Business Lead

Job Title: Business Lead

Level:  Director

Work Location: Berlin

Reports to: Managing Director DACH

Direct Reports: Associate Director Client Services

Whalar is the leading, most awarded, independent Creator and Social Agency.  We transform brands into cultural drivers by unlocking the full creative power of Creators. 

We go beyond the conventional social and influencer strategy. We have the technology and methodology to tap into the beating pulse of communities, listen to nuances that move culture, and connect brands in ways that make them unforgettable.

With hubs in Berlin, London, New York, and Los Angeles, our reach is global. 

About the role:

The Business Lead is a pivotal leadership role at Whalar with responsibility for driving growth across some of the Agency’s most significant clients.

In this role, the Business Leadr is required to pivot across category verticals in line with business needs so adaptability and a curious mind is essential. The successful candidate must have a strong record of client leadership, portfolio of accounts, revenue generation, and a passion for high-growth digital industries and creators.  

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 8+ years account experience, or previous equivalent experience and be comfortable working towards revenue targets. Experience and passion for working in the Creator Economy are valued and appreciated.

This role requires proven leadership expertise, commercial acumen and stakeholder management. The ideal candidate excels at crafting and executing client-centric strategies while fostering team collaboration to ensure operational excellence.

Here’s what you’ll do day-to-day:

Client Leadership & Revenue Growth:

• Drive revenue growth and deliver senior leadership across a portfolio of key DACH clients;  collaborating with the Managing Director DACH and the Director of Creative Strategy DACH to plan, develop, and execute strategies that maximize portfolio growth.
• Monitor team performance against goals, adjusting strategies as necessary.

Client Onboarding and Relationship Management:

• Partner with the Managing Director DACH to onboard new clients into the Pod, building long-term, profitable, and trusted client relationships.
• Engage with Marketing Procurement teams to establish sustainable commercial models that deliver value for both clients and the business.

Sales Pipeline and Profitability Management:

• Manage the Pod sales pipeline, ensuring excellent forecasting and pipeline hygiene.
• Review monthly campaign profitability, implementing plans to maximize ROI 

Operational Excellence:

• Collaborate with Business Affairs and Finance to ensure all partnership program paperwork is accurate and up to date.
• Work with the Managing Director DACH to establish a business rhythm that prioritizes team resources effectively and fosters a collaborative team spirit.

Strategic Leadership and Innovation:

• Provide leadership in the development of innovative, market-leading strategies that differentiate Whalar and deliver exceptional client outcomes.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends, innovations, and thought leadership within the Creator Economy, pro-actively taking creative business solutions to clients that align with business goals.
• Organize and lead Creator Economy learning sessions, leveraging support from the broader Whalar team to inspire and educate clients.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• 8+ years agency or platform experience with a focus on business development
• Strong experience in creative advertising partnerships at a senior level, including leading contractual negotiations. Experience at an Influencer, Social, PR or Creative agency or Platform is preferred.
• A strategic thinker who is able to see the big picture and use data effectively to drive decision making.
• An appreciation of creativity and culture with a deep understanding of the importance of creator marketing within the broader marketing ecosystem with the ability to discuss with senior marketers.
• Excellent communicator and active listener.  A natural storyteller who is able to build trust and rapport with stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrable team management/leadership experience
• High EQ with a Growth mind-set - we are a business growing at pace and adaptability to respond to changing market conditions and business needs is a must.
•  Fluency in German at a native level (verbal and written) is required for this role.

Our values:

Our people are our superpower. At Whalar, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are at the core of who we are. We are deeply committed to reflecting on the unique journeys, authentic voices, and perspectives of our people, our creators, and the communities they represent. Our hope is to impact accessibility beyond compliance and help break societal stigmas and stereotypes.  We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and enthusiasm for everything creator, we want to meet you and encourage you to apply.

The perks:

Whalar provides flexible benefits and collaborative work environments and experiences, so employees can work productively in a setting that best and uniquely suits their needs.

• 25 days of PTO + Winter break
• Monthly phone/internet reimbursement
• Professional development stipend
• New joiner Home office allowance 
• Volunteer days
• Social programs