Senior Account Manager

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse. 

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.  Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work. 

Our Commerce practice is VML’s newest and fastest growing end-to-end Creative Commerce proposition. Built on the commerce expertise of Geometry and scaled through VML's connected brand promise, we help modern brands grow by unifying marketing strategies around commerce. We believe the space of commerce holds the most untapped creative potential to grow brands and people.

By understanding how, when and why people buy, we deliver the most engaging and culturally relevant creative commerce experiences across Retail, Experience, Design and Innovation.

ROLE PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW

This is a 12-month full-time fixed-term contract role.

The purpose of the SAM role is to work directly with client and agency teams to develop strategic solutions and lead the go to market activity. Many of the job responsibilities are consistent with an Account Manager role and must be upheld; however, this position manages multiple relationships with the clients, leads/develops initial strategic input and sets expectations for project delivery

The SAM should interact with clients and internal partners as both an effective project steward and strategic partner who helps clarify and develop project objectives, identifies challenges, and guides the creation of strategies and metrics for success. This person will be responsible for both leading medium – large projects and acting as day-to-day support on strategic projects.

The SAM must also ensure that relevant information across groups is communicated and translated into specific actions.

The SAM should demonstrate an understanding of the client’s business (objectives, risks and strategies) and its marketing goals, applying them to strategic direction for projects. Risks and dependencies will be communicated to the internal team and the client as necessary.

SAM’s must identify opportunities for incremental growth. They should have a get-it-done mentality because a key component of this role is translating strategy to execution and being ultra-responsive. Working directly with the Account Director and Group Account Director, they are responsible for ensuring success across all functional teams and overall client delivery. Financial responsibilities include tracking billing and expenses for the jobs and accounts managed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Day-to-day main client contact on campaigns managed.
• Ensures operational excellence on the accounts managed.
• Management of Account Manager/s to ensure efficient ways of working and encouraging team growth.
• Directs team relative to clients’ business goals and objectives to inform projects.
• Participates /leads key client meetings: status meetings, brand/project briefings, cross-agency partner meetings, presentation of VML work.
• Informs Account Director and Group Account Director on status of projects.
• Maintains and grows knowledge of clients’ business and industry.
• Keeps the team apprised of competitive activity.
• Financial management responsibilities include reviewing SOWs, projections and billing for campaigns managed.
• Focus is on client campaigns, directing execution of projects (80%) and mining new opportunities (20%).
• Proactive thought leadership around areas of interest and new opportunities.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/CAPABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.
• Agency and/or client-side experience managing large- scale campaigns andhave worked for most of the time in the shopper marketing or experiential/activation/event space
• Shopper Marketing or Experiential/Activation/Events experience mandatory.
• Experience on alcohol brands is preferred but not mandatory.
• Detailed knowledge/passion of the digital industry, emerging trends and innovation.
• Highly motivated, energetic and driven - A radiator.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment and making decisions.
• Detail oriented.
• Strong ability to form and maintain good relationships.
• A strong communicator with effective presenter skills necessary to deliver regular presentations.
• Ability to think and operate with strategic orientation in addition to task/project management.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and participate in and navigate cross- agency collaboration.
• Team player with strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Manages up and knows when to escalate internal and/or client concerns.
• Ability to help mentor and support career development of junior team members.

VML AUNZ HIGHLIGHTS

There are many things that make VML an awesome place to work, but we think these are worth a special mention:

• Summer Days - 5 paid afternoons off each year during daylight savings time.
• Birthday Leave - a paid day off to celebrate your Birthday each year.
• Loyalty Leave - a paid day off each year to celebrate your work anniversary.
• Employee Assistance Program access 24/7 support.
• Mental Health Support.
• LinkedIn Learning access for all employees.
• Foundation Day - the anniversary of our establishment where every employee works together to give back to the community.
• PerkSPACE - a dedicated platform for employee benefits that helps you save, grow and generously makes life easier.
• Parental Leave Policies.

 VML an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  Some of our roles are open to part time negotiable discussions.

#LI-APAC

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. 

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. 

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