<div class="content-intro"><h3><strong>Who We Are</strong></h3> <p>VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a <strong>Human First</strong> 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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.vml.com/" data-outlook-id="d4b7d1c3-8ad6-4b6d-ab45-d3cb5a3aebe1">www.vml.com </a>and follow along on <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__urldefense.com_v3_-5F-5Fhttps-3A_www.linkedin.com_company_vml_-5F-5F-3B-21-21JboVxjCXSME-21OhlpCfbkl1UcWPwns1-2DGtvHOzFh0QwHV49fsPgGw-2DVCCU1bCg8aQFI9vN-2Dy-2DVwaQcITH2j2XKzGKBIFRLYf2AUWVYY1dFGK6-24&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=zouFnm4jZMgDFaYF1uVcRY3rbgHWPca_luUrBUkT6Yc&m=QzcCgXCAOjzj5hiU48_CKOdHRSJ4_YpuqfviT9yjlzH5VrkzySTZ-WaQXlYAnj4W&s=jJ7q5V70u9oUx7ONPm5jC3IK8y6vxDilX6BGTlqlWlA&e=" data-outlook-id="a3ef68bf-16fb-4ebc-9ca9-406007d6cefc">LinkedIn</a> #WeAreVML.</p></div><p><strong>Who We’re Looking For</strong></p> <p>We’re looking for a dynamic <strong>Managing Partner (Maternity Cover) </strong>with strong CRM experience to spearhead an exciting relationship with one of our major global automotive accounts.</p> <p>You will be a strong practitioner of CRM, capable of holding your own with clients and agency partners alike, while demonstrating a truly integrated skillset to help us drive account growth. You will be comfortable leading a large, specialized team and managing multiple clients across multiple iconic brands within the group—ensuring all key client stakeholders feel they have the total focus and dedication of VML.</p> <p>This is a high-profile role for the agency and requires a best-in-class Managing Partner who can step in, lead from the front, and maintain momentum.</p> <p><strong>What You’ll Be Doing</strong></p> <p>You will be the face and first port of call for VML for this flagship account. Key responsibilities include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Strategic Account Leadership:</strong> Serving as the lead for all major briefs and planning requirements across the client brand portfolio.</li> <li><strong>Client Satisfaction & Growth:</strong> Ensuring client satisfaction remains paramount, delivering excellent Vantage scores while positioning VML top of mind for new briefs.</li> <li><strong>Team Leadership:</strong> Overseeing a dedicated client management team of 10 (two Senior Account Directors, six CRM Managers, and two CRM Coordinators), while collaborating closely with a broader team of strategists, analysts, enablement experts, and tech leads.</li> <li><strong>Talent & Operations Management:</strong> Ensuring the right talent is cast against the right brand, supporting and guiding the team, and maintaining agile ways of working to deliver world-class work on key briefs.</li> <li><strong>Commercial & Financial Governance:</strong> Negotiating fees, managing annual budgets, reforecasting, and scoping. Owning the scope of work alongside the Programme Director to ensure business growth and target profitability.</li> <li><strong>Global Capabilities Integration:</strong> Acting as a conduit between the client and VML South Africa where required, leveraging offshore capabilities effectively.</li> <li><strong>Identifying Growth Opportunities:</strong> Spotting growth opportunities built around our best-in-class capabilities across the account.</li> <li><strong>Partner Collaboration:</strong> Building strong, collaborative relationships across a wide network of media, creative, and specialist agency partners (both within WPP and externally).</li> </ul> <p><strong>What You’ll Need</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Proven Senior Leadership:</strong> An established Managing Partner with a proven track record who brings fresh energy and enthusiasm to every client engagement.</li> <li><strong>Deep CRM Expertise:</strong> A genuine passion for CRM alongside extensive experience creating and steering CRM strategies and campaigns.</li> <li><strong>Client Consigliere Mindset:</strong> Proactive and strategic, acting as a trusted advisor to help set clients up for success while driving growth for VML.</li> <li><strong>Inspirational Leadership:</strong> A natural leader who inspires teams and instils confidence in clients.</li> <li><strong>Collaborative Approach:</strong> Ability to seamlessly collaborate across multidisciplinary departments and agency partners.</li> <li><strong>Ownership & Empowerment:</strong> Takes full responsibility for output while empowering direct reports to take ownership.</li> <li><strong>Mentorship:</strong> Generous with time and support, actively contributing to direct report development and wider ag