Managing Partner - (Performance)
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Who We Are
VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.
Our automotive client has undergone a transformative shift in its marketing activities, transitioning from a brand ATL approach to a dynamic, performance-led strategy, directly aimed at driving sales.
This role presents a unique chance to engage in one of the most integrated client-agency relationships in the UK, offering an immersive experience within the client’s business.
As a Performance Marketing specialist, you’ll enjoy unparalleled access to a full suite of WPP capabilities and teams which make up WPP Team – spanning Creative, Media, Data, CX and Insights. You’ll play a pivotal role, leading the UK Performance team, demonstrating how to leverage these capabilities to deliver ambitious, impactful and commercially successful strategies. The UK market is a critical region - not only adapting Central work but also originating bespoke local campaign activity. This role will require the successful candidate to drive both creative excellence and operational efficiency, whilst leveraging the full potential of WPP Open and AI-powered tools.
Please note: the UK clients are based in Dunton, Essex and a key requirement of the role is that the successful candidate work alongside the client team in Dunton each Monday and Tuesday. The remaining office days will be spent working from Sea Containers each Wednesday, and our Rose Court offices each Thursday.
The responsibilities:
- The Business Lead has ultimate responsibility for delivering WPP Performance Marketing services to our client.
- Act a key business partner for the Marketing Director’s team, building a strong rapport and acting as a trusted advisor on local market challenges and opportunities.
- To collaborate and imbed a deep relationship with the wider client team, embodying an almost client-side role for maximum integration.
- Partner with Media and Creative Leads to translate brand strategies into effective, ‘idea-led' creative solutions that resonate with the UK audience, generating leads for dealerships.
- Develop and implement performance marketing strategies to drive revenue growth for our client.
- Oversee the operational and financial performance of the UK market WPP team, with a focus on driving strong income and margin performance.
- Lead, inspire, and nurture a team of UK-based Client Service professionals, providing coaching, guidance, and career growth.
- Ensure the team and activities are integrated with the broader client and agency teams, as well as compliant with legal and governance rules.
- Establish and embed new, agile ways of working within the UK team, utilising the WPP Open platform to drive effectiveness.
- Ensure all UK creative work is consistent with brand guidelines and govern the local adoption of central campaigns to hit key KPIs.
Skills Required:
- Client Leadership. A proven track record of leading a large-scale account, with extensive integrated marketing experience.
- (Ideally) - proven experience in Performance Marketing. A track record of driving sales & revenue for clients.
- Strategic & Commercial Acumen. Ability to translate Central strategies into insightful and creative UK market plans that drive business growth, demonstrating a sharp, commercially focused mindset
- Team Leadership & Development. Exceptional ability to lead and inspire UK-based, multi-disciplinary teams to foster a positive, high-performing culture.
- A Modern Marketing & Digital Fluency. A deep understanding of the modern UK digital, social, and content landscape and the ability to navigate complex customer journeys within this market.
- Innovation & AI Fluency. A practical understanding of how to apply emerging technologies, particularly AI, to drive creative innovation and operational efficiency in the UK market.
- Financial & Operational Management. Strong financial acumen and operational expertise, with a clear focus on managing account profitability, optimising resources, and driving agency efficiency.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to confidently persuade and influence senior clients and internal stakeholders.
- Integrated Collaboration. A natural collaborator, able to work seamlessly with local creative, and media teams while liaising effectively with Central counterparts.
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 (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
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