Who we are looking for:

VML is seeking a Managing Director, Account Management to lead a significant portion of our large, fast-growing global automotive account, specifically focusing on the automotive franchise dealer group. This critical role will be based in our Playa Vista office, operating in a hybrid workstyle. The Managing Director is responsible for the overall strategic direction, significant growth, and financial profitability of a key client portfolio, serving as a primary executive-level agency representative to the client. This senior account leader will directly manage and develop 3-4 Account Directors and Supervisors, providing executive-level support, strategic guidance, and translating complex client business needs into clear, actionable agency strategies across various functions.

We seek a leader who can drive delivery excellence across an expansive scope, encompassing integrated marketing solutions including social media strategy, content deliverables, new product launches, and go-to-market strategies. The Managing Director will be instrumental in evolving a modern operating model that embraces AI-enabled asset creation to increase speed, scale, and strategic impact. The Managing Director will also be responsible for identifying substantial growth opportunities, leading major new business pitches, and strategic account expansion initiatives.

What you’ll do:

• Lead Client Strategy & Agency Growth | Work with senior clients to deeply understand their business objectives and challenges, integrating strategies and channel plans to achieve and exceed client goals across Social and Product campaigns. Provide executive account team leadership, ensuring clear strategic direction and the effective allocation of multi-functional support across all agency disciplines. Forge strong partnerships with cross-functional leadership within the agency to define, influence, and deliver against evolving client requirements.
• Drive Integrated Marketing Impact | Innately understand the client’s automotive business landscape and generate innovative, integrated marketing solutions that enhance client performance across all key areas, including advanced social media initiatives and successful new product launches with robust go-to-market strategies. Possess an acute understanding of both brand and social experience to guide impactful campaigns. Deliver compelling executive presentations to large, diverse groups within the client organization, showcasing strategic vision, performance metrics, and thought leadership. Lead high-level quarterly agency business reviews and frequently engage with clients on-site to shape strategy, present complex concepts, and manage executive-level relationships.
• Manage Portfolio & Develop Leaders | Oversee the comprehensive workflow and operational efficiency across the client portfolio, ensuring strategic delegation of projects and optimal resource utilization across project management, production, connections, and strategy. Directly manage and mentor a team of Account Directors and Supervisors, guiding their professional development, strategic approach, and client management skills. Drive the overall client portfolio profitability, ensuring responsible financial management, accurate forecasting, and exceeding account profit expectations.

What you’ll need:

• Minimum 12+ years of experience in progressive account leadership roles within a leading advertising agency environment, preferably managing large, complex automotive or similar global accounts.
• Senior-level experience leading social media programs and campaigns with a strong command of the social landscape and partner ecosystem.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing comprehensive integrated marketing strategies in brand campaigns.
• Preference for candidates who have worked in automotive and possess Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expertise.
• Solid strategic background with proven ability to develop channel plans and oversee complex marketing programs across multi-layered client organizations (Tier One to Tier Three).
• Strong production experience with a deep understanding of campaign execution across various media.
• Extensive experience leading and running integrated teams across strategy, creative, production, and project management disciplines in a fast-paced environment with periodically shifting priorities.
• Proven experience in managing and developing senior-level direct reports, managing up to 4 individuals concurrently.
• Proven ability to drive significant account growth, identify new business opportunities, and lead successful pitch efforts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and a deep understanding of delivery systems and complex project management methodologies for integrated campaigns.
• Superior interpersonal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with an executive presence and strategic, outgoing approach essential for navigating highly layered client and internal team structures.
• Openness and flexibility to travel as needed for executive client meetings, strategic workshops, content shoots, and new business engagements.