Director, Client Operations (Budgets and Compliance)

Company description

As the traditional marketing funnel collapses and fragmentation increases, clients rely on Publicis Collective to connect media, data, technology, and teams by what matters most - business outcomes. We're a full-service media agency where nearly half our experts focus on data, research, analytics, technology, or strategy. At Publicis Collective, 100% of our 2,200 global practitioners can access advanced insights and scale media with precision through our proprietary OS, powering marketing that drives measurable business performance and transformation.

Overview

The Client Operations department manages client-specific operational tasks across practice area within the agency, working closely with Strategy, Investment, HR, Finance, Invoice Reconciliation, and Agency Administration & Compliance. We centralize and standardize fundamental work required across all pieces of business, as well as bring tactical and detail-oriented work streams together to find smarter, faster ways of working. We create a space for those whose strengths include being highly organized problem-solvers. We help differentiate Collective from our competitors and provide a critical foundation for the agency.

The Director, Client Operations will join a dynamic and growing team dedicated to optimizing processes and ensuring financial compliance. This role provides visibility to senior leadership and clients while offering high-impact learning opportunities.

The Director will oversee key operational tasks such as budget tracking and client billing, project management, compliance monitoring, process improvement, audit management, and financial reporting. Managing a team of 3-12 professionals, they will foster talent development, streamline workflows, and ensure alignment with both client and agency objectives. This role requires mastery of media systems, a strong understanding of financial compliance, and an ability to drive excellence in client operations.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership :

• Collaborate with VP+ level leadership on departmental priorities and talent management.

• Act as the primary liaison for Client Business Leads to address account-specific operational needs.

• Team Management :

• Oversee and allocate workload for a team of 3-12, ensuring timely delivery and accuracy of internal projects and client deliverables.

• Lead career development initiatives through task-specific training and coaching.

• Financial Compliance :

• Oversee planning/buying/billing system setups to align with client-specific needs while meeting agency standards.

• Manage critical financial tasks, including buy authorizations, maintaining ordered vs. approved & planned vs. purchased reports and ensuring accurate client billing and budget documentation.

• Address internal and client inquiries related to media billing and budgets.

• Manage internal and external Audits

• Compliance Application :

• Ensure adherence to client-specific billing procedures to maintain audit compliance.

• Understand the scope expectations and help deliver on them from an operational perspective.

• Manage staff lists efficiently and effectively partnering with HR, Finance, and other Operations teams.

• Process Optimization :

• Enforce workflows for billing verification and financial reporting (e.g., diversity reporting, monthly financial updates, forecasting and accruing).

• Partner with Strategy and Investment teams to address account-specific needs and proactively identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.

• Relationship Building :

• Serve as a collaborative problem solver and client expert for internal teams and clients.

• Communicate insights effectively, translating data analysis into actionable recommendations for strategists, planners, and buyers.

Qualifications

• 8 + years of experience in operations, client services, or media/marketing roles, with a focus on media buying/planning processes and financial compliance

• Demonstrated expertise in managing client operations processes within agency environments

• Proficiency in media tools such as MediaTools, Prisma, and MediaOcean.

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel & PowerPoint (pivot tables, v-lookups, and data visualization)

• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to align operational and client goals

• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and developing teams

• Experience implementing and monitoring compliance frameworks

• Familiarity with industry regulations (e.g., GDPR, SOX, etc.)

• Certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma preferred

• Leadership training such as Dare to Lead, Situational Leadership, etc.

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proficient in time management

• A proactive critical thinker with the ability to juggle multiple priorities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of fostering collaboration across teams

• Driven by a passion for learning, innovation, and delivering excellence in client service

Additional information

Our Publicis Groupe motto "Viva La Différence" means we're better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent.

Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive. Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off.

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact [email protected].

Compensation Range: $121,315 - $194,220 Annually . This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be July 1, 2026.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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