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Senior Account Director (Digital & Social)

VML

Department: Client & Business Leadership

Location:

Requisition ID: 9998

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. 

Background

VML is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Account Director to join our Digital & Social Team. This is a pivotal role focused on leading client relationships, driving strategic growth, and ensuring the flawless execution of digital platform design, build, and activation projects, primarily on one account with a vision to expand our services across the broader portfolio.
 

Role Overview

VML is the global digital partner for this well known beverage brand, providing comprehensive design and build services for them, their loyalty program and London ticketing platforms. We also deliver digital platform activations to support large and small end market campaigns, primarily for the US, GB, and Ireland markets.
 
As a Senior Account Director, you will be the primary point of contact for this client. You will be responsible for nurturing strong client relationships, understanding their business objectives, and translating those objectives into impactful digital strategies and solutions. You will lead a cross-functional team to deliver exceptional work, manage budgets effectively, and identify opportunities for growth within the wider portfolio.
 
This role requires a deep understanding of digital platforms, a passion for delivering innovative solutions, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, project-based environment.
 

Responsibilities

Orchestration
  • Work with your project management team to develop the optimal team structure and process for each project, prioritising the delivery of exceptional work.
  • Actively manage conflict and proactively solve problems to ensure timely and effective resolution of issues.
Relationships
  • Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with Diageo clients, ensuring mutual benefit for both agency and client.
  • Foster mutual respect and trust, enabling open and honest communication regarding timelines, budgets, and project requirements.
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the client's business strategy, marketing model, and the communications necessary to achieve their goals.
  • Identify and create opportunities for client and agency growth, proactively seeking new avenues for collaboration and innovation.
  • Serve as the central hub for the internal agency team, ensuring alignment on project direction and fostering a collaborative environment to achieve outstanding results for the client.
Commercial
  • Maintain a strong commercial understanding of the Guinness brand and the broader beverage category.
  • Collaborate with Project Managers to ensure effective resource allocation and utilisation.
  • Maintain a tight grip on resource planning and account financials, including revenue targets, income recognition, and profitability.
  • Ensure clients are actively managed regarding billing requirements and proactively manage change requests.
Operational
  • Identify and implement innovative approaches to streamline tasks and accelerate results, leveraging existing technical solutions whenever possible.
  • Build mutually beneficial relationships with the VML Enterprise Solutions team, who are responsible for platform build and maintenance.
  • Demonstrate a strong blend of established and emerging digital skills.
  • Exhibit agility and responsiveness in a fast-moving, project-based environment, quickly responding to briefs and mobilizing teams to scope projects effectively.
  • Show initiative and a "can-do" attitude, proactively seeking solutions and taking ownership of responsibilities.
  • Recognise the need for management support when necessary and escalate issues appropriately.
  • Communicate directly and honestly with others, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
  • Treat all individuals with respect and fairness, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Desired Skills and Experience

  • Proven experience as a Senior Account Director, ideally within a digital agency environment.
  • Extensive experience managing large, complex digital projects, particularly platform design and build initiatives.
  • Deep understanding of digital marketing principles, including website development, content strategy (SEO) and mobile applications.
  • Strong client relationship management skills, with a proven ability to build trust and rapport with senior-level stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets effectively.
  • Experience working with global brands and managing international campaigns.
  • Experience with the Diageo portfolio is a plus.
  • Experience with agile project management methodologies.
  • A passion for the beverage industry and a strong understanding of consumer behaviour.

Additional Information

  • This role will be based at Sea Containers House in London
  • We operate a policy of 4 days in the office each week
  • Travel may be required
 
#LI-EMEA

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. 

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.