Group Account Director at VML (Minneapolis Minnesota, United States)Group Account Director

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.comand follow along on  LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

Who we are looking for:

VML is seeking Group Account Director to oversees and leads the brand’s commerce initiatives in a holistic manner (digital e-commerce and in store) by providing strategic leadership and direction for the client's commercial program(s) to win at retail. You will be responsible for managing the overall business and ensuring all team members are together delivering brilliant work to our clients ongoing. You will provides strategic leadership and direction to both the internal team and to the client across the specified business unit. You will serve as the primary agency contact for the business as it pertains to larger strategic initiatives and assignments.

What you’ll do:

• Manage activity workflow and align expectations within account team
• Manage the creative process and brief the creative team either personally or through close oversight of Account team, reviewing concept and comp materials
• Proactively identify opportunities for practice evolution
• Work with team in the development of concepts and supporting tactics
• Function as primary liaison to middle and senior clients on behalf of the agency regarding strategy, service-related, legal and policy issues
• Support/provide strategic leadership to clients/client leads/agency and help in identifying growth opportunities and action plans for client’s marketing communications goals
• Provide support to client lead to effectively manage high level global client
• Manage internal client income projection and identify sources of incremental growth
• Manage resources to ensure client profitability
• Oversee tracking of financial forecasting/tracking and reporting and flag any potential projected income variance to Senior Management
• Work with client lead for overall staffing/resource allocation
• Manage client billing and financial status reports at a higher level
• Partner with strategic planning and creative teams for concept development
• Interact with all agency department heads to clearly outline current and projected workload on a quarterly basis for planning purposes
• Nurture the career development of junior staff by mentoring and providing ongoing informal and formal performance feedback

Who you are:

• Strong, proactive leader possessing big picture thinking
• Sound analytical skills, ideally with Nielsen or IRI familiarity
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with seasoned presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a team player attitude
• Strong collaboration skills, with ability to work cross functionally and inter-agency

What you’ll need:

• 10+ years experience minimum in commerce/shopper marketing, agency experience required
• A proven track record of strategic leadership in Commerce, digital, in-store visibility, and shopper marketing both in agency and CPG brand management
• Experience with Retail Media Networks, Target (Roundel) required

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.

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 Benefitsfor more details.

_ $100,000—$230,000 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.

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