Account Director

Who we are looking for:

VML is seeking an Account Director to support a key automotive franchise dealer group within a large, fast-growing global automotive account. This role will be based in our Playa Vista office in a hybrid workstyle. The Account Director is responsible for the overall management, growth, and profitability for 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 with a strong focus on automotive new product launches, go-to-market strategy, and product lifecycle management. This individual will 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 the account expands.

What you’ll do:

• Integrate Operational Excellence | Translate client objectives into clear briefs and coordinated cross-functional delivery. Apply category insight and operational rigor to manage complex launch and GTM workflows. Balance timelines, resources, and project financials to maintain quality and efficiency. Use AI-enabled tools to streamline processes and scale production intelligently. Innately understand client’s business and generate solutions to enhance client performance through innovative product management strategies and execution. Deliver key presentations to small and large groups within the client organization, often showcasing product launch plans, market performance, and strategic direction. Lead quarterly agency review meetings. As needed, meet onsite with the client to develop strategy, present concepts manage performance.

• Influence, Challenge & Forward Momentum | Communicate with clarity and authority, confidently leading meetings and senior presentations. Proactively identify opportunities to improve the work, evolve processes, and strengthen client outcomes. Navigate ambiguity with steadiness, offering solutions and advocating for approaches that benefit the client, agency, and team. Champion new capabilities and smarter ways of working, including AI-driven enhancements. Keep senior leadership informed with timely, concise, and actionable updates. Escalate risks early with recommended solutions.

• Build Relationships, Trust, and Team Culture | Monitor workflow across account team to ensure efficient delegation of projects, with a focus on new product launch campaigns and related asset production. 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. Build strong, trusting relationships with clients and internal teams through clear communication and dependable leadership. Lead challenging conversations with confidence and empathy, maintaining alignment and momentum.

Who you are:

A builder | Entrepreneurial attitude couple with a strong business acumen. Ability and appetite to bring people together. Innate ability to marshal people and create gravity around ideas.

Open and collaborative | Our team is close-knit and supportive and we’re working with a lot of unknowns – you must champion of team environments that are comfortable and encouraging.

Optimistic and resilient | Dig in and figure out how to work around problems. Yes and why not posture. Takes care of self and team. Balance needed to maintain stamina and positivity.

Ego-less | We all wear the hats that need wearing, it’s a mentality that makes the team successful.

What you’ll need:

• 8-10+ years of experience in account leadership within an advertising agency environment, with demonstrated strong product management and launch expertise.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Experience working with both tier one and tier three teams is beneficial, preferably within the automotive category.
• 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.
• Demonstrated experience with modern, technology-enabled delivery models, including applying AI tools to scale output efficiently.
• 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.
• Open to travel as needed for content shoots and client visits.

What we offer: 

• Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.
• Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
• Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.
• Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.