Group Account Director

Vml South Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 40 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company that thrives on innovation and collaboration. As a leader in client and business leadership, you'll drive strategic planning, develop key account plans, and foster strong relationships with high-caliber individuals. This role requires a deep understanding of the client's business and industry trends, ensuring that communication strategies are not only effective but also innovative. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this dynamic environment offers you the chance to shape the future of marketing communications while being part of a global family that values creativity and technology.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years in marketing communications with a focus on strategy and research.
• Strong ability to build relationships and manage client accounts effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and creative processes for client accounts.
• Manage client relationships and ensure effective communication strategies.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Client Relationship Management

Communication Strategies

Team Leadership

Financial Management

Education

Brand Management Diploma

Marketing Communications Degree

Job description

Department : Client & Business Leadership

Location : Johannesburg, South Africa

Last Updated : 4 / 2

Requisition ID : [Insert Requisition ID]

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 +60 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.

What you'll do :

1. Lead the team including strategic planning and creative, taking into account all communication disciplines with a good working knowledge of processes and procedures.
2. Lead resolution of issues and generate ideas for the business planning process.
3. Develop and drive key account plans to build and maintain effective relationships and deliver excellent client service.
4. Manage client business from a business-building approach rather than just client servicing.
5. Maintain in-depth and current knowledge of the client's business, including industry trends and consumer activity.
6. Lead meetings and deliver presentations.
7. Lead the development of integrated communication strategies, contributing, participating, and implementing strategies.
8. Lead communication research and creative development processes, including writing briefs and evaluating concepts.
9. Manage the implementation of communication activities and oversee brand office administration and communication.
10. Be responsible for client profitability and financial processes on accounts, including monthly reporting.
11. Ensure overall team delivery, HR responsibilities such as training, mentorship, performance management, and disciplinary actions.
12. Manage client/agency relationships and identify proactive opportunities for future growth.
13. Share knowledge and foster innovation to build a positive agency culture and work environment.
14. Implement strategies to achieve objectives, account profitability, and cost efficiencies.
15. Use integrated offerings effectively on client’s business and ensure efficient account management.

What you'll need :

• Brand management or marketing communications diploma or degree, or equivalent.
• Experience in banking or telecommunications is preferred.
• Ability to build strong relationships with high-caliber individuals and be deeply entrenched in client’s business.
• Minimum 5–7 years in a marketing communications role involving strategy, research, or marketing.
• VML is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion.