Who We Are
VML, part of WPP, 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 human‑first, award‑winning work for blue‑chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate‑Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca‑Cola Company, and Wendy’s. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting‑edge media intelligence and data solutions, world‑class creativity, next‑generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth.
The Role
We’re looking for a superstar through‑the‑line Senior Account Director to join our Brand Experience (BX) team, working on Boots.
You Will
- Lead large, complex, fully integrated campaigns across TV, social, DM, experiential, digital display and ensure strong integration with in‑store, .com, PR, media and content/publishing teams.
- Drive the creative process, working closely with strategy, media, PR, creatives and in‑house/fulfilment partners.
- Act as a trusted senior partner to our Boots clients, providing clear, confident counsel across strategy, creative and delivery.
- Set the standard for quality and calm, commercially‑minded delivery while nurturing your team.
- Support a Business Director and be seen by both clients and colleagues as a go‑to leader for best‑in‑class, truly integrated, omnichannel work.
Client Leadership & Relationships
- Build strong, trusting and collaborative relationships with senior Boots stakeholders.
- Create conditions for open, honest dialogue with clients, challenging where needed and driving toward mutually beneficial solutions.
- Act as an integral part of the client’s extended team, with credible input on strategy, creative and execution.
Strategic & Creative Leadership
- Partner with strategy, media, PR and creative teams to define the brief, ensuring all work ladders up to clear strategic objectives.
- Champion non‑linear, through‑the‑line thinking that connects brand, retail and digital experience.
- Drive outstanding creativity, ensuring ideas are robust, on brand, on brief and work across multiple channels.
Campaign & Project Ownership
- Take ownership of key projects and overall quality of output.
- Exercise commercial governance and performance, maintaining client satisfaction and relationship health.
- Ensure achievement of agreed results and KPIs.
- Lead the team through issues calmly, constructively and with clear solutions.
- Refine ways of working across internal teams and WPP partners to enhance efficiency, integration and consistency.
Integration & Collaboration
- Work hand‑in‑hand with PR and Media teams to deliver through‑the‑line campaigns with coherent messaging and experience.
- Partner with in‑house fulfilment and in‑store agencies to ensure seamless execution from brand idea through to shelf and digital touchpoints.
- Coordinate integrated agency teams, ensuring alignment on strategy, outputs, timelines and budgets.
Commercial & Operational Excellence
- Run efficient, profitable projects with accurate scoping, resourcing and financial management.
- Contribute to team and agency commercial targets, spotting opportunities to grow scope and value.
- Identify, communicate and mitigate risks and issues early, offering solutions and options.
Team Leadership & Development
- Act as a role model to line reports and the wider team – approachable, supportive and clear in expectations.
- Provide coaching, feedback and guidance that helps the team grow as practitioners and people.
- Build momentum, positivity and ambition within the team, contributing to a culture of belonging and collaboration.
- Support ongoing improvement of day‑to‑day and month‑to‑month delivery processes.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Senior Account Director (or strong Account Director ready to step up) in an integrated or creative agency environment.
- Strong through‑the‑line experience with demonstrable ATL expertise (e.g. TV, VOD, OOH, cinema).
- Proven experience managing large, complex, multi‑channel campaigns from brief to delivery.
- Experience working on fast‑moving client accounts such as supermarkets, retail, telecommunications or similar dynamic sectors.
- Comfortable with the pace and changeability of a retail business, remaining calm under pressure.
- Strong team player with a collaborative, low‑ego approach.
- Ability to build trusted client relationships and influence senior stakeholders.
- Highly organised, detail‑oriented – “buttoned down” in documentation, timelines and financials.
- Can‑do attitude, resilient and solution‑oriented, with a positive approach to change.
Hybrid Working Arrangements
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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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