Freelance Account Director - Direct Marketing

Freelance Account Director - Direct Marketing

Freelance Account Director - Direct Marketing

VML

Department: Client Services

Location: Johannesburg , South Africa

Last Updated: 6/4/2024

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.

To drive effective direct marketing including web and CRM; being proactive on the clients business; and the activation of effective direct marketing campaigns and development projects cost efficiently and with timely delivery; oversee the activities of AM /AE’s in all areas of an account; ensuring quality creative and technical accuracy, develop associates skills base within immediate team; build strong & enduring client-agency working relationships

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Work as a member of the team, managing effective direct marketing processes by applying agreed processes and procedures
• Timeous & effective complaints management
• Develops in-depth understanding of Clients B2C and B2B business
• Delivers against key account plan deliverables, build and maintain effective working relationships with others – client & agency to deliver effective client service
• In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the client's business, including competitive activity, local and global industry and consumer trends
• Leads meetings & delivers presentations
• Contributes to integrated direct marketing strategy development process – manages, participates and implements strategy
• Manages business and competitor research process (when required)
• Manages direct marketing development process, writes direct marketing briefs & briefs strategists, project managers, and creatives
• Manages CRM strategic process
• Directs overall client admin and communication – eg call reports, weekly status, project status
• Identify information, analyse, evaluate & interpret for inclusion into strategy/briefs
• Ensure cost effective service delivery & therefore build Agency revenue
• Identify proactive opportunities with future financial reward
• Manages Financials ito a) presentation of key CE’s/budgets to Client b) budgets & billings d) Monthly Financial reporting
• Open to and active in sharing knowledge/intelligence
• Contribute by effecting innovation that builds a positive agency culture, and actively foster or participate in fostering a positive work environment

Qualifications Required

• B2B experience with a focus on product and services businesses
• Minimum 6 years within Account Management/Client Services

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.