Account Director

VML; Riyadh; Hybrid; SAR 299,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency is looking for an Account Director in Riyadh to manage corporate communications for a telecommunications client. This role requires a seasoned leader to ensure high-quality deliverables and effective team management in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the Saudi market and be fluent in both Arabic and English. The position offers a hybrid work model, balancing office and remote work.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in an advertising agency in account management.
• Proven track record managing large-scale corporate clients.
• Industry experience in Telecom, Technology, or Government.
• Native Arabic and fluent English are mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Own client relationship across corporate communications.
• Lead account planning and delivery across initiatives.
• Manage and mentor account team of 2-3 executives.
• Drive project management: timelines, approvals, alignment.

Skills

Client relationship management

Project management

Leadership

Cultural sensitivity

Attention to detail

Job description

About VML VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

VML KSA is looking for an Account Director to lead the day-to-day management of a major telecommunications corporate communications mandate. This role requires a senior client partner who can operate in a fast-paced environment, deliver consistently high-quality work, and guide both internal teams and client stakeholders to ensure corporate messaging is aligned, accurate, and impactful in the Saudi market.

Responsibilities

• Own the day-to-day senior client relationship, acting as a trusted partner across corporate communications stakeholders.
• Lead account planning and delivery across corporate communications initiatives, ensuring quality, timelines, and budget control.
• Manage and mentor a team of 2–3 executives/managers, ensuring clear delegation, coaching, and performance development.
• Coordinate cross-functional agency resources (strategy, creative, content, production, social, PR partners as applicable) to deliver integrated outputs.
• Drive strong project management: timelines, approvals, risk management, and stakeholder alignment—internally and externally.
• Ensure corporate messaging consistency across Arabic and English deliverables, with strong attention to detail and tone of voice.
• Provide counsel to the client on best practices for corporate communications in KSA, including cultural sensitivity and reputational considerations.
• Prepare and lead status meetings, QBRs, project kick-offs, and senior stakeholder presentations.
• Anticipate client needs, manage expectations, and handle urgent requests with composure and professionalism.
• Maintain accurate account documentation (scopes, timelines, contact reports, budgets, and billing coordination).

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in an advertising agency (account management/client servicing).
• Proven track record managing large-scale corporate clients with multiple stakeholders and governance.
• Industry experience in at least one of the following: Telecom, Technology, Government/Semi-Gov.
• Native Arabic (with strong writing skills) and fluent English are non-negotiable.
• Strong understanding of the Saudi market, and ability to align work with corporate messaging frameworks and reputational considerations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing junior account team members.
• Strong organizational and commercial acumen (scope control, prioritization, and delivery under pressure).

Key Attributes (Critical for This Mandate)

• Comfortable in a fast-paced, demanding client environment.
• Patient, committed, and responsive, including willingness to support client requests with evolving timelines, when required.
• High accountability, calm under pressure, and able to manage ambiguity and shifting priorities.
• Exceptional attention to detail

What Success Looks Like

• Client stakeholders view you as a reliable, senior partner who protects quality while enabling speed.
• Projects are delivered on time, with clear governance and minimal rework.
• Corporate messaging is consistent, culturally fluent, and aligned to business priorities.
• The account team is motivated, structured, and performing at a high level.

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.

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 or remove it.