Account Director

VML South Africa; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

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.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of proven experience in Account Management or Client Service.
• Strong understanding of integrated marketing communications.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive insightful communications strategies and oversee account activities.
• Develop strong client-agency relationships and deliver effective client service.
• Manage communications processes and ensure timely delivery of campaigns.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Job description

Department: Client & Business Leadership

Location: Johannesburg , South Africa

Last Updated: 7/6/2025

Requisition ID: 11002

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.

Account Director - Fixed Term Contract

Who we're looking for:

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.

What you'll be doing:

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

What you'll need:

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.