Managing Director - Performance Marketing Agency

About the role

A UAE-based digital marketing agency is looking for an accomplished Managing Director to lead its growth and development. Reporting directly to the Board, the Managing Director holds full responsibility for the agency's strategic direction, commercial performance, operational delivery and organisational growth. The role suits a commercially driven leader with an established client network and a proven track record of growing a marketing agency or comparable professional services business.

Key responsibilities

• Own the agency's overall performance, including revenue, profitability and P&L.
• Develop and execute the commercial and growth strategy in line with the Board's objectives.
• Drive new business, client acquisition, account growth and long-term revenue.
• Build and strengthen relationships with key clients, partners and stakeholders.
• Build a commercial pipeline across digital marketing, creative, social media, performance marketing, branding and content.
• Identify new market opportunities and emerging digital trends.
• Oversee operational performance, client delivery quality and profitability.
• Build, lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, including structure, succession planning and talent development.
• Establish a performance-driven culture with clear accountability.
• Work with senior leadership to improve processes, resource allocation and efficiency.
• Monitor financial performance, forecasting, budgets, margins and targets, and report to the Board.
• Represent the agency externally and strengthen its position in the UAE marketing ecosystem.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in a digital or integrated marketing agency.
• Demonstrated track record of growing an agency or comparable business.
• Strong commercial background with responsibility for revenue growth, profitability and P&L.
• Established network of clients and senior decision-makers in the UAE and wider GCC.
• Experience managing and developing multidisciplinary agency teams.
• Hands-on leadership style, close to clients and day-to-day execution while giving strong strategic direction.
• Candidates at Managing Director, General Manager, Executive Director or Agency Director level are preferred.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of digital marketing, performance marketing, social media, creative, content, branding and integrated marketing.
• Ability to prepare and present business performance to the Board or ownership.