All Careers

Account Planner

VML

Department: Client & Business Leadership

Location: Cairo, Egypt

Requisition ID: 12098

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. 

Who we’re looking for:

As an Account Planner at VML, you will be a strategic and insights-driven leader, integral to our Cairo office. We seek a curious thinker capable of uncovering meaningful insights, translating them into compelling brand strategies, and inspiring creative excellence. This role demands a balance of analytical rigor and creative thinking, intelligent leveraging of AI-powered tools to enhance strategic output, and the ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and conviction. You will shape brand narratives, guide communication strategies, and ensure every piece of work is rooted in a deep understanding of our clients' business, their audiences, and the cultural context, utilizing AI as a strategic multiplier to amplify thinking and accelerate research.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Develop comprehensive brand and communication strategies rooted in client objectives, audience insights, and competitive analysis.
  • Craft clear brand positioning and articulation frameworks that define a brand's purpose, values, and distinct market advantage.
  • Build strategic tools such as brand architecture models, positioning statements, and communication playbooks.
  • Leverage AI platforms like WPP Open strategically to accelerate research, uncover patterns, test hypotheses, and enhance strategic development.
  • Apply critical thinking to AI-generated outputs, refining and contextualizing insights for relevance and accuracy.
  • Conduct primary and secondary research to gather data, identify emerging trends, and uncover actionable consumer and cultural insights.
  • Translate research findings into strategic tools such as consumer personas, journey maps, and brand architecture models.
  • Monitor cultural shifts, consumer behaviors, and category dynamics to keep strategies relevant and forward-thinking.
  • Utilize AI-powered analytics and research tools intelligently to synthesize large datasets and identify meaningful insights more efficiently.
  • Collaborate closely with creative, social media, and account teams to ensure strategic coherence and creative excellence across all touchpoints.
  • Act as a strategic partner to creative teams, providing clear and inspiring briefs that unlock outstanding creative work.
  • Present strategic recommendations and insights to clients and internal stakeholders in a compelling and concise manner.
  • Build trusted client relationships through strategic counsel and thought leadership.
  • Monitor campaign performance, analyze results, and provide data-driven optimization recommendations.
  • Establish clear success metrics and KPIs aligned with business objectives.
  • Stay current with industry trends, cultural shifts, and best practices in marketing, communication, and digital strategy.
  • Support new business efforts by contributing strategic thinking, research, and presentation materials.

What you’ll need:

  • Proven experience (3-5 years) in account planning, brand strategy, or strategic planning roles, ideally within an advertising agency or brand consultancy.
  • Demonstrated track record of translating insights into effective brand and communication strategies, with experience on integrated campaigns.
  • Essential expertise in using AI platforms and tools intelligently to enhance strategic planning, research, and analysis, understanding when to use AI and when human judgment is paramount.
  • Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights, and familiarity with qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
  • Proficiency in leveraging AI as an analyst and assistant to process data, generate insights, and optimize workflows, coupled with critical thinking to evaluate and validate AI-generated insights.
  • Deep familiarity with AI platforms and their strategic application in planning (e.g., WPP Open, ChatGPT Enterprise, Claude, Gemini for Business), including advanced prompt engineering skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with strong presentation and storytelling abilities for senior clients and stakeholders.
  • Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively across disciplines (creative, media, business, and production).
  • Intellectual curiosity and genuine interest in understanding people, brands, and culture, with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Understanding of responsible AI usage, including bias detection, ethical considerations, and transparency.

Additional Competencies:

  • Strategic Thinking & Brand Positioning
  • Insights & Analytics (AI-enhanced)
  • AI Fluency & Ethical Application
  • Client Engagement & Presentation
  • Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
  • Cultural Acumen (especially MENA region)
  • Growth Mindset & Adaptability
  • Strong Organizational Skills

#LI-EMEA

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. 

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

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.