Client Services Director

VML South Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic marketing agency seeks a Client Services Director to lead client relationships and strategic account growth. The position involves team leadership, exceptional client service, and strategic planning to enhance client satisfaction and drive revenue growth. Candidates should possess extensive experience in client-facing roles and a strong background in digital marketing. Competitive salary and a collaborative hybrid work environment offered.

Benefits

Career growth opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience as a Client Services Director within an agency.
• Minimum 12 years of proven experience in a client-facing role in digital marketing or advertising agency.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for key clients.
• Develop strategic account plans and monitor performance.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of client service professionals.

Skills

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Leadership

Client Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Department: Client & Business Leadership

Location: Johannesburg , South Africa

Last Updated: 7/22/2025

Requisition ID: 11177

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.

The Client Services Director is a pivotal leadership role within VML's Client Services Team. This individual will be responsible for leading and developing a team of client service professionals, managing key client relationships, driving strategic account growth, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional service. A strong understanding of revenue and billings is crucial, as is the ability to identify and capitalise on opportunities to upsell and expand VML's services within existing accounts. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the marketing landscape in various sectors.

What You'll do:

Account Management:

• Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for a portfolio of key clients, building and nurturing strong, long-lasting relationships.
• Proactively identify opportunities to expand existing business and deliver strategic solutions that exceed client expectations.
• Ensure seamless communication flow with clients, keeping them informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage client expectations, address concerns, and proactively resolve issues.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of client service professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment rooted in VML's values.
• Provide clear direction, delegate effectively, and empower team members to take ownership and excel in their roles.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, identify training needs, and support the professional development of your team.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the team.

Strategic Planning & Account Growth:

• Develop and execute strategic account plans that align with client objectives and drive measurable results.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities within existing accounts, actively contributing to revenue growth.
• Monitor account performance, track key metrics, and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and present compelling proposals and presentations to clients.
• Understand and manage revenue and billings for assigned accounts, ensuring profitability and efficient resource allocation.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2-3 years of experience as a Client Services Director within an agency setting.
• Minimum 12 years of proven experience in a client-facing role within a digital marketing or advertising agency encompassing strategy, advertising, research, or marketing.
• A strong track record of successfully managing and growing client accounts.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence at all levels.
• Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the digital marketing landscape and its evolving trends.
• Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Excellent project management skills and a keen eye for detail.
• Experience in developing and delivering successful new business pitches.
• A passion for delivering exceptional client service and exceeding expectations.
• Strong understanding of revenue and billing management

Why VML?

We offer a dynamic and collaborative environment where you can:

• Make a Real Impact:Shape the future of iconic brands.
• Grow Your Career:Unlock your full potential through ongoing learning and development.
• Be Part of Something Bigger:Join a global community of innovators and changemakers.

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.

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.