Senior Copywriter

VML

Department: Creative

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Requisition ID: 8636

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse. 

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.  Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work. 

Who we're looking for:

VML South Africa is looking for a Senior Copywriter. You will conceptualise high-quality creative ideas and present written copy, whilst staying true to the strategy and within the parameters of the brief, budget and allocated time.

What you'll be doing:

  • Understand client strategies, business problems and briefs, and translate these into creative solutions and executions
  • Know and understand clients’ corporate identities and needs
  • Gains respect from the Client and develops a valuable relationship with the Client organisation
  • Collaborate with an art director to conceptualise and execute great ideas
  • Write copy for various mediums
  • Proof-read work and those of colleagues
  • Record scripts for radio, TVCs and AVs, and direct VO artists
  • Collaborate with production houses to bring creative concepts to life
  • Follow direction from superiors and guide and support junior creative staff
  • Working closely with Account Management, Traffic and other creative to manage, meet and hopefully exceed clients’ expectations
  • Liaise with the Traffic Department to ensure the job deadline is adhered to
  • Review work with the Creative Director, followed by AM
  • Deliver presentations to pitch concepts to AM and Client
  • Work within a highly charged team environment and be a support to fellow team members
  • Stay on top of industry trends and apply such learnings in order to deliver relevant, fresh ideas that are on par with and, even ahead of, industry standards
  • Assist the Creative Director in developing new business
  • When required review work and provide feedback to junior team members

What you'll need:

  • Matric
  • A strong command of the English language
  • Relevant tertiary degree
  • 5-7 years experience in an advertising agency

Ready to make your mark at a leading global agency?

#LI-HYBRID #LI-EMEA

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction. 

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. 

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's 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.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's 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.