Creative Pre-Engagement Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Pre-Engagement Director

🔹 Company: Mastercard

🔹 Location: Multiple locations (Athens, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Madrid)

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Advertising

🔹 Date Posted: July 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Working closely with SBLs and CA&E Commercial Lead to define client opportunities for new CA&E engagements
• Securing business growth through strategic marketing solutions and P&L management
• Client-facing responsibilities and influencing stakeholders
• Extracting market needs and inspiration to drive Creative Desk delivery

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, business acumen, and strong interpersonal skills to succeed in a dynamic, global environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Work closely with SBLs and CA&E Commercial Lead to define client opportunities for new CA&E engagements

✅ Review, analyze, and present clear and strategic recommendations to deliver result-driven marketing solutions

✅ Constantly track business and market trends to design and deliver the best solutions

✅ Manage P&L by tracking and acting on important KPIs such as Revenue, Margin, and Expenses

✅ Contribute to closing sales opportunities identified by the Business Development team

✅ Be the client-facing representative whenever necessary

✅ Be Mastercard's eyes and voice in the market for both internal stakeholders and customers

✅ Extract from the markets the necessities and inspiration that will drive the Creative Desk delivery

✅ Influence all relevant stakeholders to get necessary support and partnerships for business development

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration, stakeholder management, and strategic decision-making.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field

Experience: 10+ years of experience in marketing, with a strong digital data-driven background

Required Skills:

• Strong business acumen
• Strong people management and leadership skills
• Growth-hacking mindset with a solution-driven mindset
• Initiative to improve and drive results
• Structured and organized, proven to work independently in a remote team
• Curiosity and innovation
• Strong interpersonal communication and presentation skills with stakeholders of different seniorities
• Excellent oral and written presentation skills
• Fluency in English, with proficiency in other languages considered a plus

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the financial services industry
• Knowledge of Mastercard's products and services

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the financial services industry and knowledge of Mastercard's products may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (based on industry standards for a senior marketing role with 10+ years of experience)

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package
• 401(k) matching
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible work arrangements

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible work arrangements available

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and location.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Mastercard operates in the global digital payments and technology industry, focusing on innovative mobile payment solutions and processing.

Company Size: Mastercard is a large, publicly traded company with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Mastercard was founded in 1966 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry.

Company Description:

• Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in over 200 countries and territories worldwide
• Supports a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart, and accessible
• Offers a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses, and governments realize their greatest potential

Company Specialties:

• Global digital payments/commerce
• Technology
• Innovative mobile payment solutions
• Processing

Company Website: www.mastercard.com

ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's extensive global presence and diverse product offerings provide ample opportunities for career growth and learning.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring extensive experience and a proven track record in marketing.

Reporting Structure: The Creative Pre-Engagement Director reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Specialized Product Delivery within the Advisors Client Services organization.

Work Arrangement: This role is remote-friendly, with flexible work arrangements available.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand the role's scope and influence within the organization
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and engage with senior leadership
• Chance to develop skills in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and business development

ASSUMPTION: Success in this role may lead to increased responsibilities and career advancement opportunities within Mastercard.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Mastercard has multiple offices worldwide, with this role being based in Athens, Amsterdam, Warsaw, or Madrid.

Office Location(s): Athens, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Madrid

Geographic Context:

• Each location offers a unique cultural experience and opportunities for international collaboration
• Mastercard's global presence allows for remote work and collaboration with colleagues worldwide

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible work arrangements available

ASSUMPTION: The remote-friendly nature of this role allows for a high degree of flexibility and work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• On-site or virtual interview with the team
• Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Business acumen and commercial awareness
• Stakeholder management and communication skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Mastercard's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your strategic marketing solutions and their impact on business growth
• Research Mastercard's products and services to demonstrate your understanding of the company

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Business Acumen, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Thinking, Commercial Awareness, Growth Hacking, Solution-Driven, Initiative, Organized, Remote Work, Global Experience

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, business acumen, and cultural fit.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot, Pardot)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the projects and teams the candidate works with.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Doing the Right Thing
• Staying True to Ourselves
• Including Everyone
• Partnering at the Speed of Life

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Agile and adaptable to change
• Data-driven and analytical
• Innovative and curious

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate Mastercard's values in your daily work?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your role or project?
• How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders of different seniorities?

ASSUMPTION: Mastercard values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, seeking candidates who align with these principles.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple stakeholders and priorities in a global, matrixed organization
• Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day tactical execution
• Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Working remotely and managing a team across different time zones

ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, global environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique within Mastercard, focusing on pre-engagement and business development for new CA&E engagements
• Similar roles in other organizations may have a more narrow focus on specific aspects of marketing or business development
• Career progression in this role may lead to broader responsibilities within the organization or a transition to a more specialized function

ASSUMPTION: The unique nature of this role within Mastercard offers opportunities for growth and development in various directions.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a strategic marketing plan to drive business growth for a new CA&E engagement
• Conducting market research and analysis to identify trends and opportunities for Mastercard's products and services
• Managing a team to deliver a high-impact marketing campaign, exceeding client expectations and driving measurable results

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects and initiatives for this role will vary depending on the client opportunities and market trends at the time.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical timeline and process for a CA&E engagement from pre-engagement to delivery?
• How does the Creative Desk support the work of the Pre-Engagement team, and what are the key touchpoints between our teams?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the CA&E Commercial Lead and the Pre-Engagement team in the current market landscape?
• How does Mastercard support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
• What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role, and how can I best prepare to hit the ground running?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and engagement with the company's mission and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your strategic marketing solutions and their impact on business growth
• Research Mastercard's products and services to demonstrate your understanding of the company
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.