Group Account Director

Company: VML
Location: Schiller Park
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

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 Wendys. 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. What Were Looking For: VML is seeking a strategic and driven Group Account Director to manage a large account team over a client in the healthcare and lifestyle space. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to connect meaningfully with clients, building strong relationships and fostering organic growth. They will inspire creatively, bringing innovative solutions and strategic thinking to every project. This individual will include purposefully, collaborating seamlessly with cross-functional teams. They will also approach positively, demonstrating a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset to achieve agency and client objectives. A deep understanding of the healthcare communications landscape and experience managing both teams and financials are essential. What You’ll Do: Partner | Collaborate with broader team leadership and cross-functional partners such as Project Management, Strategy, Creative, Health, etc. to set the vision, business, and engagement plan for the book of business managed. Actively engages in professional development of 2-3 direct reports. Utilizes a proven approach to cross-functional, cross-agency, and partnership collaboration. Work | Sets and achieves profitability goals on par with agency benchmarks. Manages and approves all investments to ensure a strategic focus on ROIs. Responsible for collaboration and inclusion of relevant regional markets in the annual account planning and activation process. Possesses a strong ability to actively contribute throughout the creative process. Lead | Develops and maintains the most senior-level client relationships. Focuses on building client relationship depth and organic business opportunities, activating VML network and WPP resources as needed to deliver on goals. Cultivates capability of both the cross-functional client team and Account department. Demonstrates excellent presentation and organizational skills. Manages and guides individuals and teams to their best results. Who You Are: A natural leader with a passion for healthcare communications. A strategic thinker with a proven track record of success. A collaborative team player who can build strong relationships. A results-oriented individual with a focus on achieving objectives. What You’ll Need: 8-10 years of relevant experience, including large-agency interactive, traditional marketing and/or equivalent client-side experience. Experience with marketing (traditional and/or digital) focusing on multi-channel campaign development and strategy. Previous experience leading a pharmaceutical or health account (HCP and/or DTC). Possess thorough knowledge/understanding of the health communications landscape and ability to successfully navigate associated processes. Experience managing employees and business financials/profitability. Distinct understanding of the strategic process and ability to drive innovation. What we offer: Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work. Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery. Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness. Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally. 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 $100,000—$200,000 USD We believe the best work happens when were together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. Thats 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.

Keywords: VML, Chicago , Group Account Director, PR / Public Relations , Schiller Park, Illinois