Account Director | Careers | VML
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VML Home Careers Account Director All Careers Account Director Brand VML Capability Client & Business Leadership Location Playa Vista CA United States Requisition ID 14517
Who We Are
VML part of WPP is a leading creative company that combines brand experience customer experience and commerce creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca Colgate-Palmolive Dell Ford Microsoft Nestlé The Coca-Cola Company and Wendys. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave Reports as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers Commerce Services Global Digital Experience Services Global Marketing Services and most recently Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition VMLs specialist health network VML Health is one of the worlds largest and most awarded health agencies. VMLs global network is powered by 26000 talented people across 55 markets with principal offices in Kansas City New York Detroit London São Paulo Shanghai Singapore and Sydney.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the worlds leading brands. We unitecutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions world-class creativity next-generation production transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counselin a single company -powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Opento help our clients navigate change capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information visitWPP.com.
Who we are looking for
VML is seeking anAccount Director to support a key automotive franchise dealer group within a large fast-growing global automotive account. This role will be based in our Playa Vista office in a hybrid workstyle. The Account Director is responsible for the overall management growth and profitability for the account and represents the agency at the client level. This senior account leader will directly supervise a growing account team providing support guidance and translating client business needs into clear agency action across functions.
This role will lead senior day-to-day client relationships drive delivery excellence across an expanding scope with a strong focus onautomotive new product launches go-to-market strategy and product lifecycle management. This individual will help evolve a modern operating model that embraces AI-enabled ways of working to increase speed and scale. The role reports to the Managing Director Account Management. The Account Director will also seek growth opportunities and may support new business pitches and pitch preparation as the account expands.
What youll do
Integrate Operational Excellence | Translate client objectives into clear briefs and coordinated cross-functional delivery. Apply category insight and operational rigor to manage complex launch and GTM workflows. Balance timelines resources and project financials to maintain quality and efficiency. Use AI-enabled tools to streamline processes and scale production intelligently. Innately understand clients business and generate solutions to enhance client performance through innovative product management strategies and execution. Deliver key presentations to small and large groups within the client organization often showcasing product launch plans market performance and strategic direction. Lead quarterly agency review meetings. As needed meet onsite with the client to develop strategy present concepts manage performance.
Influence Challenge & Forward Momentum | Communicate with clarity and authority confidently leading meetings and senior presentations. Proactively identify opportunities to improve the work evolve processes and strengthen client outcomes. Navigate ambiguity with steadiness offering solutions and advocating for approaches that benefit the client agency and team. Champion new capabilities and smarter ways of working including AI-driven enhancements. Keep senior leadership informed with timely concise and actionable updates. Escalate risks early with recommended solutions.
Build Relationships Trust and Team Culture | Monitor workflow across account team to ensure efficient delegation of projects with a focus on new product launch campaigns and related asset production. Work closely with the PMO and Campaign Strategy to ensure delivery of all campaigns ensuring robust product launch integration. Oversee team members providing guidance and fostering growth. Build strong trusting relationships with clients and internal teams through clear communication and dependable leadership. Lead challenging conversations with confidence and empathy maintaining alignment and momentum.
Who you are
A builder | Entrepreneurial attitude couple with a strong business acumen. Ability and appetite to bring people together. Innate ability to marshal people and create gravity around ideas.
Open and collaborative | Our team is close-knit and supportive and were working with a lot of unknowns - you must champion of team environments that are comfortable and encouraging.
Optimistic and resilient | Dig in and figure out how to work around problems. Yes and why not posture. Takes care of self and team. Balance needed to maintain stamina and positivity.
Ego-less | We all wear the hats that need wearing its a mentality that makes the team successful.
What youll need
8-10 years of experiencein account leadership within an advertising agency environment with demonstrated strongproduct management and launch expertise. Demonstrated track record of client relationship development and service particularly with large multi-layered clients. Experience working with cross-functional teams spanning acrossstrategy creative production and project management. Experience working with both tier one and tier three teams is beneficial preferably within the automotive category. Proficiency in Microsoft Suite as well as delivery systems and project management methodologies specific toproduct life cycle and strategy. An ability to adapt and thrive in fast-paced environments where priorities shift and speed matters. Demonstrated experience with modern technology-enabled delivery models including applying AI tools to scale output efficiently. Strong interpersonal communication skills with an outgoing and strategic approach working within layered team structures. Strong people leadership skills with the ability to develop junior talent and build team cohesion during rapid growth. Open to travel as needed for content shoots and client visits.
What we offer
Passionate driven people|We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.
Consciously cultivated culture|We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusivecommunity that is in it together bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
Competitive benefits| What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options medical dental vision to a generous 401k match 100 dollar-for-dollar match up to 5 of salary contribution and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.
Growth-minded opportunities| We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback growth-oriented mindset and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.
The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors including location business needs level of responsibility experience and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package click WPP Benefits for more details.
_70000-150000 USD
We believe the best work happens when were together fostering creativity collaboration and connection. Thats why weve adopted a hybrid approach with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
WPP VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
VML is a WPP agency NYSE WPP. For more information please visit www.vml.com and follow along onInstagram LinkedIn and X.
When you click Submit Application this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this we think its a good idea to read through ourRecruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read ourCalifornia Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us and how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.
When you click Submit Application this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this we think its a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us and how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.
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