Account Director (Essex and London)

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.

Account Director

Location: On-site with client 2 days (Ford Britain, Dunton Essex) and VML office 2 days, Sea Containers London (SE1), WFH 1 day.

The Role

Our Award winning Ford client is undergoing a transformative shift in its marketing activities, transitioning from predominantly ATL brand to a dynamic, performance-led strategy directly aimed at boosting sales figures.

This role presents a unique chance to engage in one of the most integrated client-agency relationships in the UK, offering an immersive experience with the client’s business.

WPP Team Ford spans across media, data, CX and insights. You’ll play a pivotal role in determining how to leverage these capabilities to influence creative strategies, and to ultimately generate Ford business.

Responsibilities

• The Account Director is responsible for the delivery of all Brand/Tier 1 Performance Vehicle activity with Ford of Britain and Ford of Germany.
• This manages the delivery of the key campaigns, working with the Media teams to ensure that all assets are delivered on time.
• Responsible for the localization of central activity to deliver against local media plans.
• Responsible for the delivery of all local campaigns.
• You will work in partnership with CRM Specialist and Performance Manager to ensure all Performance Vehicle activity is supported by their areas.
• Key lead for all Fleet (and FFM in UK) working with Ford teams to develop plans to support this activity..
• They work with the Ford central teams to ensure local activity is supported is compliant with legal and governance rules.
• You will work with the Ford central teams to ensure local activity is supported and compliant with legal and governance rules.

Key Tasks

• Review of all central campaigns and provide recommendations on local activation.
• Identify local requirements and develop these.
• Managing any partner relationships to ensure the delivery of assets to these campaigns.
• Interfacing with the Ford team to agree on activity objectives, priorities, and timelines.
• Manage timelines and work with Production Hubs to ensure smooth delivery of activity.
• Review performance analytics with the media team to share creative recommendations on enhancements and optimizations.
• Management of Fleet (and FFM) plans and working closely with these teams on the delivery against their objectives.
• Understanding of media plans and working closely with the media teams to ensure smooth delivery of these campaigns.

Requirements

• A strong understanding of marketing agency capabilities.
• Multi-channel campaign experience with the ability to translate them into effective strategies.
• Strong analytical skills to make informed decisions based on data and insights.
• Excellent client delivery skills to imbed a seamless client-agency relationship.
• Fleet experience is desirable but not essential
• B2B experience with a strong understanding of how to sell to businesses
• Excellent team-building skills

What's in it for you:

Aside from a generous annual leave allowance and pension allowances, you will have access to a whole host of other benefits and activities such as:

• Life Assurance
• Permanent Health Insurance
• BUPA
• Flexible hybrid-working schedule
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Well-being Programme
• Employee Assistance Support
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Eye Care and Glasses Vouchers
• Season Ticket Loans
• WPP Discounts

You will also have a clear long-term career development plan and access to our learning and development activities and online learning platforms such as our Mentor Programme, Power Hours, Inspirational Speakers and online learning platforms.

#LIhybrid

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.