Job Information
Publicis Groupe Pitch and Event Technical Support in Chicago, Illinois
Company Description
Publicis Resources is the backbone of Publicis Groupe, the world’s third-largest communications group. Formed in 1998 as a small team to service a few Publicis Groupe firms, Re:Sources has grown to 5,000+ people servicing a global network of prestigious advertising, public relations, media, healthcare and digital marketing agencies. We provide technology solutions and business services including finance, accounting, legal, benefits, procurement, tax, real estate, treasury and risk management to help Publicis Groupe agencies do what they do best: create and innovate for their clients.
In addition to providing essential, everyday services to our agencies, Re:Sources develops and implements platforms, applications and tools to enhance productivity, encourage collaboration and enable professional and personal development. We continually transform to keep pace with our ever-changing communications industry and thrive on a spirit of innovation felt around the globe. With our support, Publicis Groupe agencies continue to create and deliver award-winning campaigns for their clients.
The company is a premier shared services company serving the financial, technological and administrative needs of U.S.-based business units of the world’s third largest Communications company. With 2021 net revenues of over 10 billion Euros, the parent company specializes in Advertising, Digital, Media buying and consultancy. The parent company is present in over 100+ countries on 5 continents, with 100,000+ employees.
Job Description
The US Growth and Global Business Development team are uniquely positioned teams that support our core Publicis Media agencies (Digitas, Infinite Roar, PHM, Publicis Collective, Spark, Starcom and Zenith) and our Groupe Po1 solutions, spanning across the entire Groupe portfolio (creative, health, digital services, production and data).
Sometimes we move like ninjas, other times we operate like a wrecking ball to drive change. Regardless of our approach, we’re a tight and encouraging group of teammates who move fast, are extremely productive, willing to lean on one another for support and – above all – drive work that enables our agency’s pitch efforts to succeed. This role is unique as it drives best practices, thought leadership, and innovation across all agencies, pitches, and innovative IT/AV ways of working. Rather than working for a single agency, our work impacts all Publicis US Business Development, IT/AV, Operations, and network subject matter experts across disciplines and capabilities.
The Pitch and Event Technical Support role is suited for a seasoned IT/AV professional and someone who is key to driving success in new business conversion. You will be responsible for independently leading technical pitch excellence across multiple locations.
To succeed in this role, you will need to have a deep understanding of IT and AV protocols, tools, and processes, as well as the ability to troubleshoot in high-stress situations if an issue arises. You will need proven collaborative and leadership skills with the ability to connect with multiple teams across brands, geographies, and practices. You will thrive in a fast-paced and agile environment. Self-starters, people who are naturally curious, are comfortable working in grey space, have mentorship experience, and are willing to travel are successful in this role.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Skills:
Dedicated IT/AV technician for new business pitches both onsite and offsite at client offices
Proficient in audiovisual and video conferencing systems such as Cisco, Poly, MS Teams, Zoom, Google Meets, etc.
Extensive knowledge of Windows PC and Mac, as well as the following applications: Microsoft Office 365, Adobe platforms and the following web conferencing platforms: MS Teams, Zoom, BlueJeans, WebEx, Google Meets.
Ability to design and set up AV-VC equipment for client presentations internally and externally and/or work with outside partner vendors for extensive hybrid meeting productions
Proficient knowledge and understanding of how to stream live events and presentations. Background in live production is preferred but not required
Proactively research new solutions and technologies to support our team, processes, and evolving tech requests for pitch presentations
Experience in the use of VC reporting and monitoring tools
Foster and maintain positive and trusting relationships with Global Business Development and US Business Development teams, Service Desk, Service Delivery Services, Infrastructure Team, 3rd Party Vendors, Group IT Teams and additional Groupe agencies as needed
Build knowledge of key pitching locations across our US campuses
Must be able to travel to the locations within the US
Pitch Planning and Preparation:
Ensure Pitch Technology Stack is always up to date and ready to use
Test Pitch Technology Stack on a regular basis and provide feedback on updates/new technology
Own, adapt and share our technical questions ensuring we get the information we need to be best prepared and identify potential problems
Lead tech checks on web conference platforms
Work with external vendors to find new tech solutions for meetings
Prepare and issue tech kits for on and offsite meetings – ensuring all items are returned and fully maintained ready for the next use.
Ensure requests and incidents are managed effectively and within SLA
Ensure that documentation is created and maintained in accordance with corporate standards to ensure that it remains relevant and always up-to-date.
Onsite Client Meetings:
Assist with the selection of room selection, guaranteeing the room technology is fit for purpose – propose alternatives where needed
Identify, prepare and test all required technology/equipment prior to all rehearsals and pitch meetings
Main point of contact between ReSources Technical Teams to ensure back-end support is prepared
Installation and set-up of technical AV/VC systems and software (screens, vision switchers, video conferencing & streaming of live events, PA systems, Wireless Technology)
In-room or outside-of-room on-call during pitch rehearsals and final presentation meetings to immediately respond to any technical issues that may arise
Coordinate supplemental support in addition to Publicis Groupe offices, as needed
Troubleshoot issues with both the AV/VC teams and other IT colleagues.
Offsite Client Meetings:
Identify technology being used at client/remote site and research set up specs to prep, as needed. Travel to pitch site for tech check, when client allows
Travel and attend client meeting to be in-room set up and troubleshoot support, when client allows
Collaborate with client IT/AV team members to provide backup support or guidance to troubleshoot
Accountable for the return of all equipment.
Qualifications
CRITICAL SKILLS
Fearless and confident leader in group settings and with executive leadership, setting expectations and flagging potential issues before they happen
Clear and collaborative communicator who can get the best out of people at the highest pressured times
Strategic mindset - seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies
Flawless project management and organizational skills
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Communicate – clearly, concisely, adapted for audience (including executive leadership, C-suite and client-facing work), with an eye toward soliciting needed response
Invent without precedence – new models, new approaches, new stories, new capabilities
Anticipate, don’t wait to be told; understand what will be needed and drive against it
Operate with a balance of roots & wings – pivot between aspirational vision and core fundamentals & tactics
Work comfortably & effectively in fast-shifting and constantly iterating environments and situations, able to shift gears and deal with ambiguity
Build relationships, facilitate consensus, empower people – match, pace & lead
Simplify complex concepts, constructs and language
Manage & deliver in high-pressure situations
Collegial – injects a spirit of inclusiveness, collaboration, humor and fun
Ego-less and willing to jump in regardless of level or project size
THE RIGHT PERSON / QUALIFICATIONS
5+ years in IT/AV
Previous Business Development support experience - background in business development or in other live production technical support with cross-over skills
Drives vision and purpose - painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action
A natural-born planner, with excellent attention to detail and a passion for organizing processes and people
Ability to perform in a fast-paced and changing environment, under pressure to deadline
Strong communication skills – Communicate clearly, concisely, adapted for executive audience, with a focus on soliciting feedback and driving consensus
Ability to anticipate - Proactive self-starter with ability to understand what is needed and drive against it
Excellent management skills - Work comfortably and effectively in fast-shifting, high-pressure, and constantly iterating environments and situations
Build meaningful relationships - Establish productive working relationships, facilitate consensus, empower people, and inject a spirit of inclusiveness
Drive simplification – Ability to simplify complex concepts, constructs, and language
Proven ability to guide cross-functional teams to a common vision
A relentless competitive nature and hunger to win
Physical Requirements
The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job.
Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs
Must be able to work on a ladder if required
Must also be able to sit or stand for an extended period, walk, lift, carry, reach, push, pull, and crawl under desks
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Salary range: $80-95K/yr. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. For this role, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off.