Account Director
Account Director
VML
Department: Client & Business Leadership
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Last Updated: ${ new Date('2025-07-20T09:46:46-04:00').toLocaleDateString() }
Requisition ID: 11167
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.
Job Summary:
The Account Director is a critical leadership role within the Account Management team, responsible for building and nurturing strong client relationships, driving business growth, and leading a team of Account Managers. This role requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record of success in managing large accounts, developing innovative solutions, and delivering exceptional results. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the marketing and advertising landscape, particularly within the Aviation, Tourism, and Retail sectors, and have a passion for building high-performing teams.
Responsibilities:
Client Relationship Management:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for key client accounts, building and maintaining strong, long-lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
- Proactively understand client business objectives, challenges, and opportunities, and develop strategic solutions to meet their needs.
- Regularly communicate with clients, providing updates on project progress, performance metrics, and industry trends.
- Anticipate client needs and proactively identify opportunities to expand the scope of services.
- Manage client expectations and ensure client satisfaction.
Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 4-5 Account handlers, providing guidance, support, and performance feedback.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment, encouraging creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct regular team meetings to discuss project updates, share best practices, and address any challenges.
- Identify training and development opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Delegate tasks effectively and empower team members to take ownership of their responsibilities.
Business Development and Growth:
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing client accounts and through new client acquisition.
- Lead the development of compelling proposals and presentations for new business pitches.
- Participate in industry events and networking opportunities to build relationships and generate leads.
- Stay up-to-date on industry trends and competitive landscape to identify new opportunities for growth.
- Drive revenue growth by identifying and selling additional services to existing clients.
Strategic Planning and Execution:
- Develop and implement strategic account plans that align with client business objectives and company goals.
- Oversee the development and execution of marketing campaigns, ensuring they are on time, on budget, and deliver measurable results.
- Lead the development of proactive creative briefs, providing clear direction and inspiration to the creative team.
- Manage the production process, including shoots, ensuring quality and adherence to brand guidelines.
- Analyze campaign performance data and provide insights and recommendations for optimization.
Internal Collaboration:
- Collaborate effectively with internal teams, including creative, strategy, media, and production, to deliver integrated marketing solutions.
- Communicate effectively with senior management, providing updates on account performance and business development opportunities.
- Participate in internal meetings and contribute to the overall success of the company.
Role Requirements:
- Must be based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
- Must be a Saudi National or hold a transferable Iqama.
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Minimum of 7-8 years of experience in a client-facing role within an advertising agency or marketing organization.
- Proven experience working with clients in the Aviation, Tourism, and Retail sectors.
- Experience leading and managing a team of at least 4-5 team members.
- Demonstrated ability to drive business growth, attract new clients, and develop successful proposals and pitches.
- Strong understanding of the marketing and advertising landscape, including digital marketing, social media, and traditional media.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong leadership skills with a growth mindset and a passion for developing talent.
- Ability to lead on proactive creative briefs, production, and shoots.
- A team player with a collaborative and positive attitude.
- Proficiency in English and Arabic is highly preferred.
Additional Considerations:
- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the cultural nuances and business practices within the KSA market.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management software.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve complex problems quickly and effectively.
- Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms with clients and vendors.
- Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- References: Excellent references from previous employers and clients
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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.
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