Who we’re looking for:

This role is a key lead within the growth function of VML UK, working in VML’s integrated growth and marketing team, working closely with all capabilities across the business, the leadership team and reporting to the UK Group Chief Growth Officer.  
 
You need to be a proactive smart self-starter with a track record in driving growth and reputation. A problem solver, someone who can make stuff happen and champions our creative work at every opportunity. 

The attitude and approach of the Growth Director is, in many ways, as important as the experience and skills they possess – as the department is the heartbeat of our agency. In this role, you will be a face of our agency, forging new relationships and building upon existing ones. You will need to be an exceptional communicator, able to inspire confidence in clients and colleagues alike. The agency environment is varied and  
fast-paced and you’ll need to be a creative thinker to help identify and convert opportunities.

Therefore, the right candidate will need to possess bags of energy and drive and demonstrate a passion for growing current clients and winning new business. 

Outstanding organisational skills are an absolute essential – as are forward planning and attention to detail. The ability to manage complex workloads and absolute adherence to deadlines are key.

Success in this role will be determined by achieving individual KPIs which align to department targets related to revenue, profitability, brand perception and awareness, as well as senior stakeholder satisfaction.

To ensure success in the role you will work alongside another New Business Director, supported by an Associate Director of New Business, Senior New Business Manager and New Business Manager as well as wider growth & marketing team members across the UK Group. 

This is an opportunity to help continue to shape the UK’s leading integrated agency as well as the world’s largest creative network. 

 
Key Responsibilities

• Leading and Driving Key net new and organic growth opportunities within the business, driving the win strategy and working collaboratively with all key capabilitilies.  
  

• Lead key strategic initiatives for business growth, align with the agencies overall goals. 

• Identify new business opportunities and potential clients, developing relationships with key stakeholders.

• Monitor new business tracking, reporting, the revenue pipeline and leads.

• Arm the agency with a library of 

• New business material

• Transformational growth cases

• Thought leadership content

• Tech (eg RFI content and delivery platform)

• Training 
  

• Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends and opportunities within the industry. 
  

• Develop and implement a business development process, including lead generation, qualification, and nurturing. 
  

• Develop proposals and presentations for potential clients, showcasing the agency’s capabilities and expertise. 
  

• Stay up to date with industry news and trends, attending conferences and networking events as needed. 
  

• Manage and mentor the new business team, providing guidance and support as needed. 
  

• Create content and partnerships with key consultants, intermediaries, and analysts. 
  

• Develop new business relationships with key WPP agencies  
  

• Utilise VML marketing for growth content to drill down into targeted growth driving material for prospects and clients 
  

• Enhance our ABM strategy for lead generation and pitch prospecting 
  

• Work with the agency’s leadership team to develop new service offerings and revenue streams. 
  

• Identify and address any operational inefficiencies that may impact new business efforts.

Requirements

• Proven track record of success in developing and executing new business strategies in the advertising and marketing industry.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues.

• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and mentoring teams.

• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and financial performance.

• In-depth knowledge of the advertising and marketing industry, including trends, challenges, and opportunities.

• Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyse data and metrics to inform decision-making.

• In-depth knowledge of marketing and advertising techniques and strategies, including digital marketing.

• Strong business acumen, with the ability to understand and align business objectives with marketing strategies.

• Experience working with diverse teams and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.