Account Director/Senior Account Director

Who We Are VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning human-first work for clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. In 2026, VML was named Campaign’s Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions. 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 and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML. Your Role in a Nutshell We’re looking for a senior client leader to join our team in a flexible capacity, to lead key client relationships in our Wellington team, acting as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders and driving commercially impactful, creatively outstanding work. This role could sit at Account Director or Senior Account Director level depending on experience. You’ll be accountable for the overall health of your accounts - balancing client satisfaction, financial performance, and team development - while unlocking growth opportunities and elevating the standard of strategic and creative output. This is a leadership role where you’ll shape both client outcomes and internal culture, ensuring your team is empowered to do their best work. Key Responsibilities Client Leadership & Partnership Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders Act as a strategic partner, contributing to business and communications objectives Lead conversations that position VML as a growth partner across creative, consultancy, and technology Strategic & Creative Excellence Champion high-quality, insight-driven strategic thinking Partner with Planning and Creative leadership to shape and deliver outstanding work Identify and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth Commercial & Financial Management Own account profitability, forecasting, and financial performance Develop and deliver account plans aligned to business objectives Drive organic growth across your client portfolio Team Leadership & Culture Lead, develop, and inspire high-performing account teams Create an environment where creativity, collaboration, and accountability thrive Coach and mentor team members, supporting growth and progression Operational Excellence Establish clear processes that enable efficient delivery of work Oversee campaign development and execution, removing blockers where needed Ensure seamless collaboration across internal and external stakeholders Required Experience / Skills / Capabilities 6+ years’ experience in an agency or client-facing environment Strong understanding of end-to-end marketing and communications Proven leadership experience, with the ability to motivate and develop teams Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills Commercial acumen, including financial oversight and forecasting Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate business objectives into actionable plans Confident communicator with experience influencing at a senior level Highly organised with strong project management and delivery capability VML AUNZ Highlights There are many things that make VML an awesome place to work, but we think there are a few worth mentioning: Energise Leave – 5 paid half days off each year to recharge Birthday Leave – a paid day off to celebrate your birthday Loyalty Leave – a paid day off each year to celebrate your work anniversary Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support Mental health support LinkedIn Learning access Foundation Day – giving back to the community PerkSPACE – employee benefits platform Parental Leave support 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 . California residents should read our 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.