VP, Account Management

MERGE•Chicago, IL

1d•$114,400 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At MERGE, we are Built Different. We are a marketing and technology agency purpose-built for the intersection of health and wellness—where human impact matters most. By weaving storytelling through technology, we move beyond traditional engagement to Whole Human Marketing. This approach recognizes that humans are multidimensional and complex, and uses AI to ensure every brand interaction feels natural, contextual, and relevant. This commitment to human-first innovation is what brings us together and propels us forward. We are united by our North Star: to unite people and brands to empower healthier, happier lives. Emerge to the Top of Your Career At MERGE, we strive to create a superior work experience where talented and ambitious people grow. An experience that encourages people to think higher and feel deeper. An experience where people engage their minds and hearts to do the best work of their careers. As our VP, Client Service, you will… Lead growth efforts within some of the agency’s highest priority accounts, with responsibility for revenue generation and net new client relationships. You will act as a senior solution-oriented leader that thrives on developing lasting relationships between the client and agency teams, and position teams to effectively introduce new digital solutions to changing market conditions. You can effectively speak to creative, strategy and technical solutions depending on the client need and opportunity, and are comfortable working across industries and with senior business leaders. You inspire team members to develop innovative, effective and intelligent solutions to client problems and have experience in sell-through across enterprise organizations. This position involves consistent consulting and operates at a high level in all aspects of account management.

Requirements

12-14 years of related experience
7-10 years of Client Management experience preferred, including proven strategic thought leadership bringing forward digital business solutions
Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent work experience
Category expertise and multi-channel experience with platforms (Adobe) and digital expertise
Ability to evaluate contemporary marketing and customer experience programs across categories and consumer segments
Willingness to roll up your sleeves to be a constant leader in a highly collaborative environment and to develop and execute business-building strategies
Superior client management and relationship skills, especially as it relates to expanding business with existing clients
Emphasis on building relationships across departments, from marketing to technology to product and sales
Superior professional communication and presentation skills
Commitment to the client, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving ability
Expert understanding of client management principles, relationship development and organization, business acumen, and delegation skills
Excellent knowledge of agency capabilities/service offerings, and ability to identify opportunities for growth based on client goals
Understand the client's business at the highest level in order to be a champion, and help bring forth proactive ideas for the client that transform their business
Function and successfully manage, within a demanding and stressful environment
Expert negotiator, whether for contracts or conflict or anything in between

Responsibilities

Navigate enterprise level organizations to identify relevant stakeholders to both deepen and widen agency relationships and opportunities
Lead organic growth initiatives and opportunities, financial and otherwise on a defined client or client portfolio, while delivering real results for our clients and meeting/exceeding agency revenue goals
Create strong client partnerships including high quality of work, strong business-driving results, service excellence, and proactive ideation
A trusted partner to marketing peers; aligned with a Director, VP of Marketing and/or CMO
Manage a successful, integrated team through high-level strategic engagement Core strategy; a business builder; market and client expert
Manage multiple pieces of business within one client or multiple accounts
Informed and personally involved, ensuring sound planning, good service and a solid client/ agency relationship
Follow and implement agency policies and procedures across their teams
Sign off on clear and thorough SOWs, inspecting for proper margins and profitability targets
Forecast revenue growth and margin with an eye to opportunities for increased profitability
Exercise independent judgment in methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results
Display business acumen to apply knowledge beyond current client base or vertical, if needed, by having an immediate impact if moving to a different client or vertical
Oversee the financial health of the relationships to hit forecasting numbers
Addresses key staffing issues with group leader
Help clients anticipate changes in their category and the market at large and make forward-looking adjustments to their marketing strategy, from communications to customer experience to supporting technology
Act as a trusted client advisor who consults with them on strategy, ideas, trends, and thought leadership
Create and extend relationships with senior clients to facilitate the overall needs of the client and agency
Grow and diversify client relationships by identifying additional business needs, from digital marketing and technology platforms to brand strategy to communication to data-driven marketing and experience design
Leverage experience to craft strategic and creative solutions, with a strong emphasis on digitally-driven programs, helping to modernize customer experiences
Incorporate senior staff from other departments appropriately, setting them up to capitalize on new opportunities and collaborate effectively
Develop and grow a team as a mentor and trusted advisor to account team
Maintain working knowledge of MERGE solutions and resources and recognize/act upon opportunities
Attend industry events, meetings, conferences, and training as appropriate
Other responsibilities as designated