Business Director

Adelphi Group•Chicago, IL

4d•$120,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

BBDO Chicago is seeking a strategically minded, highly accomplished Business Director to lead a key account in the global aerospace industry. The role calls for strong strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and exceptional client leadership. The Business Director will navigate complex business challenges, translate nuanced and technical information into clear, compelling communications, and build trusted relationships with senior-level clients. Serving as the primary business lead and strategic advisor, this person will own the client relationship and guide integrated marketing initiatives across digital, social, and traditional channels. The role combines strategic counsel and creative leadership with day-to-day business management, including coordinating teams and workstreams, managing priorities, maintaining high standards of execution and client service, and mentoring team members. The position is based at BBDO Chicago. The current in-office policy requires employees to work in the office Tuesday through Thursday, with the flexibility to work from home Monday and Friday. Omnicom policy requires at least three in-office days per week, subject to additional direction from the agency or manager.

Requirements

6+ years of experience in advertising, marketing, or a related field, with demonstrated success leading integrated client business.
Strong strategic thinking and the ability to understand complex business challenges, connect information across disciplines, and develop thoughtful recommendations.
Exceptional client relationship skills and the presence and credibility to engage senior-level stakeholders as a trusted business partner.
Sophisticated written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill technical or complex information into clear, compelling narratives.
Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a multifaceted business.
Experience leading integrated marketing initiatives across digital, social, and traditional channels.
Understanding of agency operations, creative development, and the collaboration required to deliver effective marketing communications.
Intellectual curiosity and interest in industries where technical expertise, business strategy, and nuanced communication intersect.
A proactive, solutions-oriented approach, with the confidence to challenge thinking, offer recommendations, and make informed decisions.
Ability to build long-term client relationships through trust, accountability, and strong business acumen.
Composure, adaptability, and leadership skills to navigate complex situations and evolving business priorities.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in B2B marketing, complex or highly regulated industries, or technically sophisticated categories.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary business lead and trusted strategic advisor, developing a deep understanding of the client's business, objectives, industry dynamics, and competitive landscape.
Own the client relationship, establish credibility and trust, and cultivate lasting partnerships with key stakeholders.
Provide strategic counsel and an informed point of view in client discussions, including navigating complex conversations.
Anticipate business challenges, identify opportunities, and recommend solutions aligned with the client's broader objectives.
Translate complex, technical subject matter into clear marketing strategies and communications.
Balance client priorities, creative ambition, and business considerations with confidence and sound judgment.
Lead integrated marketing initiatives across digital, social, and traditional channels.
Oversee deliverables including programmatic digital advertising, email newsletters, LinkedIn and social content, industry publications, and print advertising.
Partner with Strategy and Creative teams to develop compelling work grounded in business objectives and audience insights.
Provide clear direction to internal teams, connecting client needs with creative and strategic opportunities.
Champion strong creative ideas while ensuring work is relevant, effective, and aligned with client expectations.
Lead client presentations and strategic discussions, communicating recommendations clearly and confidently.
Drive day-to-day business leadership with organization, attention to detail, and accountability.
Manage multiple priorities, stakeholders, and workstreams while keeping broader business objectives in view.
Build working relationships across agency disciplines and foster collaboration and shared ownership.
Maintain high standards for strategic thinking, communication, execution, and client service.
Mentor and support team members, encouraging independent thinking, sound judgment, and professional growth.
Identify opportunities to deepen the agency's client partnership and contribute to long-term business success.