Senior Account Director (Digital & Social)

VML is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Account Director to join our Digital & Social Team. This is a pivotal role focused on leading client relationships, driving strategic growth, and ensuring the flawless execution of digital platform design, build, and activation projects, primarily on one account with a vision to expand our services across the broader portfolio.

As a Senior Account Director, you will be the primary point of contact for this client. You will be responsible for nurturing strong client relationships, understanding their business objectives, and translating those objectives into impactful digital strategies and solutions. You will lead a cross-functional team to deliver exceptional work, manage budgets effectively, and identify opportunities for growth within the wider portfolio. This role requires a deep understanding of digital platforms, a passion for delivering innovative solutions, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, project-based environment.

• Orchestration: Work with your project management team to develop the optimal team structure and process for each project, prioritising the delivery of exceptional work. Actively manage conflict and proactively solve problems to ensure timely and effective resolution of issues.
• Relationships: Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with clients, ensuring mutual benefit for both agency and client. Foster mutual respect and trust, enabling open and honest communication regarding timelines, budgets, and project requirements. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the client's business strategy, marketing model, and the communications necessary to achieve their goals. Identify and create opportunities for client and agency growth, proactively seeking new avenues for collaboration and innovation. Serve as the central hub for the internal agency team, ensuring alignment on project direction and fostering a collaborative environment to achieve outstanding results for the client.
• Commercial: Maintain a strong commercial understanding of the brand and the broader beverage category. Collaborate with Project Managers to ensure effective resource allocation and utilisation. Maintain a tight grip on resource planning and account financials, including revenue targets, income recognition, and profitability. Ensure clients are actively managed regarding billing requirements and proactively manage change requests.
• Operational: Identify and implement innovative approaches to streamline tasks and accelerate results, leveraging existing technical solutions whenever possible. Build mutually beneficial relationships with the team responsible for platform build and maintenance. Demonstrate a strong blend of established and emerging digital skills. Exhibit agility and responsiveness in a fast-moving, project-based environment, quickly responding to briefs and mobilising teams to scope projects effectively. Show initiative and a "can-do" attitude, proactively seeking solutions and taking ownership of responsibilities. Recognise the need for management support when necessary and escalate issues appropriately. Communicate directly and honestly with others, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Treat all individuals with respect and fairness, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

• Proven experience as a Senior Account Director, ideally within a digital agency environment.
• Extensive experience managing large, complex digital projects, particularly platform design and build initiatives.
• Deep understanding of digital marketing principles, including website development, content strategy (SEO), and mobile applications.
• Strong client relationship management skills, with a proven ability to build trust and rapport with senior-level stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets effectively.
• Experience working with global brands and managing international campaigns.
• Experience with agile project management methodologies.
• A passion for the beverage industry and a strong understanding of consumer behaviour.

This role will be based at Sea Containers House in London. We operate a policy of 4 days in the office each week. Travel may be required. 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. 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.