---
title: 'Managing Director, Delivery at VML'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/managing-director-delivery-vml-kansas-city-missouri-4s8wnk0wtn24'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-11'
---

# Managing Director, Delivery at VML

- **Company:** VML
- **Location:** Kansas City Missouri, United States
- **Compensation:** $100k–$230k
- **Posted:** 2026-09-01
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-11
- **Apply:** https://www.vml.com/careers/job/8770284002?gh_jid=8770284002

## 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 hiring a Managing Director, Delivery to lead program delivery for one of our longest-standing clients in the military sector — a complex, technology-first program spanning enterprise technology, product, and integrated creative, delivered against rigorous government compliance requirements. This is a senior, client-facing leadership role at the center of a large, multi-disciplinary program.

We are looking for an invested, curious, and capable Orchestrator: someone who leads and coaches a program management team, drives the whole program forward with urgency, and thinks across tracks rather than managing them in isolation. You bring hands-on experience evolving a scaled Agile (SAFe) practice, comfort operating in compliance-heavy environments, and the operational rigor to convert strategy into governed execution, and the ownership mindset to ensure the program delivers against its commitments.

## What You'll Do

People | Lead, coach, and grow the Delivery capability. Serve as the clear point of leadership for the program management team — driving coordination, coaching proactive problem-solving, and championing the work and the team. Partner with Account, Strategy, Product, and Enterprise Solutions leads to keep the broader program aligned.

Program Orchestration | Own the enterprise, cross-track view. Identify and manage dependencies across the program, inform roadmaps and milestones with a strategic lens, and drive cross-track flow-down so commitments made in planning are executed. When they are not, surface the gap early, drive the decisions and tradeoffs required, and establish a credible path back to delivery. Provide a clear escalation path for critical issues and drive progress with urgency.

Transformation & Process | Lead the evolution of our SAFe practice from Essential to Large Solution or Full, adapted to the nuances of this program and in service of stronger delivery outcomes. Convert strategy into an actionable plan — timeline, defined roles, sequenced steps, and a governance method for rollout and follow-through. Leverage AI where possible to optimize delivery and efficiency.

Scope, Pricing & Financials | Provide strong, invested leadership through the scope-planning cycle during a period of significant budget growth, while navigating parallel resource constraints. Own sharp, defensible estimate generation and pricing discipline the team can confidently defend on rates, assumptions, and scope under close cost scrutiny. Model the enterprise impact to connected initiatives as scope expands or contracts. Responsible for program profitability, resource allocation, burn rates, budgets, and reconciliations.

## Who You Are

An strategic orchestrator | You lead the whole program, not a stack of tasks. You see across tracks, connect dependencies others miss, and drive momentum. Process serves the outcome; delivery of the outcome is the measure of success.

A builder | Process-oriented and an innovator with a strong point of view. You have stood up and matured delivery operations and scaled-Agile practices, and you know how to turn strategy into governed, sequenced execution.

Genuinely curious and invested | You move willingly into unfamiliar territory — including complex compliance requirements — and you learn new domains quickly. You take a genuine interest in the client's mission and business realities.

A tenacious problem-solver | You dig in, work around challenges, and offer solutions grounded in the client's realities.

Open, collaborative, and ego-less | You thrive alongside a well-tenured, experienced leadership team, appreciate the nuances of a unique account, and will wear multiple hats for the team's success.

Optimistic and resilient | You provide the balance and stamina to keep the team motivated, supported, and positive.

## What You'll Need

- 12+ years in delivery / program leadership, PMO, and/or client leadership, ideally in an agency or consulting setting, with a proven track record of standing up and leading successful program management teams.
- Hands-on SAFe evolution experience — demonstrated experience and certification at Large Solution and/or Full SAFe, with the ability to adapt the framework to a complex, multi-track program.
- Enterprise / cross-track program leadership on large, multi-disciplinary programs that blend enterprise technology, product, and integrated creative (digital and traditional).
- Comfort with technology and compliance-heavy delivery — familiarity with cloud migration (e.g. AWS) and regulated / federal compliance environments, and the discipline to lead against externally-mandated deadlines. Direct government / defense experience is a strong plus.
- Financial and pricing rigor — defensible estimation, rate and scope discipline, profitability and utilization management, and the ability to defend cost under external scrutiny.
- Partnership / vendor management across multiple technology and platform partners.
- Strong PM operations skillset — effective meeting management, actionable next-step capture, prioritization, and operational rigor.
- Interest in AI and how to leverage it as a delivery tool.
- Familiarity with tools such as Smartsheet, Excel, Monday.com, Workday, and Jira.

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.

_ $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.

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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