Account Director

VML•Costa Mesa, CA

15h•$70,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

VML is seeking an Account Director to support one of its largest global clients in the automotive sector. This role will be based in the Costa Mesa office with a hybrid workstyle. The Account Director is responsible for the overall management, growth, and profitability of the account and represents the agency at the client level. This senior account leader will directly supervise a growing account team, providing support, guidance, and translating client business needs into clear agency action across functions. This role will lead senior day-to-day client relationships, drive delivery excellence across an expanding scope (including creative, strategy, social, and CRM), and help evolve a modern operating model that embraces AI-enabled ways of working to increase speed and scale. The role reports to the Managing Director, Account Management. The Account Director will also seek growth opportunities and may support new business pitches and pitch preparation as needed.

Requirements

8-10+ years of experience in account leadership within an advertising agency environment.
Demonstrated experience with modern, technology-enabled delivery models, including applying AI tools to scale output efficiently.
Successful track record of client relationship development and service, particularly with large, multi-layered clients.
Experience working with cross-functional teams spanning across strategy, creative, production, and project management.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite as well as delivery systems and project management methodologies specific to product life cycle and strategy.
An ability to adapt and thrive in fast-paced environments where priorities shift and speed matters.
Strong interpersonal communication skills, with an outgoing and strategic approach working within layered team structures.
Strong people leadership skills with the ability to develop junior talent and build team cohesion during rapid growth.

Nice To Haves

Automotive category experience a huge plus.
Open to travel as needed for content shoots and client visits.

Responsibilities

Lead client relationships to uncover business needs and objectives, develop appropriate strategies, and identify solutions to help achieve client goals.
Provide account team leadership and convey specific requirements for multi-functional support to the appropriate functional management on a timely basis.
Partner with cross-functional teams within the agency to define and influence the client’s requirements in order to execute existing business needs and secure organic client growth.
Generate solutions to enhance client performance through innovative strategies leveraging WPP’s proprietary AI software platforms and tools.
Deliver key presentations to small and large groups within the client organization, often showcasing AI asset generation and delivery, market performance, and strategic direction.
Lead quarterly agency review meetings.
Meet onsite with the client as needed to develop strategy, present concepts, and manage performance.
Monitor workflow across account team to ensure efficient delegation of projects.
Manage the overall client profitability ensuring responsible financial management and delivery of account profit expectations.
Work closely with the PMO and Campaign Strategy to ensure delivery of all campaigns, ensuring robust product launch integration.
Oversee team members, providing guidance and fostering growth.