Pitch and Event Technical Support

at Publicis Groupe in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

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