Managing Director - Marketing Agency

Higher Talent Inc . has partnered with Pilot° in their search for a Managing Director reporting to their St. John's, NL office.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Reporting to the President & Executive Chair, the Managing Director (MD) is the senior operational and leadership executive responsible for the day-to-day performance, stability, and growth of Pilot°. The MD translates vision into execution, ensuring the agency operates profitably, efficiently, and with strategic clarity.

This role is ideal for a seasoned leader who combines business acumen, people leadership, and operational discipline, and who thrives in a creative, client-driven environment. The MD must be a confident, credible leader internally and with senior clients.

The Managing Director is central to Pilot's next chapter-ensuring the agency is strong, stable, scalable, and future-ready, while preserving the values, reputation, and creative excellence that define the brand for more than three decades.

WHO THEY ARE:

Pilot° is a full-service marketing and communications agency with more than 30 years of experience supporting long-standing clients across the private, public and non-profit sectors. Small by design, Pilot° brings together a tight-knit team of uniquely talented and experienced professionals who leverage their individual expertise, networks, and trusted relationships to deliver exceptional value and meaningful results for clients.

With a strong, respected brand and a reputation for quality, collaboration, and impact, Pilot° is known not only for outstanding client work but also for treating employees exceptionally well, offering a supportive culture and highly competitive benefits.

Located in the heart of downtown St. John's, NL, the role offers an inspiring work environment surrounded by historic charm, vibrant streets, and the perfect setting for scenic lunchtime strolls and local shopping.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Agency Leadership & Management

• Provide strong, steady leadership to the leadership team and staff.
• Set clear priorities, expectations, and accountability across the agency.
• Foster a high-performance culture grounded in respect, collaboration, and excellence.
• Act as a trusted partner to the President & Executive Chair in decision-making and execution.

2. Operations & Workflow Oversight

• Own the operational rhythm of the agency: resourcing, scheduling, workflow, and delivery.
• Ensure projects and retainers are delivered on time, on budget, and to scope.
• Oversee project management systems, internal workflows, and process improvement.
• Champion consistency and discipline across tools, templates, and reporting (e.g., project management, time tracking, financial reporting).

3. Financial Performance & Profitability

• Be accountable for agency financial health, including:
• Revenue targets
• Gross margin
• Utilization and recoverability
• Cost control
• Work closely with finance/accounting to review monthly financials and forecasts.
• Identify risks and opportunities early and take corrective action as needed.
• Ensure pricing, resourcing, and scope decisions support long-term sustainability.

4. Client Leadership & Relationship Management

• Provide senior oversight on key client accounts.
• Step in as an escalation point when needed to protect relationships and outcomes.
• Ensure client work aligns with Pilot's strategic and creative standards.
• Support account leaders in managing scope, expectations, and value delivery.

5. Business Development & Growth Support

• Support new business development efforts alongside senior leadership.
• Help evaluate opportunities for strategic fit, capacity, and profitability.
• Contribute to proposals, pitches, and pricing strategies as required.
• Strengthen Pilot's reputation as a trusted, high-calibre agency partner.

6. People Leadership & Talent Development

• Has direct leadership responsibility for senior operational and client-facing roles.
• Lead, coach, and support the leadership team (Account, Strategy, Creative, Operations).
• Ensure clear role definitions, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of high-quality talent.
• Champion succession planning and leadership development within the agency.

7. Governance & Strategic Alignment

• Execute against the strategic direction set by the President & Executive Chair.
• Ensure decisions align with Pilot's values, brand, and long-term vision.
• Prepare briefing materials, operational updates, and performance reporting as required.
• Contribute to strategic planning and annual goal-setting.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Senior leadership experience in a professional services, agency, consulting, or complex client-service environment.
• Demonstrated success managing teams, budgets, and operational performance.
• Experience working with founders, boards, or executive leadership is an asset.
• Exposure to marketing, communications, creative, or adjacent industries preferred (but not mandatory).

Skills & Attributes

• Strong operational and financial acumen.
• Excellent people leadership and communication skills.
• Calm, decisive, and credible under pressure.
• Strategic thinker who can also execute at a detailed level.
• High emotional intelligence and sound judgment.
• Comfortable navigating complexity, ambiguity, and competing priorities.

Mindset

• Values collaboration over ego.
• Comfortable leading in a smaller market with big-market standards.
• Motivated by building something enduring, not just personal advancement.
• Respects creative cultures while bringing structure and discipline.

If you're seeking meaningful, creative and entrepreneurial work in a senior leadership role, apply today with Pilot°.

Rebecca Furey, Recruitment Specialist | View email address on jobs.swagapp.com

Higher Talent Inc. |

We embrace diversity. Individuals that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills are encouraged to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest, however; only those candidates being

considered for an interview will be contacted. Applicants considered for the position will be subject to a background check. This opportunity is only available for candidates legally entitled to work in Canada.