π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Global Creative Business Director
πΉ Company: Smartly
πΉ Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
πΉ Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
πΉ Category: Advertising Services
πΉ Date Posted: May 1, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 13+ years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and nurturing creative solutions for major clients
- Collaborating with various teams to align on global strategies
- Managing client relationships and presenting services
- Identifying new business opportunities
- Staying up-to-date on industry trends and creative technologies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
π Key Responsibilities
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Developing client business plans and longer-term strategies
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Serving as the main point of contact for clients regarding Smartly's creative solutions
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Leading creative discovery and relaying critical information to creative services teams
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Managing and handling key client briefs, projects, and requests
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Presenting and pitching Smartly's services to clients
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Identifying and delivering new business activities to expand Smartly's services
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Maintaining regular dialogue with client creative leadership
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Understanding client business models and challenges
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Fostering and growing customer relationships through innovative creative services
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Staying up-to-date on industry trends, creative technologies, and best practices in digital advertising
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of client interaction, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or a related field
Experience: 13+ years in managing strategically driven teams, with a focus on navigating global accounts
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in account strategy planning and packaging creative services for scalable adoption in global markets
- Expertise in digital advertising platforms and technologies
- Clear understanding of integrating AI technology into creative support models for scaled adoption, creative efficiencies, and consistent creative delivery
- Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, while optimizing processes and ensuring creative excellence
- Demonstrated experience working in matrix organizations
Preferred Skills:
- Desired knowledge of SaaS creative technology solutions
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in account management, strategic planning, and digital advertising.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (Based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels)
Benefits:
- Five weeks paid time off (PTO), 11 company paid holidays, unlimited sick days
- Generous healthcare packages and mental health benefits
- Monthly wellness benefit and learning reimbursement opportunities
- 401K plus matching and equity grants for all new Smartlies
- Volunteer time off days and company donation matching opportunities
- Choice of computer (MAC or PC)
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and company discretion.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees (Large enough to offer diverse opportunities and resources, yet small enough for individual impact)
Founded: 2013 (Over a decade of experience in the industry)
Company Description:
- AI-powered advertising technology company transforming ad experiences for brands and consumers
- Seamlessly integrates media, creative, and intelligence capabilities to power billions of impressions and creatives annually
- Manages creative and media for 700+ brands worldwide and $5B in ad spend across major media platforms
- Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a multinational team of over 750 employees from 60+ nationalities
Company Specialties:
- Facebook Advertising
- Demand Side Platform
- Retargeting
- Campaign Optimization
- Feed-based Ads
- Programmatic optimization
- Self-service ad management tool
- Customizable reporting
- Product feed-based ads
- Multi-product ads
- Dynamic product ads
- Online advertising
- Performance marketing
Company Website: Smartly
ASSUMPTION: Smartly's extensive experience and global presence offer applicants a unique opportunity to grow and make a significant impact in the industry.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level, strategic role with potential for growth and leadership opportunities
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Chief Revenue Officer and collaborates with various teams, including Creative Services, Global Strategic Partners, and Customer Success
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a balance of on-site and remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a leadership role within the company
- Chance to work with and learn from industry experts
- Opportunity to develop and refine skills in account management, strategic planning, and digital advertising
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to learn, develop, and make a lasting impact on the company's success.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with a balance of on-site and remote work
Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois, United States
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is a major city with a vibrant business environment and a diverse talent pool
- The city offers numerous cultural attractions, sports teams, and outdoor activities
- Chicago has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: Chicago's dynamic business environment and diverse cultural scene provide an ideal setting for this role, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and personal enrichment.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager or a panel of stakeholders
- Case study or presentation to assess strategic thinking and communication skills
- Final interview with the Chief Revenue Officer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Communication and presentation skills
- Client management and relationship-building
- Industry knowledge and understanding of digital advertising technologies
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a case study or presentation demonstrating your ability to develop and execute strategic plans for global clients
- Research Smartly's industry, clients, and competitors to showcase your understanding of the market
ATS Keywords: Global Account Management, Strategic Planning, Digital Advertising, Client Relationships, AI Technology Integration, Creative Solutions
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their strategic thinking, communication skills, and industry knowledge throughout the interview process.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- AI-powered advertising platform
- Demand-side platform (DSP)
- Creative management platform (CMP)
- Tag management system (TMS)
- Data management platform (DMP)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with AI-powered advertising technologies and digital advertising platforms is essential for success in this role.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Customer-centricity
- Integrity
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
- Data-driven decision-making
- Continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
- Are you comfortable working collaboratively across multiple teams and time zones?
- Do you have a strong data-driven mindset and a passion for continuous learning?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with Smartly's values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling career with the company.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and clients simultaneously may require strong time management and prioritization skills
- Working in a global role may involve navigating different time zones and cultural nuances
- Keeping up with the latest trends and technologies in digital advertising may require continuous learning and adaptation
- Balancing on-site and remote work may present unique challenges, requiring strong communication and self-motivation
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to address these potential challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional account management roles, this position requires a strong focus on strategic planning and global account management
- This role offers a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI-powered advertising technologies
- Career progression may involve moving into a leadership role within the company or exploring opportunities in related fields, such as consulting or agency services
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to other account management or strategic planning positions in the industry.
π Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive business plan for a global client, including long-term strategies and tactical execution
- Leading a cross-functional team to create and implement a creative solution for a client's unique business challenge
- Managing a complex client project, involving multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines, to ensure successful delivery and client satisfaction
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and demonstrate their ability to manage complex, strategic initiatives.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's long-term vision for this role and how it fits into the overall growth strategy?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
- Can you provide examples of how the company fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning?
- How does the company measure the success of this role, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) will I be expected to track?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the company in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful, strategic questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and the company's long-term success.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a case study or presentation demonstrating your ability to develop and execute strategic plans for global clients
- Research Smartly's industry, clients, and competitors to showcase your understanding of the market
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.