Group Account Director (Tobacco)

Who We AreAt 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.Job SummaryThe Group Account Director plays a leadership role overseeing a multi-market, dark-marketing business portfolio with strong growth ambitions across the account. Acting as second-in-command to the Business Unit Head, this role is accountable for both the strategic direction and commercial growth of the portfolio, while championing people-first leadership and operational excellence. GAD will collaborate closely with multiple internal & external stakeholders to broaden and future-proof the business offering, deepen client trust, and elevate standards of work across the ecosystem.Job Description Business expansion & CX growthShape and grow CX as a new strategic business pillar within the portfolio.Partner with the Business Unit Head to architect portfolio growth, expanding upstream into business design, data-driven CX strategy and expand current market opportunities.Develop operational & commercial roadmaps that future-proof the client relationship beyond just business-as-usual tasks & campaigns.Translate emerging signals into revenue opportunities before they become briefs. Strategic client leadershipServe as senior counsel to C-level and transformation stakeholders, influencing both marketing and broader enterprise strategy.Challenge constructively, advocate for progress, and elevate the agency into the role of trusted long-term partner.Navigate a dark-marketing environment with high confidentiality, low visibility and high strategic importance. Commercial & operational ownershipOversee revenue forecasting, profitability, pricing and scope including QA & QC governance.Continuously refine ways of working to increase clarity, flow and velocity.Partner with internal stakeholder leads across multiple team disciplines to strengthen operating models as the account scales.Pre-empt risk and maintain trust through strong stakeholder alignment. Talent & team leadershipDevelop and mentor future leaders; instill EQ, strategic opinions and sharpness QA & QC.Model “people-first” leadership that protects both growth and wellbeing.Create a reputation for a high-performing, respected team.Lead by influence, not title, taking the room without forcing it. Reputation, craft & excellenceUphold the highest standard of craft across creative, strategic, experience and operational delivery.Ensure the business shows up as “best in class” in every interaction, internally and externally.Protect the agency’s brand and reputation through quality, integrity and composure.Who This Role Is ForA business builder, not just an account custodian. Think in terms of growth, long-term value creation and portfolio evolution.A natural second-in-command, confident partnering closely with the Business Unit Head and stepping in to lead the business when needed.A people-first leader who builds trust, capability and empathy, while upholding high performance and craft standards.Fluent in CX, seeing it as a revenue and relationship growth frontier.Comfortable operating upstream with senior clients, shaping thinking and influencing decisions before briefs are issued.Commercially sharp, with strong instinct for whitespace, opportunity spotting and early-stage growth conversations.Calm, composed and decisive in fast-moving environments. Able to bring clarity in momentum and maturity in pressure moments.Motivated by building a team’s legacy and reputation, not just delivering work.Respected for executive presence with poise. Earn the room through maturity, judgement and character.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. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.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. 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