Account Director

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

About Us

VML Canada is all about putting everything we are into everything we do. We're a full-service experience agency that thrives on creating work that brings people together, creating new value for people and businesses through connected brands.

We resist the usual ways of seeing, thinking, and doing. We question everything, using data and insights to reimagine the entire connected customer experience.

About the Role

The Account Director drives the account forward. They deliver the results of our integrated efforts. An innovative, achievement-oriented, cross-discipline marketer who is just as comfortable in mass media as they are in digital, social, and CRM. The account director not only understands how advertising, pr, design, direct, events, community and social media impact marketing, they know how to bring them together to drive Ford's account in a strategic way. Key in fostering the team around them, they will also support and lead the project delivery team lead by example through positive and consumer centric relationships. Building strong relationships with key clients through daily, thoughtful, and strategic counsel is a must. You are a vital part in the success of our organization and will be responsible for the success of your assignments; including establishing strong relationships with our clients/ employees and ensuring that our deliverables are per our client’s standards.

You Will

• Ensure delivery of the best possible product, firmly grounded in a thoughtful, strategically sound understanding of the Shopper Marketing and Ford Service businesses, the account’s long-term direction and the task at hand.
• Develop marketing plans and long-range business plans under direction of the group account director and demonstrate media neutrality and a 360-degree approach at all times.
• Formulate recommendations on long-range strategy, in partnership with the client and strategic planning team, and assumes full responsibility for the brand’s strategic direction – from development, client approval, implementation, tracking and post-reporting.
• Manages financial planning, forecasting, and overall hygiene of annual production budgets
• Advance the professional development of the people in your team, be willing to delegate, monitor their work, be a readily accessible resource and provide regular performance reviews
• Maintains thorough up-to-date knowledge of client's business and individual product performance – and when objectives are not being met, understand why and initiate appropriate action.
• Keeps senior management informed of any issues affecting the overall health and profitability of the account.
• A leader, reinforcing the company’s value and culture.
• Manage scope of project through regular monitoring and communication – and anticipate the need to alert client and/or revise estimates when project goes out of scope.
• Initiates and leads account services team and motivates all account team members to ensure high level of performance and professionalism.
• Initiate business-building marketing proposals, copy exploratory work, and strategic development.
• Takes responsibility for acquiring knowledge and self-development to enhance job performance and understands their role in the context of the Ford business.

You Have:

• College/Bachelor degree; or equivalent business experience a plus
• 6-8 years of experience in client service either within an agency environment (or similar)
• 3+ years of proven senior leadership experience
• 5+ years within the automotive sector

VML Canada is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any other characteristic protected by provincial or federal law.

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.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through ourRecruitment Privacy Policy . California residents should read ourCalifornia Recruitment Privacy Notice . This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy . California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice . This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.