Overview of job
GroupM ESP, the Entertainment and Sports Partnerships unit of GroupM India, is looking for a dynamic and experienced Senior Business Director to lead our strategic efforts in Bangalore and South India. This role is pivotal in driving business development and creating bespoke solutions in brand endorsements, live event sponsorships, product and promotional licensing, sports sponsorships, and in-content integrations that are tailored to client needs. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with GroupM’s media agencies, engage with rightsholders to navigate the entertainment and sports supply ecosystem, and manage projects from inception through execution.
Location: Bangalore, India
Reports To: National Director, GroupM ESP
3 best things about the job:
- Access and opportunity to interact directly with key right holders in fast-growing i.e., Entertainment (Movies & OTT), Sports, Live and Gaming & eSports practice
- Independence to manage deals for certain clients/accounts on an end-to-end basis
- A revenue-driving role while being a part of a team which is industry leaders in the business of Entertainment, Sports, Live & Gaming
Measures of success –
In three months:
- Familiarize with the agency setup locally and understand the integrated work approach with various agency and specialist units’ team locally and nationally
- Exposure and grasp of projects in pipeline along with day-to-day activities on various brands
- Start interaction and engage with select right holders in Entertainment, Sports, Live & Gaming practice
In six months:
- Lead and develop proposals customised to client’s brief(s) by working closely with GroupM agency and specialist unit network
- Manage and work with the agency team to continuously be in the pulse of what’s happening at client’s end and be on top of upcoming client’s campaigns
- Orchestrate the inputs from the internal account teams and clients to mine out customized solutions from right holders’ network
- Gain industry expertise in terms of key relationships and keen understanding of modus operandi at right holder’s end
In twelve months:
- Start closing opportunities proposed within Entertainment, Sports, Live & Gaming domain with agency units and clients by demonstrating a strong focus on strategy, integration, and industry expertise
- Build strong relationships and nurture new ones with partners
- Initiate and drive key projects with agency units and clients with a revenue-focused approach
What your day job looks like at GroupM:
- Product Development & Strategic Solutions:
- Business Development & Growth:
- Stakeholder & Rights-holder Engagement:
- End-to-End Project Management:
- Market Research & Strategic Insights:
- Leadership & Team Development:
Minimum qualifications:
- Education: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field. An MBA or equivalent is preferred.
- Experience: A minimum of 10 years in strategic partnerships, business development, or related roles within the media, entertainment, or sports industries.
- Track Record: Proven success in negotiating and managing high-value partnerships.
- Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the media, entertainment, and sports ecosystem in India.
- Skills: Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills; strategic thinker with a hands-on approach; strong project management capabilities.
- Leadership: Experience in leading and mentoring teams, with a focus on developing talent.
More about GroupM ESP
GroupM ESP is a new type of sports and entertainment marketing agency, dedicated to helping rightsholders take advantage of digital and data driven changes in the media landscape. It is part of WPP’s GroupM. ESP is dedicated to helping properties better understand their audiences, develop more relevant ways to engage with them, and provide potential brand partners more valuable ways to connect with their communities of fans.
