Group Media Director

Who We Are

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.

VML is seeking a Group Media Director to join our Connections department, responsible for leading a portfolio of key client accounts. Client Media Mix involves a blend of Awareness and Conversion initiatives, with media crossing upper, mid and lower funnel. We are looking for an inspiring and visionary leader who will not only embody and champion our strategic vision but also be instrumental in shaping it.

This role demands a seasoned professional capable of driving strategic direction for new business development, fostering executive-level client partnerships, and ultimately accountable for the growth and success of a group of accounts. You will oversee media planning efforts that consistently deliver innovative, data-driven, and highly effective ideas, ensuring VML remains at the forefront of the industry. We seek a leader who can continually reinforce consumer behaviors in integrated idea development, empower groundbreaking innovation with emerging media technologies, and expertly supervise the implementation of integrated offerings and tools across their group.

• Cultivate and strengthen executive-level client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to foster long-term growth.
• Provide strategic oversight and ultimate accountability for the resolution of client media challenges and issues on a single AOR client.
• Define and ensure adherence to processes and strategic timetables for the development and delivery of comprehensive media plans.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, including other Directors and senior media professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and career progression.
• Drive new business strategy and participate in pitches, demonstrating VML's capabilities and securing growth opportunities for the agency.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other VML departments (e.g., Creative, Analytics, Strategy) to deliver fully integrated solutions.

• Set the overarching strategic direction and ensure excellence for comprehensive media plans that align with and exceed client marketing objectives across a group of accounts.
• Champion and embed consumer-centric insights into all strategic planning, ensuring deep understanding of audience behaviors drives media strategies.
• Drive the adoption of innovative media technologies and capabilities across the group, ensuring VML's solutions are cutting-edge and effective.
• Lead the identification and development of groundbreaking content and multi-platform media partnerships, creating unique value for clients.
• Oversee the development and strategic articulation of advanced media plan recommendations and alternatives, presenting with executive presence to clients.
• Provide leadership in analyzing competitive activity across client industries, translating insights into actionable strategies.
• Partner closely with analytics leadership to define robust measurement frameworks, drive actionable insights, and ensure continuous optimization for all campaigns within the group.
• Ensure that all media plans are executed flawlessly, on schedule, and within budget, with consistent oversight and quality control.
• Actively participate in industry forums and maintain deep relationships with media and technology…