Requirements
The ideal candidate will have senior leadership experience in digital marketing, advertising, media, SEO, performance marketing, MarTech, or technology-enabled services, with a proven track record of scaling businesses and managing P&L. Strong commercial acumen, business development capabilities, and deep knowledge of the UAE and GCC markets are essential. Experience building profitable recurring revenue businesses and leading senior leadership teams is highly desirable.
Description
Managing Director | Digital Marketing Agency | UAELocation: UAEAdecco Middle East is partnering with one of its key clients, a fast-growing digital marketing agency in the UAE, to appoint a highly commercial and entrepreneurial Managing Directorto lead the next phase of growth.Reporting directly to the Founder/Group CEO, the successful individual will assume complete responsibility for the UAE business, including revenue growth, profitability, sales strategy, operational excellence, client acquisition, team leadership, and regional expansion across the GCC.The OpportunityThis role is designed for a proven business builder with experience scaling agencies, digital businesses, or professional services organisations. The successful candidate will have full P&L ownership and significant influence over the strategic direction of the business.Key objectives include:Deliver approximately 40% operating profitabilityBuild and execute a scalable commercial growth strategyExpand market presence across the UAE and wider GCC, including Saudi ArabiaDevelop enterprise-level client relationships and strategic partnershipsImprove recurring revenue, client retention, and account expansionBuild and lead a high-performing leadership teamEnhance operational efficiency, productivity, and revenue per employeeIntroduce scalable processes, governance, and performance management frameworksIdentify new service offerings, verticals, and growth opportunitiesSupport strategic initiatives including partnerships, acquisitions, and market expansionAbout YouOur client is seeking an individual who has successfully delivered similar growth outcomes before.Essential ExperienceSenior leadership experience within a digital marketing, advertising, media, SEO, performance marketing, MarTech, technology-enabled services, or agency environmentDemonstrated track record of scaling businesses through significant growth (2x to 4x+ revenue expansion)Strong commercial, sales and business development capabilityPrevious responsibility for a meaningful P&LProven experience building profitable recurring revenue businessesStrong UAE and GCC market knowledge and networksExperience leading and developing senior leadership teamsExcellent understanding of agency economics, pricing models, utilisation, margins, and client retentionEntrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate autonomously and make sound commercial decisionsHighly DesirableExisting enterprise client network across the UAE and GCCExperience leading transformation, turnaround, or scale-up initiativesExposure to investment, M&A, acquisition, or exit-driven growth strategiesSuccess MeasuresThe Managing Director will be measured against:Delivery of approximately 40% operating profitabilityRevenue and EBITDA growthNew client acquisitionClient retention and account expansionMargin improvementCash generation and collectionsRevenue per employeeLeadership team developmentGCC market expansionWhy ApplyThis is not a traditional corporate leadership position.Our client is looking for a proven agency growth leader who wants to build significant enterprise value, influence strategy, and share in the success of the business. If you have successfully scaled a digital or agency business and are excited by the challenge of creating a market-leading UAE/GCC operation, this is a position for you.