Freelance Account Director - Direct Marketing

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.

To drive effective direct marketing including web and CRM; being proactive on the clients business; and the activation of effective direct marketing campaigns and development projects cost efficiently and with timely delivery; oversee the activities of AM /AE’s in all areas of an account; ensuring quality creative and technical accuracy, develop associates skills base within immediate team; build strong & enduring client-agency working relationships

Main Areas of Responsibility

Work as a member of the team, managing effective direct marketing processes by applying agreed processes and procedures

Timeous & effective complaints management

Escalate appropriately

Develops in-depth understanding of Clients B2C and B2B business

Delivers against key account plan deliverables, build and maintain effective working relationships with others – client & agency to deliver effective client service

In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the client's business, including competitive activity, local and global industry and consumer trends

Leads meetings & delivers presentations

Contributes to integrated direct marketing strategy development process – manages, participates and implements strategy

Manages business and competitor research process (when required)

Manages direct marketing development process, writes direct marketing briefs & briefs strategists, project managers, and creatives

Manages CRM strategic process

Directs overall client admin and communication – eg call reports, weekly status, project status

Identify information, analyse, evaluate & interpret for inclusion into strategy/briefs

Ensure cost effective service delivery & therefore build Agency revenue

Identify proactive opportunities with future financial reward

Manages Financials ito a) presentation of key CE’s/budgets to Client b) budgets & billings d) Monthly Financial reporting

Open to and active in sharing knowledge/intelligence

Contribute by effecting innovation that builds a positive agency culture, and actively foster or participate in fostering a positive work environment

Qualifications Required

Marketing diploma or degree or equivalent

B2B experience with a focus on product and services businesses

Minimum 6 years within Account Management/Client Services

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.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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