Account Director {Mat Cover 12 months FTC}

This job is with WPP Production, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

About WPP Production

We are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world-class human craft with next generation technology to originate, design, and deliver multi-channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today's always on, AI driven marketing world.

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.

A Hybrid working model

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 around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

NOTE: this is a 12 month FTC role

What does an Account Director do at WPP Production?

The role

Our Account Director (AD) are knowledgeable and trusted Client leads. Accountable for end-to-end project delivery, management of client and agency relationships, they lead a diverse and dynamic team to deliver. Responsible for operational discipline, delivery, resource optimisation and profitability management across Clients and projects. You are the key point person for the projects you are leading and are responsible for delivering on time, on specification and on budget. You possess problem-solving skills, have a passion for production, marketing and advertising and a desire to learn. Highly organised and accountable, you build trusting Client and team relationships, collaborate across multi-disciplined teams and draw on the expertise of Hogarth’s resources and capabilities. You ensure we execute flawlessly.

Key areas of responsibility

• Communication
• Responsible for managing the day to day client relationship with a focus on Client delivery
• Oversee the on-time delivery of projects and ensure the smooth delivery and swift resolution of issues to maintain client confidence in WPP capabilities to deliver
• The key day-to-day Client Delivery contact with clients, agencies and all associated WPP Production teams
• Understanding of client’s needs to deliver high satisfaction levels and share feedback with wider team and escalate any delivery concerns to Senior Account Director / Client Director
• Act as the primary client contact for project delivery, structuring regular status and communications with clients, defining scope and approach, setting and managing expectations and deliverables and troubleshooting issues as they arise
• Work with client brands and agencies to ensure a clear understanding of the production brief, deliverables and timeline for each project and relay those details to other members of the team as necessary
• Accountable for ensuring all team members are aware of timelines and deliverables
• Collaboration
• Partner with Client Services, Production and Finance to ensure a smooth process, proper resource allocation and a superior result
• Develop and maintain high levels of team effectiveness, trust, communication, collaboration, productivity, diversity, engagement and ensure the team feel personal accountability for deliverables and projects
• Demonstrate strong collaboration skills with internal agency teams and key external partners to ensure quality and adherence to production guidelines for key deliverables
• Process
• Manage medium to complex projects independently and with a team, from initiation through to completion
• Work collaboratively with all internal team members to facilitate the process of developing effective strategies and briefs that lead to great work
• Understand and anticipate client needs, taking them into account when framing and making delivery decisions
• Possess an understanding of project and client management techniques and bring process innovation to how we manage our engagements
• Manage client objectives, budget, expectations, deliverables and timelines and communicate changes/direction to team members
• Keep projects on track through clear team status, task lists, timing schedules, risk register, trackers, status and contact reports
• Participate actively and knowledgeably articulate status internally and during client interactions
• Leverage our on-site, onshore, offshore network to deliver great work in the most efficient and effective way
• Identify improvements to existing workflow and processes
• Identify potential project risks and develop contingency plans and if needed, escalate to Senior Account Director / Client Director
• Review team structure and resources on an ongoing basis to ensure client is serviced appropriately
• Ensure the highest quality is always delivered to clients
• Leadership
• Create a culture of fresh-thinking, collaboration, respect, equality, diversity and inclusion, with a focus on learning, development and growth
• Contribute to WPP Productions culture by exhibiting ownership, professionalism, passion and leading by example
• Take ownership and find solutions, whilst supporting the wider team by removing any barriers to success
• Retain the best talent
• Financials
• Demonstrate strong commercial abilities and business and financial acumen
• Own project budgets and tracking of all ongoing costs throughout project lifecycle, reconcile estimates to actuals on all projects, and resolution of budget discrepancies between disciplines, vendors and clients
• Manage POs, financial reporting, tracking, billing against all project budgets
• Manage financial aspects of assigned accounts including development of SOW and change orders, estimates, profitability analysis, and utilisation, working with Finance where appropriate
• Responsible for monthly billing and tracking of all production budgets
• Ensure a thorough understanding of commercial arrangements, and SLA’s across assigned accounts and ensure specific details are understood by the broader team
• Protect margins
• Proactively seek and identify new revenue opportunities across your clients

Requirements

• Project / Client management related experience within an interactive or integrated agency, with a good understanding of marketing and production implementation processes across all key channels, including digital, video, content, social etc
• Good understanding of production and the creative development process, content production, technology, quality assurance testing and marketing methodologies
• Ability to manage complex projects with varying components, demonstrating ability to deliver on time and on budget
• Experience of building solid client relationships
• A professional, calm, approachable demeanour, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic highly matrixed agency environment
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and relationships cross functionally
• An appreciation for how great work gets done and a commitment to ensuring flawless execution and delivery
• Proven ability to collaborate with dynamic cross-functional teams to deliver on projects
• Demonstrates an ability to solve problems with the solution that works for all stakeholders without compromising the quality of the deliverables or the project
• Must be commercially astute able to build scopes, create budgets and track profitability
• Proven negotiation skills
• Strong client relationship skills including presenting to clients and the ability to think on your feet
• Strong written/oral communication skills
• Experience of working with offshore teams a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, wireframing/workflow tools, online project management/collaboration/ticketing tools e.g. JIRA, Smartsheet, Trello, Miro etc

Why work here:

At WPP Production, you’ll help shape the future of content production at a truly global scale. We bring together world-class talent, cutting-edge studios, and advanced technology to solve some of the most complex creative and production challenges in the industry. You’ll work in a collaborative, borderless environment where craft excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged, and AI and next-generation tools are used to amplify not replace human creativity. With access to diverse projects, global career opportunities, and the backing of WPP’s unmatched network, this is a place where you can grow your skills, make real impact, and create work that performs for every audience, across every channel, at every moment.

Inclusion and Impact

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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.