Account Director

Company description We are closed for summer break, all applicants will be reviewed once we are back in 2026.

Mars United Commerce Powered by Marilyn is a global commerce company that delivers all the solutions clients need to grow their business today and tomorrow. Founded by the late Marilyn Barnett, we’ve become global leaders in four key commerce disciplines – Strategy & Analytics, Digital Commerce, Content & Experiences, and Retail Consultancy – that together form a United Commerce Ecosystem that provides all the expertise clients need to navigate the commerce marketing landscape. Our 800+ Martians across North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Asia exist to drive growth for our people, our clients, and our communities all across the globe. In late 2024 Mars United Commerce became part of the Publicis Group.

Overview We’re on the lookout for an experienced

Account Director

to join our fast‑growing shopper and retail marketing team in our Melbourne office. If you thrive in a fast‑paced agency environment, love building strong client partnerships, and know how to deliver complex shopper campaigns that genuinely shift behaviors, this role will feel like home.

About the role You’ll lead end‑to‑end campaign delivery across shopper marketing, consumer promotions, product sampling and experiential activity, working closely with major clients across ANZ. With a strong focus on relationship building, commercial performance and team leadership, you’ll be the driving force behind exceptional work and ongoing business growth. This role reports directly to the Group Account Director and plays a key part in shaping the future of our Melbourne team.

Key responsibilities

Leading campaign delivery: Own briefs from start to finish, guiding clients toward smart, effective solutions.

Developing proposals and project plans: Build scopes, timelines and cost estimates while keeping internal teams aligned and accountable.

Championing client outcomes: Ensure every campaign is delivered on time, on budget and above KPI expectations.

Managing and mentoring junior staff: Support growth, capability and performance in line with agency best practice.

Building strong client relationships: Deliver exceptional service and become a trusted partner in their business.

Driving financial performance: Manage budgets, profitability and monthly financial targets with full ownership.

Growing your portfolio: Identify new opportunities, lead proposals and support pitches to bring new business into the agency.

Contributing to agency thought leadership: Stay across the Mars United Commerce offering and help clients navigate the evolving shopper landscape.

The Person we are looking for has/is

Minimum of 5 years of commerce experience in a marketing or advertising agency inclusive of brand activation, BTL and/or shopper marketing.

Ability to manage large, complex projects and juggle competing priorities.

Strategic mindset with hands‑on delivery skills and a passion for nurturing client relationships.

Outstanding communication skills.

Experience leading teams and managing direct reports.

Collaborative approach with confidence working across senior stakeholders.

Commercially minded and growth‑focused with a drive to challenge the status quo.

Why Join Us You’ll be part of a global network with access to industry‑leading tools, flexible working options, and a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and growth. Plus, enjoy perks like wellbeing programs, career development opportunities, and the chance to work on world‑class brands.

Additional information Publicis Groupe benefits: Be a part of the Publicis Groupe family, recent winner of the Employer of Choice Awards and one of the world's most progressive and dynamic modern communications businesses. You can learn more about us at www.publicisgroupeanz.com. Enjoy all the perks that come with our network offering:

A comprehensive Wholeself program supporting physical, mindful, and financial wellbeing.

A creative, lively, and rewarding office environment where people love working with each other, supported by our Publicis Liberté flexibility approach — "working your way with us."

Access to our Global AI Platform Marcel, connecting Publicis Groupe employees with opportunities for career mobility and collaboration across our global network.

Extensive Learning & Development opportunities including more than 15,000 learning programs via our online learning platform, Marcel Classes.

A culture of open feedback and support to reach your goals through our Career Conversations program.

A committed Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion strategy driven through our Viva Women, Égalité, enABLE, EmbRACE, and Écologique committees.

Leave benefits including Birthday Leave, Flexible Public Holidays, and an additional 5 days of leave after 2 years of service.

Work Your World program enabling employees the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world for up to 6 weeks per year.

Parental leave policy with up to 18 weeks based on tenure, paid primary carer leave, secondary carer swap, and Cub Care leave.

Access to counsellors, psychologists, and professionals through Sonder, an all‑in‑one digital wellbeing technology platform designed to support psychological, medical & safety needs.

A workplace that stands together to provide a more open, supportive, and recovery‑forward culture for all employees with life‑threatening illnesses. Read more about our Working With Cancer Pledge: https://workingwithcancerpledge.com/.

Proud partners of Diversity Council Australia, Pride in Diversity, Family Friendly Workplaces, Supply Nation, and the Australian Disability Network.

We do not require that you tick every box in this ad. Research suggests that women and other people in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. We focus on hiring people who share our values of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, fearlessness, and integrity rather than ticking boxes — so if this role resonates with you, please apply.

Diversity. Inclusion. Equity. More than just words; these are part of our DNA. At Publicis Groupe, we are committed to the inclusion and recognition of all people regardless of race, age, culture, ability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, and religious affiliation. We believe that to deliver the best solutions to our clients, our people need to reflect the diverse communities in which our clients operate. We value diversity and the skills, knowledge, and experience that difference brings to our culture and solutions.

Uniqueness is powerful; without it, we wouldn't be where we are today. So be you — we like it that way.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for people with disability or those that require additional support throughout the application process. If you need any assistance or adjustments, please contact us via recruitment@publicisgroupe.com; your personal information will be kept confidential.

#LI-ES1

#J-18808-Ljbffr