Senior Account Manager

VML 

VML is a global creative company - formed from the unification of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R - two of the most-awarded creative agencies in the world. 

Our Commerce practice is VML’s newest and fastest growing end-to-end Creative Commerce proposition. Built on the commerce expertise of Geometry and scaled through VML's connected brand promise, we help modern brands grow by unifying marketing strategies around commerce. We believe the space of commerce holds the most untapped creative potential to grow brands and people.

By understanding how, when and why people buy, we deliver the most engaging and culturally-relevant creative commerce experiences across Retail, Experience, Design and Innovation. We do this as part of a global network of over 30,000 people across 60+ markets. In Australia and New Zealand, VML has 350+ employees across 6 offices.Role Purpose and Overview:

Role Purpose and Overview:

The purpose of the SAM role is to work directly with client and agency teams to develop strategic solutions and lead the go to market activity. Many of the job responsibilities are consistent with an Account Manager role and must be upheld; however, this position manages multiple relationships with the clients, leads/develops initial strategic input and sets expectations for project delivery.  The SAM should interact with clients and internal partners as both an effective project steward and strategic partner who helps clarify and develop project objectives, identifies challenges, and guides the creation of strategies and metrics for success. This person will be responsible for both leading medium – large projects and acting as day-to-day support on strategic projects.

The SAM must also ensure that relevant information across groups is communicated and translated into specific actions. The SAM should demonstrate an understanding of the client’s business (objectives, risks and strategies) and its marketing goals, applying them to strategic direction for projects. Risks and dependencies will be communicated to the internal team and the client as necessary.

SAM’s must identify opportunities for incremental growth. They should have a get-it-done mentality because a key component of this role is translating strategy to execution and being ultra-responsive. Working directly with the Account Director and Group Account Director, they are responsible for ensuring success across all functional teams and overall client delivery. Financial responsibilities include tracking billing and expenses for the jobs and accounts managed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Day-to-day main client contact on campaigns managed.
• Ensures operational excellence on the accounts managed.
• Management of Account Manager/s to ensure efficient ways of working and encouraging team growth.
• Directs team relative to clients’ business goals and objectives to inform projects.
• Participates /leads key client meetings: status meetings, brand/project briefings, cross-agency partner meetings, presentation of VMLY&R work.
• Informs Account Director and Group Account Director on status of projects.
• Maintains and grows knowledge of clients’ business and industry.
• Keeps team apprised of competitive activity.
• Financial management responsibilities include reviewing SOWs, projections and billing for campaigns managed.
• Focus is on client campaigns, directing execution of projects (80%) and mining new opportunities (20%).
• Proactive thought leadership around areas of interest and new opportunities.

Required Experience/Skills/Capabilities

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.
• Agency and/or client-side experience managing large- scale campaigns.
• Detailed knowledge/passion of the digital industry, emerging trends and innovation.
• Highly motivated, energetic and driven - A radiator.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment and making decisions.
• Detail oriented - A closer.
• Strong ability to form and maintain good relationships.
• A strong communicator with effective presenter skills necessary to deliver regular presentations.
• Ability to think and operate with strategic orientation in addition to task/project management.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and participate in and navigate cross- agency collaboration.
• Team player with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Manages up and knows when to escalate internal and/or client concerns.
• Ability to help mentor and support career development of junior team members.

\Measurements of Success

• Clients LOVE, not just like or respect you – they’ll wonder what they did without you.
• Effective team collaboration to deliver campaigns on time and on budget and in line with client expectations or to exceed them.
• Juggle multiple campaigns with maturity and professionalism.
• Team player keen to play a pro-active role in keeping team morale high and bringing energy and enthusiasm into the office each and every day.

VML AUNZ Highlights

There are many things that make VML AUNZ an awesome place to work, but we think these are worth a special mention:

• Birthday Leave – a paid day off to celebrate your Birthday each year;
• Summer Days – 5 paid afternoons off each year during daylight savings time;
• Loyalty Leave – a paid day off each year to celebrate your work anniversary;
• Employee Assistance Program access and 24/7 support;
• LinkedIn Learning access for all employees.

This role is part-time negotiable. VML is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.