Creative Group Head

VML; Kuala Lumpur; Hybrid; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

VML is seeking an exceptionally talented Creative Group Head (Copy-Based) to lead a team of copywriters and drive strategic, high-impact campaigns for a major global account. You will shape brand voice, craft compelling narratives, and mentor senior and junior creatives in a hybrid work environment.

The role requires 8+ years in copywriting with leadership experience, a stellar portfolio, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience as a Copywriter, including significant time as a Senior Copywriter.
• Experience mentoring junior creatives and leading projects.
• Strong portfolio of writing, conceptual thinking, and brand storytelling across media.
• Exceptional writing and editing, adaptable tone for diverse audiences.
• Experience creating campaigns for global brands in regulated environments.
• Knowledge of responsible marketing and compliant communications.
• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills to articulate vision.
• Strategic mindset translating business objectives into verbal narratives.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of copywriters to achieve creative excellence.
• Drive ideation and campaign development translating briefs into original ideas.
• Write and oversee copy across digital, print, experiential, OOH, social, and video.
• Help define brand voice, messaging frameworks, and cross-channel communications.
• Collaborate with senior client stakeholders, presenting work with conviction.
• Work with strategy and account teams to align creative with business goals.
• Quality control of all copy to ensure clarity and on-brand standards.
• Ensure responsible marketing practices and regulatory compliance.
• Stay abreast of cultural and platform trends to infuse fresh perspectives.
• Coordinate with art, production, and project management to deliver on time and budget.

Skills

Creative leadership

Mentoring

Copywriting

Brand storytelling

Campaign development

Strategic thinking

Verbal communication

Job description

Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brandsthat drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100.VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an exceptionally talented and ambitious Creative Group Head (Copy-Based) to lead and inspire a team of copywriters and creative talent. This pivotal role is ideal for a seasoned Senior Copywriter ready to take the next step in their career, bringing strategic insight, exceptional writing and conceptual skills, and emerging leadership capabilities.

You will help shape the brand voice and creative output for one of our most significant global accounts, developing compelling campaigns that resonate with target audiences in a dynamic and often complex market landscape.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creative Leadership & Mentorship: Lead, inspire, and mentor a team of copywriters, fostering a culture of creative excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Concept Development: Drive ideation and campaign development, translating strategic briefs into original, distinctive, and impactful creative ideas.
• Copywriting & Craft: Write, shape, and oversee copy across touchpoints—including digital, print, experiential, OOH, social, and video—ensuring a consistent brand voice and the highest standards of craft.
• Brand Voice & Messaging: Help define and evolve brand voice, messaging frameworks, and communication approaches across campaigns and channels.
• Client Collaboration: Build strong relationships with senior client stakeholders, presenting creative work with conviction, articulating its strategic rationale, and navigating complex brand challenges and objectives within specific industry frameworks.
• Strategic Thinking: Collaborate closely with strategy, account, and art teams to develop creative solutions that align with business goals and address the unique considerations of the client’s brand.
• Quality Control: Ensure all copy is clear, accurate, on-brand, meticulously crafted, and meets agency and client standards for quality and effectiveness.
• Responsible Communications: Ensure creative work reflects responsible marketing practices and adheres to applicable brand, legal, and regulatory requirements.
• Trend Awareness: Stay abreast of cultural shifts, language and content trends, new platforms, and emerging technologies, bringing fresh perspectives to the work.
• Project Management: Work seamlessly with art, production, project management, and other disciplines to deliver projects on time and within budget.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of progressive experience as a Copywriter, including significant time as a Senior Copywriter, ideally within a leading creative agency.
• A track record of mentoring junior creatives, providing constructive feedback, and taking ownership of major projects. Ready and eager to step into a formal leadership role.
• A strong portfolio showcasing outstanding writing, conceptual thinking, brand storytelling, and successful campaigns across a range of media.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt tone and messaging for different audiences, channels, and formats.
• Experience developing impactful campaigns for global brands, particularly those operating in nuanced or highly regulated consumer environments.
• A deep understanding of responsible marketing practices and brand building within specific adult consumer categories.
• Working knowledge of applicable advertising, legal, and regulatory requirements, and the ability to collaborate with relevant teams to ensure compliant communications.
• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate creative vision and rationale clearly and convincingly.
• A strategic mindset and the ability to translate complex business objectives into compelling verbal narratives.

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.