Account Director

VML

Department: Client Services

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Requisition ID: 9276

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:

Someone to drive insightful communications strategies and creative work; being proactive on the client's business; and the activation of effective communication campaigns cost efficiently and timely delivery; oversee the activities of AM /AEs all areas of an account; ensuring quality creative, production & media; develop associates skills base within immediate team; build strong & enduring client-agency working relationships.

What you'll be doing:

  • Work as a member of the team, project managing effective communication processes by applying agreed processes and procedures
  • Timeous & effective complaints management
  • Develops in-depth understanding of Clients business
  • Delivers against key account plan deliverables, build and maintain effective working relationships with others – client & agency to deliver effective client service
  • In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the client's business, including competitive activity, local and global industry and consumer trends
  • Leads meetings & delivers presentations
  • Contributes to integrated communication strategy development process – manages, participates and implements strategy
  • Manages communication research process (when required)
  • Manages creative development process, writes creative briefs & briefs creative, evaluates creative concepts
  • Manage media planning process
  • Manages implementation of production and delivery of communication activities
  • Directs overall brand office admin and communication – call reports, weekly status
  • Identify information, analyse, evaluate & interpret for inclusion into strategy/briefs
  • Ensure cost effective service delivery & therefore build Agency revenue
  • Identify proactive opportunities with future financial reward
  • Manage team from basic HR perspective incl. Performance management. Is responsible for team delivery
  • Manages Financials ito a) presentation of key CE’s/budgets to Client b) budgets & billings d) Monthly Financial reporting
  • Open to and active in sharing knowledge/intelligence
  • Contribute by effecting innovation that builds a positive agency culture, and actively foster or participate in fostering a positive work environment

What you'll need:

  • Must 5-7 years of proven experience in Account Management or Client Service within an advertising agency or marketing environment.
  • A strong understanding of integrated marketing communications, including brand strategy, creative development, media planning, and digital marketing.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Proven leadership skills, with experience in managing and motivating teams to achieve shared goals.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • A passion for the advertising and marketing industry, with a keen interest in staying ahead of the curve.

#LI-EMEA

#LI-HYBRID

 

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.