Managing Director, PR & Head of San Diego Office at LEWIS Communications GmbH

Managing Director, PR & Head of San Diego Office

TEAM LEWIS is looking for a dynamic B2B/B2C comms expert to lead and grow a roster of established clients in the tech space. As a senior client lead, the MD will provide added-value strategic and creative consultancy with a specific focus on fostering client relationships and growing business. The Managing Director (MD) will also lead the agency’s San Diego US HQ office. In this office leadership role, the MD will champion a thriving supportive and inclusive environment.

This opportunity will suit an ambitious, proactive professional who wants to help develop and grow a transformational unit and make an impact. A leader with a strong entrepreneurial spirit who is ready to join a forward-thinking, fast-paced, independent global organization. 

About TEAM LEWIS

TEAM LEWIS is a global marketing agency that has grown from start-up to multi-national in a little over two decades. Its success is due to a combination of factors: talented creatives delivering award winning campaigns; expanding client relationships into new markets or services and its independence from outside investors. The agency, its people and client campaigns have won many awards, including Cannes Lions, PRovoke Media, ICCO, European Excellence, PRCA Digital, Digital Impact, Global Digital Excellence.

At the heart of the business is the TEAM LEWIS Foundation (TLF), a non-profit charitable entity. Since its launch in 2021, it has funded over 1,500 causes. The goal is to support 2,025 causes by 2025. The TLF promotes a wide variety of social, cultural, and environmental causes that benefit society. It aims to strengthen the bonds between the creative industries, businesses, government, and non-profits. Community charities are championed by employees, who in addition to the financial donation, volunteer their time and skills to leverage effectiveness.

Purpose of the role

The Managing Director (MD) will drive the highest levels of consultancy and client service to retain and grow profitable clients. This experienced account leader must have the ability to develop strategic, insights/data-led creative communication campaigns that engage diverse stakeholders on multiple channels.

The MD will spot opportunities to grow existing clients and play a significant role on new business pitches and onboarding wins. They will help drive the cascading of business across the network and forge strong relationships with international colleagues.

As Head of the San Diego office, the MD is responsible for adopting and promoting US and global cultural initiatives. A leadership presence, they will build meaningful relationships with the San Diego team and welcome and support client and network visitors.

• Develop strong relationships with clients, providing added-value strategic consultancy, creative counsel and initiatives for retention and organic growth
• Promote an integrated communications and multi-channel storytelling mindset to deliver a cohesive offer to clients
• Brief the creative engineering team to bring concepts to life for cross-disciplinary and multi-channel campaigns
• Run executive media relations programs, including providing media training for senior/c-suite clients
• Ensure the delivery of excellent, consistent service and results to clients; bring rigorous evaluation and measurement to campaign planning
• Be responsible for resource planning, budget and cost management
• Identify and secure upsell/cross sell opportunities with existing clients, plus client and services cascade opportunities across the network
• Build relationships/network with senior prospect decision makers and key intermediaries and influencers
• Take a lead role on credentials and pitches for prospects, developing the strategic insight, messaging and creative concepts
• Manage and motivate direct reports, setting and reviewing goals; work to maximize strengths, improve weaknesses and support career development
• Interview key potential hires. Help on-board and mentor these hires, setting them up for success
• Lead and participate in training, as a trainer and by contributing curriculum ideas

Main responsibilities – San Diego office

• Oversight of the day-to-day running of the San Diego office, including preparing for visiting clients and colleagues
• Help retain and develop a high-calibre and motivated team – inspire and nurture a first-class culture in which people can thrive and grow professionally and personally
• Communicate company news and updates to the San Diego team via the weekly standup meeting and regular e-mails and zoom chat
• Liaise with the Culture Committee re office events, outings, andcompany and personal celebrations and milestones
• Serve as a liaison between the senior team and the office; field and respond to questions and issues that may arise
• When needed, take charge of a situation and act, taking unpopular stands if necessary
• Manage the annual office budget
• Overall, be a collaborative, encouraging, supportive member of the agency’s senior team

About you

Working for a PR or marketing agency, you have an impressive track record of retention and organic growth of existing clients as well as winning accounts across a variety of sectors. With strong grounding in PR and experience in digital, social and planning, you are at ease counseling and guiding clients on a broad range of strategies. You know how to put a campaign together which successfully takes a client out of their comfort zone. You are an inspiring and collaborative leader with the aptitude to coach and motivate winning pitch and client teams to deliver service and work of the highest order. Mission focussed and dynamic, you like to exceed goals, deliver results and make a positive impact. You thrive in a flexible, open-minded, “can do” environment.

Supporting requirements

• About 8-10 years of experience with strong knowledge of the industry, emerging trends and technologies
• Deep understanding of integrated communications; experience integrating PR with digital marketing, content and broader marketing activities
• Relevant experience with large enterprise technology brands spanning AI, data management, cybersecurity and/or healthcare prioritized
• Experience in B2C tech; some experience of B2B tech would be helpful
• Experience in influencer marketing, understanding of affiliate marketing and social media best practices
• Knowledge of both earned media relations and sponsored opportunities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; an articulate and convincing presenter
• Successful commercial management; knowledge of finance, operational/information systems, HR
• Ability to problem solve, project manage and multi-task. Will take charge of a situation and act
• Integrity, humility, self-drive/initiative – and a sense of humor!

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of the responsibilities for this role. Other responsibilities may be added from time to time.

The expected salary range for the Managing Director, PR & Head of San Diego office position is between $125K - $150K. Base annual salary is determined by factors such as location, experience, and expertise.

TEAM LEWIS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating and fostering an environment focused on equality, empowerment and respect. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that supports and celebrates our diversity. We continue to invest in our efforts to ensure that TEAM LEWIS is a place where everyone can thrive.