Job Description

Who we're looking for:
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Account Director to join our dynamic and innovative team at VML UAE. As a strategic leader, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive strategic direction and support to our clients, driving both short-term sales objectives and the cultivation of long-term brand value. You will serve as the primary point of contact for key clients, ensuring their needs are consistently met and exceeded, while also leading and mentoring a team of account management professionals. Your role will be critical in overseeing the overall quality and financial health of your assigned accounts.
What you'll be doing:

• Provide strategic direction and ensure the successful implementation of client objectives, aligning them with overall business goals.
• Develop a deep understanding of each client's business, industry, and competitive landscape to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
• Collaborate closely with clients to uncover business needs and objectives, partnering with the Business Director to set strategies, determine implementation plans, and ensure flawless execution.
• Proactively identify opportunities, anticipate potential challenges, and develop robust contingency plans to mitigate risks.
• Build and nurture strong, long-lasting relationships with clients based on trust, credibility, and professional respect.
• Act as a strategic partner to the account's planner, contributing insightful and relevant information to the development of effective strategies.
• Understand customer requirements to offer suitable solutions and generate new business opportunities within existing accounts.
• Ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of services and products to clients, resolving any issues promptly and effectively.
• Effectively manage the account team, fostering a constructive work environment, promoting teamwork, and initiating team-building activities.
• Train, mentor, and motivate account team members, focusing on developing their skills and abilities for enhanced performance and career growth.
• Delegate tasks effectively and provide clear direction and support to team members.
• Take full responsibility for the financial health of the account, ensuring efficient operations and profitability.
• Undertake financial negotiations for client fees, ensuring fair and mutually beneficial agreements.
• Develop and manage account budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring adherence to financial guidelines.
• Build and maintain efficient internal processes and relationships to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of services.
• Exercise overall quality control over all aspects of the account, ensuring adherence to VML standards and client expectations.
• Regularly report to the Business Director, providing updates on daily operations, progress against objectives, and any potential issues.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing accounts and contribute to new business pitches as needed.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to identify potential opportunities for VML and its clients.

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in Account Management within an advertising agency environment.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex client relationships and consistently delivering measurable results.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport at all levels.
• Demonstrable experience in high-stakes negotiation and successfully meeting diverse client requirements.
• Solid understanding of budgeting, financial management, and reporting on progress and profitability.
• Strong project management and exceptional time management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Ability to critically judge creative work and provide constructive, effective feedback.
• Meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality standards.
• Resourceful in finding information and innovative solutions to challenges.
• Creative mindset with a deep understanding and appreciation of great advertising.
• General awareness of society, cultural trends, and a genuine interest in brands.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and a proactive, self-starting approach to problem-solving.
• Preferred: Experience working with clients and understanding market dynamics in the Middle East region.
• Preferred: Arabic language proficiency is a significant asset.

Additional Competencies:

• Strategic Leadership
• Client Relationship Management
• Financial Acumen
• Team Development & Mentorship
• Negotiation & Persuasion
• Business Acumen
• Operational Excellence
• Problem Solving

What you'll get: You will have the opportunity to work with exciting global brands while prioritizing your career development and skills growth. We empower you to make a difference and be yourself, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes hybrid working options, social events, training opportunities, medical and life insurance and more. Our shared values and behaviours-Inspire Creatively, Approach Positively, Connect Meaningfully, Include Purposefully-guide our culture and the actions we take every day.
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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Skills Required