---
title: 'Senior Manager, Social & Influence at VML'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manager-social-influence-vml-kuala-lumpur-9nbk78s1afvx'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-16'
---

# Senior Manager, Social & Influence at VML

- **Company:** VML
- **Location:** Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- **Posted:** 2026-10-16
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-16
- **Apply:** https://www.vml.com/careers/job/8893973002?gh_jid=8893973002

## 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.

## KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Business Growth & New Business Pitches
- Key person in response teams for major social and influencer RFPs, designing winning pitches and presenting social-first integrated ideas.
- Drive commercial growth by upselling and cross-selling social and influence offerings to the wider Ogilvy client roster.
- Elevate the agency's proprietary tools, frameworks, and packages to keep Social@Ogilvy at the cutting edge of the market.
- Client Partnership & Strategic Counsel
- Act as a strategic partner to senior client stakeholders (CMOs, Marketing Directors), leading quarterly business reviews (QBRs) and high-level strategy workshops.
- Proactively identify and brief clients on macro social shifts, creator economy dynamics, and early adoption of emerging platforms.
- Direct counsel during high-stakes social media crises, crafting communication strategies to protect brand reputation.
- Partner Network & Operational Excellence
- Define and optimise collaborative processes between Social@Ogilvy, the Content Studio, PR, and Creative teams.
- Cultivate strategic, preferred-partner alliances with major platforms (Meta, TikTok, Google) and top-tier creator agencies.
- Influencer Practice Leadership & Strategy
- Define the agency’s overarching point of view, proprietary methodology, and strategic framework for influencer marketing.
- Champion long-term, "always-on" brand-ambassador models and affiliate/social-commerce strategies (e.g., TikTok Shop, XiaoHongShu integrations) for key clients.
- Drive the evaluation, onboarding, and scaling of influencer marketing platforms and analytics tools within the agency.
- Standardise the data-led approach to influencer identification, ROI, and fraudulent follower detection.
- Represent Social@Ogilvy in the broader marketing and creator community, building elite partnerships directly with platforms (Meta, TikTok, Google) to secure exclusive alpha/beta program access for influencer campaigns.
- Team Empowerment & Culture
- Set the training curriculum for the wider social team, fostering a culture of relentless curiosity, creative bravery, and strategic precision.
- Inspire and nurture a diverse team of social practitioners, driving retention and professional growth across all levels.

## QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

- Experience: 7–8+ years of industry experience in social media, digital marketing, or influencer relations (with at least 4 years in a leading agency environment).
- Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of agency business models, scoping, pricing, and overall project/account profitability.
- Pitch Experience: Proven track record of leading and winning high-value new business pitches.
- Strategic Mastery: Outstanding capability to translate business challenges into culture-shaping, social-first and influencer-led creative campaigns.
- Leadership: Exceptional leader who can guide, inspire, and keep a multi-layered team focused and motivated under tight deadlines.
- Communication: Flawless presentation and persuasion skills in English. Proficiency in Mandarin and/or Bahasa Melayu is a strong advantage.

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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