executive relationship management and integrated agency leadership, giving the successful candidate direct visibility with C-suite stakeholders on both the client and agency side. Three things make this role especially compelling for the right leader: first, the scope, you’ll direct a multidisciplinary team spanning strategy, creative, media, and analytics, shaping how all of it comes together for the client; second, the influence, you’ll advise client executives on business challenges that go well beyond marketing, positioning you as a trusted strategic partner rather than a vendor; and third, the growth trajectory, this role reports directly into executive leadership and carries real decision-making authority over investment and resourcing, making it a natural springboard to broader executive responsibility.

Based in Chicago with a hybrid schedule of three days a week in the office, this role offers the flexibility of a modern workplace paired with the in-person collaboration needed to lead at this level.

Position Responsibilities

Serve as the senior-most agency leader and primary executive contact for a significant client relationship, owning its overall health, growth, and profitability

Develop a deep understanding of the client’s business, industry, and competitive landscape to identify new opportunities for value creation and growth

Partner with executive leadership to shape long-term business plans, growth strategies, and investment priorities

Lead and align cross-functional teams across strategy, creative, media, communications, analytics, and technology to deliver cohesive, high-impact work

Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders, establishing the agency as an indispensable business partner

Direct decision-making across disciplines, resolving issues that could affect client performance or team effectiveness

Lead, mentor, and develop a large team through influence and collaboration, creating growth opportunities for future agency leaders

Champion the thoughtful adoption of AI and emerging technologies to improve client outcomes and operational efficiency

Ensure effective planning and execution across multiple workstreams, balancing long-term strategy with day-to-day demands

Drive accountability for commitments, timelines, and quality standards across the business

Position Qualifications

Required:

A proven track record of growing client or business relationships through strategic partnership rather than transactional selling

15+ years of progressive leadership experience within an advertising agency, marketing organization, or professional services environment

Experience serving as the senior executive responsible for enterprise client relationships exceeding $5 million in annual revenue

Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams spanning strategy, media, creative, technology, and analytics

Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to speak fluently to operating margins, growth strategy, and brand architecture alike

Executive presence and confidence engaging CEOs, CMOs, and boards on issues extending beyond marketing

Call to Action

If you’re ready to make an impact and take your career to the next level, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and a member of Talentfoot’s recruitment team will be in touch should your track record of success, experience, skills, and qualifications match our client’s requirements.

About Talentfoot

Talentfoot Executive Search specializes in future proofing organizations by securing forward-thinking leaders across sales, marketing, eCommerce, product, data, operations, finance, and technology with a track record of accelerating growth, innovation and profitability. Since 2010, we’ve partnered with more than 2,500 companies and lead the industry with a 98% client success rate. Learn more at Talentfoot.com.

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