Account Director (Type 1)

VML; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative and technology firm is seeking an experienced Account Director in Toronto. The role involves client relationship management, strategic thinking, and team leadership within the automotive category. Candidates should have 5-6 years of industry experience and a strong understanding of production processes. The company offers a hybrid work model, fostering collaboration and creativity among teams.

Qualifications

• 5-6 years of relevant industry experience.
• 1-2 years in a director level capacity.
• Solid knowledge of print, digital, and broadcast production processes.
• Experience within the automotive industry is a strong asset.
• Understanding of agency and client financial management.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with the Managing Director to exceed client needs.
• Oversee team delivery and develop account team skills.
• Approach projects with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Lead meetings and consolidate next steps.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal teams and larger IAT partners.
• Keep current on industry trends affecting client's business.
• Maintain contact with senior clients for counsel and management.
• Consult with departments to manage workload.
• Evaluate execution results for optimization.
• Serve as IAT lead on integrated programs.
• Ensure revenue realization and profitability across accounts.

Skills

Client relationship management

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Digital and broadcast production

Financial management

Job description

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.

Type1 is a fully-integrated, dedicated super team made-up of talented people from VML. Built exclusively for Volkswagen, we craft world‑class ideas for a world‑class brand‑bold, award‑winning work that turns heads and moves audiences. From brand and retail to social, digital, and CRM, we deliver creativity that fires on all cylinders, across every moment of the consumer journey.

About the role - Account Director (Type1)

VML is looking for a strong leader, thinker, and problem solver with senior‑level account experience. With an impressive history of building robust long‑term client relationships, you’re accustomed to success and will accept nothing less. You’re also someone who loves working as part of a close‑knit team.

As a strategic thinker, you’re fully immersed in the culture around you and informed by the most current ideas, trends, and behaviours. And speaking of culture, VML prides itself on having a very vibrant one that is extremely bright and always charged.

You will:

• Work directly with the Managing Director on the business to exceed the needs of a client in the automotive category.
• Oversee flawless team delivery and actively develop the skills of your account team.
• Approach all projects with an entrepreneurial mindset, adding value wherever possible.
• Lead meetings, briefings and consolidate the next steps.
• Build and cultivate strong relationship with the internal teams (creative, strategy, etc.) as well as the larger IAT partners.
• Develop strategic thinking abilities by keeping current on industry trends and issues affecting client's business.
• Establish and maintain contact with senior clients for the purpose of senior counsel and relationship/financial management.
• Proactively consult with key departments and divisions to keep them informed of upcoming workload; and keep current with other stresses which may affect the timely completion of a client project.
• Evaluate execution results to provide insights and actions for optimization.
• Be the "Go-To" as the IAT lead on integrated programs.
• Ensure revenue realization and profitability across your account.

You Bring:

• At least 5-6 years of relevant industry experience.
• At least 1 or 2 years in a director level capacity.
• A solid knowledge of print, digital and broadcast production processes.
• Experience working within the automotive will be a strong asset.
• A solid understanding of both agency and client financial management included with or alongside production experience.
• Experience working on multiple projects in different phases of the creative process.

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.