Director, Client Advice Management

Location : Italy

Office : Milano

Agency : Initiative - Italy

Ref# : 1240

Position Summary

You will have strong strategic planning skills in managing multiple brands of a similar scale. Leading the Initiative planning process on all key briefs, you will ensure campaigns are executed seamlessly and innovatively, along with client KPIs being met. You will also be responsible for team functionality and performance management, leading best practices for more effective and efficient ways of working.

You are the day-to-day client lead and keep your Managing Partner informed with your category expertise, status updates, and proactive guidance. You provide continual advice and are seen as a trusted advisor to them and their goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Accountable for the entire business, responsible for the right team structure and mechanisms to ensure consistent quality and holistic campaign planning.
• Responsible for delivering positive client satisfaction scores.
• Lead the client relationship through all interactions.
• Guide the team in an efficient and effective manner.
• Create, lead, and manage work-back schedules for all briefs, with weekly updates to the Managing Partner.
• Ensure quality control of the planning process and participate in final sign-offs on communication plans.
• Review and challenge work across all crafts and specialisms to meet expectations.
• Consider awards approach and track campaign results continually.
• Manage client remuneration structures in collaboration with your Managing Partner.
• Understand client contract inclusions and exclusions.
• Oversee group budgets and business drivers to meet financial targets.
• Develop proactive solutions aligned with client business objectives.
• Own the financial reconciliation process and contract commercials.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Proficiency in English and Italian, both written and spoken.
• Experience in multi-category communications, focusing on offline media planning.
• Ability to manage client pushback professionally at a senior level.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong operational skills and people development abilities.
• Self-starter with the ability to work autonomously.
• Works well under pressure and maintains composure, positively influencing others.
• Ability to track client revenue and update senior management.
• Develops effective business plans with your Managing Partner.
• Results-oriented with high goals for self and others.
• Comfortable challenging the status quo to ensure optimal client results.
• Ability to manage a wider team, including offline and digital members.

About us

Initiative differentiates itself from other media agencies by not being bound by legacy structures centered on paid advertising. Instead, we are structured to deliver highly differentiated and effective communication strategies through our concept of 'Cultural Velocity'—moving through culture rapidly for relevance. Our process combines unique insights, leading analytics, and strategic media brilliance. Our structure includes 'craft centers' such as Client Advice and Management, Strategy, Communications Design, Partnership and Culture, Insights & Analytics.