Group Investment Director

As part of Publicis Groupe, Starcom blends creativity, data, and deep expertise to craft media experiences that move people — and in turn, move business. Leveraging unique data assets, unparalleled media relationships, and the buying scale of the Groupe, we turn insight into impact.Today’s media landscape is faster, noisier, and more fragmented than ever. People are constantly scrolling, streaming, and switching — and despite more ways to connect, many brands feel further away from their audiences. Short-term thinking dominates. Quick wins overshadow long-term momentum.At Starcom, we see it differently. Change isn’t a threat — it’s an opening. Our mission has always been the same: know people deeply, then connect with them meaningfully. We unlock opportunities across paid, owned, shared, and earned media to keep brands relevant and resonant.We help clients navigate what’s next — not by chasing every shiny object, but by knowing which ones matter. Our media thinking is fuelled by human insight, built for the context of each channel, and optimised for the outcomes that count.Because when you move people, you move business. For today. For tomorrow. For good.OverviewWho are we looking for?Starcom Melbourne is seeking a Group Investment Director to lead the investment craft within our client teams. This is an exciting opportunity to spearhead investment strategy, elevate best practice, and drive value for some of Australia’s most iconic brands across diverse categories including FMCG, automotive, health insurance, retail, and more!You’ll provide strategic investment leadership, oversee client negotiations, and guide the team through a rapidly evolving media landscape, driving strategic investment opportunities across traditional media and the digitalisation of traditional channels (digital audio, BVOD, streaming etc).You’ll elevate Investment craft across the agency and provide expertise for our clients to drive business outcomes. From leading investment outputs, to providing leadership around productivity and revenue targets, and building strong media partnerships, you’ll use your broader investment leadership to drive value for our clients to deliver long-term opportunities.The Starcom team is experiencing incredible momentum right now - fresh off major client wins, bringing home metal from industry award shows, and ranking among the highest in Happiness scores in the marketplace. You’ll join a team that is collaborative, innovative, focused on client delivery, and committed to pushing boundaries in media.What will your day to day look like?Lead Investment Strategy: Drive investment outputs across traditional and digital channels, ensuring best-in-class delivery and value for clients.Client Leadership: Act as a trusted advisor, presenting market insights, negotiation frameworks, and investment strategies that align with client objectives.Commercial Oversight: Manage contractual KPIs, forecasting, and audit processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all financial workflows.Media Partnerships: Build and maintain senior-level relationships with media partners, leveraging opportunities for innovation and value creation.Team Development: Coach and mentor investment managers, fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and operational excellence.Innovation & Test-and-Learn: Identify emerging trends and lead initiatives across new trading platforms, sponsorships, and digitalisation of traditional channels.Integration: Work closely with planning teams and stakeholders to maximise outcomes and deliver holistic investment solutions.What will set you up for success?8+ years' of proven Investment Expertise: Deep experience in media investment, trading, and negotiation across multiple channels.Strategic Leadership: Ability to set direction, inspire teams, and elevate craft standards within a fast-paced agency environment.Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of forecasting, budgeting, and financial management.Market Knowledge: In-depth awareness of media products, market dynamics, and evolving digital trends.Relationship Management: Skilled at building trusted partnerships with clients, media owners, and internal stakeholders.Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable strategies.Communication Excellence: Confident in presenting to senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making.Additional informationBe a part of the Publicis Groupe family, recent winner of the Employer of Choice Awards and one of the world’s most progressive and dynamic modern communications businesses. You can learn more about us at www.publicisgroupeanz.comEnjoy all the benefits that come with our network offering:A comprehensive Wholeself program supporting Physical, Mindful and Financial wellbeing.A creative, lively and rewarding office environment where people love working with each other, supported by our Publicis Liberté flexibility approach “working your way, with us!”Access to our Global AI Platform, Marcel, connecting Publicis Groupe employees with opportunities for career mobility and collaboration across our global network.Extensive Learning & Development opportunities, including more than 15,000 learning programs via our online learning platform Marcel Classes.A culture of open feedback and support to reach your goals through our Career Conversations program.A committed Diversity, Equality and Inclusion strategy driven through our Viva! Women, Égalité, enABLE, EmbRACE, and Ecologique committees.Leave benefits including Birthday Leave, Flexible Public Holidays, and an additional 5 days of leave (after 2 years of service).Work Your World program enabling employees the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world for up to 6 weeks per year.Parental leave policy with up to 18 weeks (based on tenure) paid primary carer leave, secondary carer swap and Cub Care leave.Access to counsellors, psychologists and professionals through Sonder - an all-in-on digital wellbeing technology platform designed to support psychological, medical & safety needs.Proud partners of Diversity Council Australia, Pride in Diversity, Family Friendly Workplaces, Supply Nation and the Australian Disability Network.If you don’t tick every box in this ad, please don’t rule yourself out. We focus on hiring people who share our values of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, fearlessness, and integrity, rather than ticking boxes – so if this role resonates with you, please apply.Diversity. Inclusion. Equity. More than just words, these are part of our DNA. At Publicis Groupe we are committed to the inclusion and recognition of all people; regardless of race, age, culture, ability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status and religious affiliation.We believe that to deliver the best solutions to our clients, our people need to reflect the diverse communities in which our clients operate in. We value diversity and the skills, knowledge and experience that difference brings to our culture and solutions.Uniqueness is powerful; without it we wouldn’t be where we are today. So be you – we like it that way.We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for people with disability or those that require additional support throughout the application process. If you need any assistance or adjustments, please contact us via recruitment@publicisgroupe.com - your personal information will be kept confidential.