VML

Associate Account Director

VML · Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL $90K–$140K Posted 2026-09-08
Salary
$90K–$140K
Type
Full-time
Experience
5+ yr

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.com and follow along on   LinkedIn  #WeAreVML.

About the Role

We are looking for a talented and driven  Associate Account Director  to join our growing Account team, with a specialist focus on  Loyalty ,  CRM and CX . In this role, you will act as a trusted strategic partner to our clients, leading the development and delivery of data-driven CRM programmes that build lasting customer relationships and drive measurable business outcomes.

You'll be the connective thread between client ambition and agency delivery — working across strategy, creative, data, and technology teams to bring omnichannel CRM programmes to life.

What You'll Do

Client Leadership & Account Management

  • Serve as the primary day-to-day client lead, building strong, trust-based relationships with senior marketing stakeholders
  • Translate client business objectives into actionable CRM strategies and campaign plans
  • Lead regular client status meetings, QBRs, and strategic and creative reviews, ensuring transparent communication on progress and performance
  • Manage project health, identify growth opportunities, and support the development of organic revenue within your team

CRM Strategy & Campaign Delivery

  • Lead the planning and execution of complex, omnichannel CRM programmes spanning email, SMS, push notifications, in-app, and beyond
  • Champion lifecycle marketing thinking — from acquisition and onboarding through to retention, loyalty, and win-back
  • Partner with creative and strategy teams to develop audience segmentation, personalisation frameworks, and test-and-learn agendas

•

Team Leadership & Collaboration

  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional internal teams including creative, project managers, strategy, and technology
  • Develop well-crafted briefs that clearly articulate client objectives and inspire great work
  • Contribute to new business pitches and agency initiatives as required

Commercial Accountability

  • Own and manage account scopes of work, budgets, and resource allocation
  • Accurately forecast account revenue and proactively flag risks or growth opportunities
  • Support contract renewals and upsell conversations in partnership with senior leadership

Requirements

  • 5+ years of experience in account management or client services, ideally within an agency or consultancy environment
  • Demonstrable expertise in  CRM marketing  — including lifecycle strategy, campaign planning, segmentation, and personalisation
  • Solid understanding of CRM and marketing automation platforms (e.g. Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Adobe Experience Cloud, Braze, HubSpot)
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the gravitas to engage senior client stakeholders
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience managing and mentoring junior team members

Good to Have

  • Experience in  Customer Experience (CX)  strategy, including customer journey mapping, service design, or experience transformation
  • Exposure to first-party data strategy and the evolving cookieless landscape
  • Knowledge of AI-powered personalisation tools and their application in CRM contexts
  • Experience working with loyalty programmes or subscription-based customer models

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.

_
$90,000 — $140,000 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.

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.

SalesforceHubSpot
$60K — 10th pctl $230K — 90th pctl
This role’s midpoint $115K vs. market median $130K for Operations roles
-10%
below median
Based on 19,000+ Operations roles with disclosed salary ranges tracked on NewJob.
VML

VML

Marketing · Public · New York, USA

Stage & Valuation
Public · $4.1B
Key Investors
WPP
Open roles on NewJob
Most hiring in
Operations (82) · Design (80) · Marketing (61)
VML is a global creative agency formed from the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson in 2024. It operates as a subsidiary of WPP plc, offering integrated marketing, technology, and commerce solutions.
Marketing Advertising Brand Experience Commerce
O
Executive Director, Business Lead-Content Supply Chain
Detroit, MI
Operations
$155K–$390K
E
Executive Director, Data Engineering
Detroit, MI
Engineering
$155K–$390K
M
Executive Director, Global WPP Network Growth
Chicago, IL
Marketing
$155K–$390K
See all 500+ roles at VML →
W
B2B Account Director
Wpromote Remote (US) Remote
Operations
$100K–$130K
A
Director of Engagement & Retention
AnsibleHealth USA Remote
Operations
$150K–$170K
C
Director of Operations
Clinically AI San Diego, CA
Operations
$150K–$175K
I
Specialist, B2B Account Recovery
inKind Austin, TX
Operations
$80K–$90K
See all Operations roles →

Interested in this role?

Apply directly on the company site — no recruiter middleman, no account required.

Apply now →
Apply on company site