---
title: 'Associate Account Director at VML'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/associate-account-director-vml-chicago-illinois-5y07317e887z'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-11'
---

# Associate Account Director at VML

- **Company:** VML
- **Location:** Chicago Illinois, United States
- **Compensation:** $75k–$180k
- **Posted:** 2026-08-31
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-11
- **Apply:** https://www.vml.com/careers/job/8731946002?gh_jid=8731946002

## Job description

## Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit [www.vml.com](http://www.vml.com/)and follow along on  [LinkedIn](https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__urldefense.com_v3_-5F-5Fhttps-3A_www.linkedin.com_company_vml_-5F-5F-3B-21-21JboVxjCXSME-21OhlpCfbkl1UcWPwns1-2DGtvHOzFh0QwHV49fsPgGw-2DVCCU1bCg8aQFI9vN-2Dy-2DVwaQcITH2j2XKzGKBIFRLYf2AUWVYY1dFGK6-24&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=zouFnm4jZMgDFaYF1uVcRY3rbgHWPca_luUrBUkT6Yc&m=QzcCgXCAOjzj5hiU48_CKOdHRSJ4_YpuqfviT9yjlzH5VrkzySTZ-WaQXlYAnj4W&s=jJ7q5V70u9oUx7ONPm5jC3IK8y6vxDilX6BGTlqlWlA&e=) #WeAreVML.

Who we are looking for:

VML is seeking an Associate Account Director to manage program development, execution activities while driving brand strategy through retail partners and influencing the shopper along the omni-channel path to purchase. Ensure program success by building and maintaining strong customer relationships through delivery of expert counsel, understanding of the business, flawless execution, and achievement of objectives. This role is working on the largest brand for the largest retailer!

What you’ll do:

- Build rapport and credibility with day-to-day and senior level clients based on trust and expert strategic counsel
- Serve as an expert in the client’s business and category, staying abreast of competitors, product development and market trends, and sharing information with internal team members
- Stay alert for opportunities to grow client business; research client’s category and competitive landscape; define key strategic issues and opportunities for the brand/category and impact on client’s objectives; author POVs and strategies to address issues/opportunities and present to client
- Develop and execute marketing solutions to address client’s challenges
- Provide well-grounded marketing recommendations and ideas to clients based on their objectives and business needs
- Own development of proposals/presentations with input from account lead
- Collaborate with the client, account director, strategy and creative to develop creative briefs
- Manage the creative development process from concept phase through to production
- Evaluate copy, layouts, artwork, media plans and productions materials and make suggested revisions in keeping with agreed upon strategy and business objectives
- Quickly and effectively resolve client problems/concerns to ensure client satisfaction
- Evaluate effectiveness of marketing program, make recommendations to optimize future iterations of the program and determine next steps
- Lead internal and client meetings, presentations and calls; prepare relevant documents, including agendas, presentation decks and follow up communications, etc.
- Manage project scopes and budgets; alert client of financial and timing implications of their request(s); secure client approval to proceed; and revise budgets as needed
- Keep agency team informed of client requests and changes; anticipate potential problems and potential implications; proactively develop and execute solutions; allocate necessary resources

Who you are:

- Able to build relationships and collaborate effectively with clients, agency partners, other departments and teams to successfully deliver quality work
- Able to communicate clearly, thoroughly, succinctly and in a timely manner both verbally and in writing; responds to comments, suggestions and criticisms in a thoughtful and constructive manner
- Strong presentation skills; successfully presents and sells new thinking, strategies and/or ideas to clients
- Strong attention to detail, organization and process orientation, demonstrated through actively and effectively managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables for multiple projects simultaneously

What you’ll need:

- 6 to 8 years of advertising or marketing experience; agency experience required
- Shopper marketing/retail experience required, specifically with Walmart and/or Sam's Club r
- Comprehensive knowledge of client category and business objectives, and a clear understanding of the key strategic issues that impact the client’s business
- Experience managing and/or mentoring individuals and providing actionable constructive feedback
- Strong leadership, client management, and communication skills

What we offer:

- Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.
- Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
- Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.
- Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.

VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click [WPP Benefits](https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome)for more details.

