Managing Director

About the Company

distillery is an independent global creative consultancy that supports leading B2B businesses with marketing expertise designed to create measurable business impact. The company is driven by compassion, curiosity, and a strong focus on delivering consistently exceptional outcomes.

Role Overview

The Managing Director for North America will serve as the key leader responsible for shaping the region’s growth, operational performance, profitability, and overall market standing. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership position with full ownership of the North American business.

The goal of the role is to strengthen the business into a market-leading operation while protecting the quality and consistency of creative delivery.

People Leadership and Senior Team Development

• Build and protect a high-performance culture in North America that reflects the company’s values and balances creativity with strong professional standards.
• Lead, coach, and develop the management team, creating accountability and preparing future leaders within the organization.
• Work closely with the CEO and the regional Managing Director to ensure the North American business contributes meaningfully to global strategy.

Commercial Operations and Profitability

• Own the North American P&L and focus not only on revenue growth but also on delivering strong net profit margins.
• Apply disciplined financial management through budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning so that projects support business profitability.
• Develop pricing and commercial models that reflect premium positioning while keeping the operation efficient and lean.

Client Partnership and Growth

• Act as a senior advisor to the region’s most important clients, building relationships that move beyond supplier status to trusted strategic partnership.
• Drive business development efforts aimed at securing long-term, high-value, and high-margin engagements.
• Represent the brand in the North American market and help strengthen its reputation with top global clients and Fortune 500 organizations.

Delivery Excellence and Operational Discipline

• Set up and maintain strong delivery governance so projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and to a consistently high standard.
• Encourage smarter ways of working through AI, automation, and improved workflows to speed up delivery while controlling costs.
• Oversee major projects closely, identify risks early, and use post-project reviews to improve performance over time.

Requirements

• Substantial leadership experience at Managing Director or General Manager level within a consultancy, agency, or professional services environment.
• Demonstrated success in managing a P&L and steering a business toward strong profitability.
• Strong experience handling and expanding complex, multi-market client relationships across North America.
• Solid understanding of delivery processes, resource planning, and the operational side of a creative business.
• Ability to think strategically at board level while also staying close enough to resolve operational issues and support pitches directly.

Work Location and Schedule

This position is based in San Francisco and requires a hybrid work arrangement, with 2 to 3 days per week in the office. The role also requires flexibility to work across time zones and collaborate with teams in Singapore, London, and Dubai.

Benefits and Culture

• Competitive compensation that reflects seniority and commercial contribution.
• 22 days of annual leave in addition to public holidays.
• The chance to influence the direction of a fast-growing independent agency focused on humanity and transparency.
• A leadership environment that reflects strong diversity, with women holding 75% of leadership roles.