Market Client Lead at VML in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit www.vml.comand follow along on  LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

This is an exciting regional role based in the robust and dynamic automotive industry. The role is based in Johannesburg, South Africa and gives an opportunity to work in a multi-national team and with senior clients in South Africa.

As the Market Lead for South Africa, you will be a key leader responsible for overseeing and managing the dynamic landscape of clients’ marketing campaigns in South Africa. This role requires wearing multiple hats – from operational and project management to business consulting. You will lead client service teams, foster integrated teams and ways of working and drive innovation to ensure the success and growth of the clinets business across your market.

What You'll Do

Operational and Project Management:

• Lead and oversee major projects, ensuring their successful execution and delivery
• Manage and lead the key WPP SA client service team fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment
• Oversee individual client service teams in SA providing guidance and support
• Collaborate with central and local project management teams, and introduce innovative approaches to enhance project delivery
• Business Consulting and Client Advisory:
• Serve as a nosiness consultant to the client team, offering strategic insights and guidance to align marketing campaigns with business objectives
• Lead and advise other representatives of client teams, identifying crossmarket synergies
• Collaborate closely with SA team marketing leadership, understanding their unique needs and challenges to provide effective solutions

Marketing Campaigns Leadership:

• Lead the development and launch of major integrated marketing campaigns for the local models.
• Partner with Strategic Planning Lead to ensure campaigns are strategically aligned, creatively compelling and effectively communicated to target audiences
• Partner with Creative Lead to ensure creativity is well supported and delivers to market growth
• Monitor campaign performance and make recommendations for continuous improvement

Budget Management and Growth Strategies:

• Manage and oversee budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and optimising resource allocation
• Identify cost efficiencies and growth opportunities, aligning financial strategies with the clients business goals
• Drive Innovation by introducing new marketing technologies and strategies that support the growth, clients business in market

Skills and Competencies:

• Leadership: Proves leadership in managing and motivating cross-functional teams
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and provide innovative solutions to complex business challenges
• Client Advisory: Strong consulting skills with the capacity to advise and influence client teams effectively
• Project Management: Expertise in managing large-scale marketing and resource allocation
• Innovation: Openness to adopting new technologies and approaches to drive business growth
• Communication: Excellent communication and presentation skills for effectively conveying ideas and strategies
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities for evaluating campaign performance and identifying opportunities

Qualification:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or a related field
• Proven track record of leadership and achievement in marketing, advertising or a related industry
• 12-15 years of experience in marketing, advertising or client services with a focus on leading and managing teams
• Experience in managing major marketing campaigns for international brands, preferably within the automotive industry
• Strong understanding of the marketing landscape in South Africa market with a deep knowledge on the region
• Demonstrated success in project management and delivering integrated marketing campaigns
• Experience in budget management and resource allocation
• Exceptional communication, negotiation and presentation skills
• Previous leadership soles within a global network advertising agency or marketing organization is highly desirable

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.

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