_ $75,000—$180,000 USD

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 our [Recruitment Privacy Policy](https://www.vml.com/recruitment-privacy-policy). California residents should read our [California Recruitment Privacy Notice](https://www.vml.com/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.

## About VML

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: VML is a global creative company that helps brands drive growth by seamlessly connecting Brand Experience, Customer Experience, and Commerce through a human-first, tech-enabled approach.
- **Entity Type**: Public (subsidiary of WPP, LSE: WPP)
- **Headquarters**: New York, United States
- **Founded**: 2024 (formed from the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, with legacy agencies dating back to 1864)
- **Founders**: Not applicable – the company was formed by merging two WPP agencies; Global CEO is Jon Cook

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Advertising services, marketing, digital transformation, brand consulting
- **Target customers**: B2B – large enterprise brands across sectors (consumer goods, healthcare, technology, retail, etc.)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: “Create connected brands that become a part of people’s lives and drive growth for client partners” – guided by a “Human First” creative philosophy.

## Products & Services
- **Brand Experience (BX)**: Compelling brand worlds and creative platforms that build emotional connections from the first touchpoint.
- **Customer Experience (CX)**: Intelligent digital platforms, loyalty programs, and data-driven customer journeys that deepen relationships.
- **Commerce**: Seamless, innovative commerce solutions that convert interest into action.
- **Technology Transformation**: Digital infrastructure, platform engineering, and AI-powered marketing via WPP Open.
- **Health**: Specialized healthcare marketing and communications (VML Health).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed for VML (parent WPP’s market cap is ~£8B as of mid-2025). 
- **Key Metric**: 26,000+ employees across 150+ offices globally (vml.com); some sources report 34,000+ on LinkedIn.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Parent company WPP; key clients include blue-chip global brands (not publicly listed).
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Formed in 2024 from two major WPP agencies, consolidating over 300 years of combined expertise.
  - 373 active job postings (LinkedIn, as of mid-2026) with +80.2% quarterly growth in postings.
  - Named No. 3 on an unspecified industry ranking (vml.com/expertise).
  - VML Foundation has contributed over $3.2 million to charitable causes.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Human First approach**: A creative philosophy that prioritizes deep understanding of human needs, making campaigns more resonant and effective.
- **Connected capabilities**: Unlike pure creative or tech firms, VML integrates BX, CX, and Commerce into a single, unified offering.
- **Scale and heritage**: 26,000 people in 50+ markets, with legacy from J. Walter Thompson, Y&R, Wunderman, and VML.
- **WPP Open**: Access to WPP’s AI-powered marketing operating system for intelligent, measurable, and scalable solutions.
- **Inclusion Experience**: A dedicated consultancy helping clients design inclusive experiences for people with disabilities.

## Strategic Focus
- Deepening the integration of creativity and technology to deliver “connected brands.”
- Expanding AI-driven marketing and personalization through WPP Open.
- Growing the Health practice and Commerce capabilities.
- Investing in talent development and culture (e.g., Emerge Internship Program, Catalyst Academy, All Win Program).
- Continuing to build a diverse, inclusive workforce and culture of belonging.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Emphasizes “Human First” internally – belonging, continuous learning, and authentic personal branding. The Culture & Belonging team actively fosters understanding and empathy.
- **Career Development**: Bespoke platforms for career mapping, feedback coaching, and skills building. Programs like Catalyst Academy (12-month global program) and Emerge US Internship (10-week) provide structured growth.
- **Work Environment**: Hybrid and office-based roles; 150+ offices worldwide offer global mobility. The Detroit Experience Studio and All Win Program show community engagement.
- **Perks & Benefits**: VML Foundation (employee-led giving), wellness resources, and a focus on mental and physical health.
- **Engineering Culture**: For tech roles, exposure to large-scale digital transformation projects, WPP Open AI platform, and modern data/tech stacks.

## Sources
1. [vml.com/careers](https://www.vml.com/careers) – Careers page with culture, programs, and values.
2. [vml.com/about-us](https://www.vml.com/about-us) – About page with company overview, leadership, and history.
3. [vml.com/expertise](https://www.vml.com/expertise) – Description of core services and capabilities.
4. [linkedin.com/company/vml](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vml) – LinkedIn company page with employee count, job postings, and recent departures.

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