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Group Director Commercial Operations

VML

Department: Finance

Location: New York, NY, United States

Requisition ID: R-2301

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. 

Group Director Commercial Operations, North America

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking a highly visible and experienced tactician to serve as the Group Director of Commercial Operations, North America. In this hands-on role, you will report to VML’s Executive Director, Commercial Operations, North America, and be a trusted business partner to portfolio owners, Global Client Leads, and WPP executive stakeholders. You will direct North American commercial operations, ensuring financial targets are met and value is realized.

What You'll Do:

  • **Growth and Margin Optimization:**
  • Provide commercial advisory on pricing strategies, commercial models, remuneration, and procurement engagement.
  • Guide finance teams on costing and align commercial storytelling.
  • Ensure risk management via contracting with appropriate commercial and legal terms.
  • Protect projected revenues and ensure realization of target margins.
  • Help design pricing frameworks and manage forecasting/negotiations with top-tier clients.
  • Provide commercial input and recommendations based on a holistic view of client accounts.
  • **Commercial Management:**
  • Lead commercial operations for T30 and local giant client businesses.
  • Be a strong business partner and collaborator to GCL, Operations, PMO, and New Business teams.
  • Put together commercial stories and approaches based on facts, financials, and data.
  • Review MSAs and ensure compliance.
  • Proactively manage and ensure internal commercial compliance.
  • Build and manage procurement relationships.
  • **Commercial Strategy Activation:**
  • Ensure delivery of market rates to portfolio owners.
  • Provide inputs and data for updates for North American leadership.
  • Roll out initiatives related to commercial transformation, efficiencies, and training.
  • Upskill teams’ commercial acumen, maintain expertise, provide mentorship, and act as a lead advisor.

Who You Are:

  • Personable and approachable; enjoys developing others, training, coaching, and mentoring
  • High level of cultural fluency
  • Possesses the ability to work well under pressure, while balancing and integrating interests and incentives from multiple parties
  • Comfortable dealing with ambiguity at times

What You'll Need:

  • Previous experience in a commercial operations role, with robust expertise in negotiating and engaging within the Fortune 500 procurement arena.
  • Experience working in a commercial role in a large global advertising/creative network.
  • Experience working on multi-discipline pitches in a matrixed network.
  • Experience supporting commercial strategy activation in the market.
  • Excellent writing and presentation skills.

 

 

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.

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$100,000—$230,000 USD

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.