At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client accounts, ensuring satisfaction and driving business growth.
- Company: VML Health, a top creative agency with a focus on health communications.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the health industry.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in account management with a scientific degree and marketing expertise.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on creativity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Brand: VML Health
Department: Medical Communications
Expertise: Health
Location: London, United Kingdom
Last Updated: 2/2/2026
Requisition ID: 12514
About VML: 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 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. VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP).
The Role: The Account Director manages account ownership, focusing on client satisfaction, business development, profitability, and staff performance. The Account Director is responsible for all areas of client delivery and the overall health of the relationship; therefore, they must ensure that clients receive the highest level of individual attention and that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and on brief so that all of the client’s strategic brand objectives are met. Leading all aspects of the team’s work, the Account Director plans critical strategic communications, ensuring contextual appropriateness, exceptional creative work, innovation, and industry quality across all campaigns. The Account Director also seeks new organic business opportunities with existing clients, building relationships across the client organization and with key industry partners. Finally, the AD is responsible for guiding and inspiring the team in their professional and personal development, including a mentoring approach with more Junior team members.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the development of long-term account success and growth.
- Works with Strategy and planning to transform knowledge of client business objectives, internal and competitive opportunities, and customer insights into actionable marketing communications strategies and tactics.
- Leads and manages the team.
- Builds and maintains senior-level client relationships.
- Provides team with direction and input to meet business and project goals.
- Mining new business opportunities.
- Responsible for the development of direct reports.
- Maintains leading-edge knowledge of client’s businesses and industries.
- Recognizes and seizes opportunities to contribute to the agency's new business.
- Regularly informs Group Director Client Engagement on the status of the business, including escalation as needed.
- Able to present, sell, and (if needed) defend/restate the agency proposals.
- Takes responsibility for co-developing the project brief.
- Is a team leader: manages and grows the account manager and account executive.
- Has a good relationship with all departments in the agency and involves different disciplines at the right time.
- Works for the Agency: ensures agency profitability on the assigned business.
- Understands how to work with client suppliers and maintain agency supremacy.
Education and Experience:
- Scientific Degree completed with Marketing/Economics specialization.
- 6+ years' experience in the industry.
- Proven experience in a leadership role.
Skills:
- Fluent in English.
- Proficiency in MS Office Tools, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of CRM tools is considered a plus.
- Familiarity with e-commerce and online advertising.
- Ability to create creative briefs, deliver clear and persuasive briefs to creative teams, and remain an active collaborator throughout the creative development process.
- Understanding paid search campaigns, key online campaigns, and emerging media.
- Excellent presentation skills and presentation development.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Very comfortable working in an integrated agency environment.
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.
Account Director employer: VML South Africa
Contact Detail:
VML South Africa Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at VML. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching VML's recent projects and campaigns. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for our work and how you can contribute to our success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Account Director role. We want to hear about your leadership style and how you’ve driven client satisfaction in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the VML team.
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Account Director role. Highlight your experience in client management, business development, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an Account Director, leadership is key. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects. We love to see how you inspire and develop others, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at VML South Africa
✨Know Your Clients
Before the interview, dive deep into VML's client portfolio. Familiarise yourself with their major clients like AstraZeneca and Coca-Cola. Understanding their business objectives and recent campaigns will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As an Account Director, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on mentoring and developing junior members. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference in project outcomes.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Excellent presentation skills are crucial for this role. Practice delivering clear and persuasive briefs, and be ready to discuss how you would present agency proposals. Use examples from your experience to illustrate your ability to communicate effectively with clients and internal teams.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Thinking
VML values strategic communications. Prepare to discuss how you've transformed client insights into actionable marketing strategies. Think of specific campaigns where your strategic input led to measurable success, and be ready to share those stories during the interview.