Senior Account Manager (Shopper)

Department: Client & Business Leadership

Location: Requisition ID: 9712

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.

The Role: VML's continued success depends on the strength and depth of our valued long-term client relationships. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Account Manager (Shopper) to join our Shopper Commerce team. In this role, you will be a key point of contact for our clients, responsible for nurturing and growing relationships, leading projects, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional Shopper marketing solutions. Our clients trust us because we deliver creative leadership, strategic insight, and expert Shopper marketing with a can-do attitude and the tenacity it takes to make great work happen. Great work is the common goal that fuels us all! Our ambition is to be engaged across every aspect of our client's business where we have the expertise and skills to the extent that we become indispensable to them. Our relationships are proactive, and we are tireless in our pursuit of knowledge and understanding of our clients' business, needs, challenges, and competitors.

Role Requirements: As a Senior Account Manager (Shopper), you will be responsible for:

• Client Relationship Management: Nurturing and maintaining excellent relationships with existing clients at the SAM level, leading to mutual trust and excellent collaboration. Acting as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to clients, understanding their business objectives and challenges. Proactively anticipating client needs and planning ahead to ensure they are met. Regularly communicating with clients to provide updates on project progress, address concerns, and identify new opportunities. Leading projects independently, ensuring experts are included whenever required to add value to our client’s experience of VML. Developing and managing project timelines, budgets, and resources. Ensuring the highest level of project delivery, including the most effective and efficient way of working. Overseeing the execution of Shopper marketing campaigns across various channels. Financial responsibility and managing projects efficiently to provide clients with value for money and maximizing our profitability. Ensuring that all project budgets are approved by the Partner/Client Business Director/Senior Client Director. Monitoring project costs and identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Business Development: Proactively working with the Business Director to further opportunities within the client company. Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities within existing client accounts. Contributing to the development of proposals and presentations for new business pitches.
• Internal Collaboration: Working closely with internal teams, including Creative, Strategy, and Project Management, to deliver exceptional results. Effectively communicating client needs and objectives to internal teams. Providing guidance and support to junior team members. Managing expectations internally and externally.

Desired Skills and Experiences:

• 5+ years of experience in account management, preferably within a Shopper marketing or advertising agency.
• Experience across ATL and BTL channels including TV, OOH, Social, Shopper marketing activations and experiential.
• Experience working on shoots.
• Proven track record of leading projects and client relationships.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of clients’ business, FMCG category.
• Proactive, passionate, and resourceful.
• Outgoing and inquisitive.
• Passion for strategic and creative development.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Why VML? Be part of a global network of talented and passionate individuals. Work on exciting and innovative projects for leading brands. Opportunity for professional growth and development. Collaborative and supportive work environment. Competitive salary and benefits package. A culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.

What’s in it for you? Life Assurance, Permanent Health Insurance, BUPA, Enhanced family friendly policies, Employee Assistance Support, Cycle to Work Scheme, Eye Care and Glasses Voucher, Season Ticket Loans, WPP Discounts.

To Apply: If you are a highly motivated and experienced account management professional with a passion for Shopper marketing, we encourage you to apply. 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.