Group Director Business Development

Who We Are

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

The Group Director, New Business is responsible for driving, planning and management of business development efforts for both new and existing clients of VML. You will play a leading new business role– finding new sources of revenue with new clients and organic growth within existing clients. You will be responsible for executing business development plans, and framing opportunities and solutions that feature the Agency’s new integrated set of services and collaborating with other WPP companies

Responsibilities:

Strategic Business Development & Relationship Management

• Develop and execute VML's overall marketing plan, identifying likely targets for new clients and opportunities for expansion with existing clients.
• Proactively connect with potential new clients and decision-makers to introduce VML services.
• Maintain and grow relationships with advertising search consultants to position VML for significant client opportunities.
• Collaborate with new business teams across VML and WPP on inter-disciplinary pitches and drive additional opportunities for VML through existing WPP integrated businesses.

Pitch Management & Execution

• Manage significant business development pitches for new and existing clients as 'pitch producer,' assembling account, creative, planning, and production resources.
• Provide direction, support, and assistance to local new business teams for smaller opportunities.
• Spearhead organization throughout the pitch process, from initial kickoff meetings and content development to ongoing touch bases and final presentation creation and logistics.
• Be a key part of the presentation team at significant new client meetings.
• Manage & train business development managers, leading or supporting growth opportunities

RFI/RFP & Marketing Materials Development

• Collaborate on, and support the development of, creative, yet informative, RFI/RFP presentations that highlight VML’s capabilities, resources, and outlook.
• Aid in the development of pitch background materials, including prospective client contact and business background research.
• Conceptualize and develop new business marketing materials and related collateral to support overall marketing efforts.
• Develop and oversee thoughtful, enticing client outreach, including meetings, presentations, digital communications, and films.
• Organize creative work; assist in project management of client outreach deliverables and follow-up with respective teams to ensure on-time delivery.

Internal Collaboration & Support

• Drive VML business development efforts with all levels of communication, owning strategic and day-to-day management of various internal and external projects.
• Collaborate and build trust amongst all internal stakeholders, from creative teams through office services and beyond.

Performance Tracking & Infrastructure Development

• Track, monitor, and report on actual VML business development performance against global plan.
• Support the development of VML’s new Business Development infrastructure and a new approach to New Business.

Skills & Experience

8+ years’ experience in digital or integrated communications agency environment.
Proven track record for new revenue and new business opportunities.
Dynamic leadership, team building, and team management skills.
Excellent project management skills.
Demonstrated ability to operate successfully in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment, with high energy and vibrance.
Ability to analyze, develop, sell in and manage business strategies, plans and business cases.
Prior experience leading new business pitches.
Prior experience developing and executing overall marketing plans in an agency environment.
Strong presentation and senior client facing skills.

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.

_$100,000—$230,000 USD

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. 

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit  www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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