Who we are looking for: 

VML is seeking a Group Account Director, Commerce to work on one of our largest CPG accounts in the region. The Group Account Director is responsible for the overall management, growth and profitability of our business, acting as a trusted agency partner for clients. As a senior member of the account team, the Group Account Director will lead global and/or local charter efforts, facilitating the delivery of strategic and creative Commerce excellence.

The Group Account Director must be new business minded, team oriented and possess excellent leadership, problem-solving, interpersonal and strong communication skills. Financial forecasting is also a key responsibility, providing information for senior leadership to monitor financials on a short and-long term basis.

As the senior advisor on the team, you’ll oversee a client engagement team to ensure seamless delivery of your programs. An ideal candidate must be comfortable with a fast-paced environment and be able to manage client relationships while resolving internal conflicts through consultation with functional and department leads. 

What you’ll do: 

• Provide Account, Strategic and Marketing Leadership
• Works with clients to uncover business needs and objectives, develops appropriate strategies, and identifies/implements solutions to help achieve client goals
• Possesses a full understanding of VML commerce capabilities, success factors and profitability measures
• Provides account team leadership, and conveys the specific requirements for multi-functional support to the appropriate functional management on a timely basis
• Serves as a thought leadership partner to their strategy and creative partners
• Work with SME teams within the agency and across the network to define and influence the client’s requirements in order to develop proposals and secure additional business
• Coordinate activities across large scale, complex marketing projects with multiple dependencies, restrictive timelines and risks
• Works closely with the project management and production partners to ensure delivery of all programs, on time
• Build and Grow Client Relationships
• Act as the client’s singular point of contact and entry point into all work being performed
• Meet onsite with the client to develop strategy, present concepts manage performance
• Understand client’s business and generate solutions to enhance client performance
• Deliver key presentations to small and large groups within the client organization
• Build trust, credibility, and collaboration
• Manage client expectations
• Responsible for client satisfaction
• Effectively Manage teams
• Monitor workflow across account, project management, strategy, creative and studio to ensure efficient execution/delivery of projects
• Build solid, trusted relationships with team members, clients, and industry thought leaders
• Maintain a high level of performance by the account teams and other agency personnel
• Oversees mid/junior-level account members in the functional performance of their day-to-day responsibilities and supports the development of their career
• Manage Financial Performance
• Manage the overall client/account profitability ensuring responsible financial management and delivery of account profit expectations
• Responsible for the financial profitability and growth of the account

Who you are:

• Significant experience in professional client relationship management and background in agency management
• The ability to plan and strategize at a senior level
• Ability to effectively interact with senior level client leaders
• A persuasive and confident approach to client presentations, results and agency reviews
• Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills
• Effective team management capabilities
• An impeccable attention to detail and budgetary restraints
• The ability to learn on the job quickly and to retain and recall relevant information on-the-spot
• Full awareness of creative processes and techniques for traditional and digital media
• Ability to have direct and tough conversations with client leadership as needed

What you’ll need: 

• 7+ years’ experience in a marketing/advertising agency environment, with 3 years of account leadership experience preferred.
• Commerce, shopper marketing, or CPG account experience preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of client relationship development and service.
• Proven experience working cross-functionally within an organization.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.

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 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 | 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.

VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.