Group Account Director

About the Position

Group Account Director

New York, New York, United States

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About the Company

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions, and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

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Responsibilities

• Oversee and lead the brand’s commerce initiatives in a holistic manner (digital e-commerce and in-store)
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the client's commercial program(s) to win at retail
• Manage the overall business and ensure all team members are delivering brilliant work to clients
• Serve as the primary agency contact for the business regarding larger strategic initiatives and assignments
• Manage activity workflow and align expectations within the account team
• Manage the creative process and brief the creative team, reviewing concept and comp materials
• Proactively identify opportunities for practice evolution
• Work with the team in the development of concepts and supporting tactics
• Function as the primary liaison to middle and senior clients on behalf of the agency
• Support/provide strategic leadership to clients/client leads/agency and help in identifying growth opportunities and action plans for client’s marketing communications goals
• Provide support to client lead to effectively manage high-level global clients
• Manage internal client income projection and identify sources of incremental growth
• Manage resources to ensure client profitability
• Oversee tracking of financial forecasting/tracking and reporting and flag any potential projected income variance to Senior Management
• Work with client lead for overall staffing/resource allocation
• Manage client billing and financial status reports at a higher level
• Partner with strategic planning and creative teams for concept development
• Interact with all agency department heads to clearly outline current and projected workload on a quarterly basis for planning purposes
• Nurture the career development of junior staff by mentoring and providing ongoing informal and formal performance feedback

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Requirements

• Experience: 10+ years in commerce/shopper marketing, agency experience required
• Skills:
  • Strategic leadership in Commerce, digital, in-store visibility, and shopper marketing
  • Experience with Retail Media Networks, Target (Roundel) required
• Qualities:
  • Strong, proactive leader with big picture thinking
  • Sound analytical skills, ideally with Nielsen or IRI familiarity
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with seasoned presentation skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a team player attitude
  • Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and inter-agency

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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 inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
• Competitive benefits: Full-time hires receive a full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision), 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.

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Salary

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is $100,000-$230,000 USD. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications.

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Work Location

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve 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.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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