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VML South Africa is seeking an Account Director for a fixed-term contract in Johannesburg. The ideal candidate will bring 5-7 years of client service experience within an agency, driving communications strategies and leading their team to foster strong client relationships while ensuring effective and creative delivery of campaigns. The role is hybrid, combining in-office collaboration with flexibility, emphasizing innovation and a positive team culture.
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.
Someone to drive insightful communications strategies and creative work; being proactive on the client's business; and the activation of effective communication campaigns cost efficiently and timely delivery; oversee the activities of AM /AEs all areas of an account; ensuring quality creative, production & media; develop associates skills base within immediate team; build strong & enduring client-agency working relationships.
Work as a member of the team, project managing effective communication processes by applying agreed processes and procedures
Timeous & effective complaints management
Develops in-depth understanding of Clients business
Delivers against key account plan deliverables, build and maintain effective working relationships with others – client & agency to deliver effective client service
In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the client's business, including competitive activity, local and global industry and consumer trends
Leads meetings & delivers presentations
Contributes to integrated communication strategy development process – manages, participates and implements strategy
Manages communication research process (when required)
Manages implementation of production and delivery of communication activities
Directs overall brand office admin and communication – call reports, weekly status
Identify information, analyse, evaluate & interpret for inclusion into strategy/briefs
Ensure cost effective service delivery & therefore build Agency revenue
Identify proactive opportunities with future financial reward
Manage team from basic HR perspective incl. Performance management. Is responsible for team delivery
Manages Financials ito a) presentation of key CE’s/budgets to Client b) budgets & billings d) Monthly Financial reporting
Open to and active in sharing knowledge/intelligence
Contribute by effecting innovation that builds a positive agency culture, and actively foster or participate in fostering a positive work environment
Must 5-7 years of proven experience in Account Management or Client Service within an advertising agency or marketing environment.
A strong understanding of integrated marketing communications, including brand strategy, creative development, media planning, and digital marketing.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Proven leadership skills, with experience in managing and motivating teams to achieve shared goals.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
A passion for the advertising and marketing industry, with a keen interest in staying ahead of the curve.
#LI-EMEA
#LI-HYBRID
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.
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 ourRecruitment Privacy Policy . California residents should read ourCalifornia 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.
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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.