Account Director

WHO IS GTB?

GTB (a VML company) is a global precision-marketing agency, creating ideas that inspire people to act. Founded in 2007 to accelerate performance for the world’s most iconic brands, GTB is part of WPP’s industry-leading network of companies driving creative transformation. GTB works across six continents with offices worldwide.

The Account Director serves as an agency leader for achieving the client’s strategic brand objectives by collaborating with the client and focusing on all facets of strategic growth. He or she must establish and drive all facets of internal working teams to deliver on clients’ goals, objectives and overall strategic direction.

The Account Director also mines new, organic business opportunities with existing clients, by building relationships across the client’s organization, and with key industry partners. This person must be team-oriented and possess excellent problem solving, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

Account Directors works closely with Supervisors to foster a culture of growth and development with the team.They regularly demonstrate initiative in all areas of improving the management and growth of all partnerships, demonstrating a sense of ownership and the ability to manage independently.

The Account Director must take ownership, drive marketing excellence, innovation, and client intelligence. He/she is responsible for all areas of client delivery and overall relationship health. Financial responsibilities include review and sign-off of monthly billing and forecasting, client management or escalation of billing as needed. Candidates must be prepared for a fast-paced environment and be comfortable making decisions.

• Responsible for development of long-term account success and 
• Works with Strategy and planning to transform knowledge of client business objectives, internal and competitive opportunities, and customer insights into actionable marketing communications strategies and tactics.
• Leads and manages team on a given book of 
  • Builds and maintain senior level client 
  • Provides team with direction and input to ensure business and project goals are met.
  • Mining new business opportunities.
• Responsible for development of direct 
• Exhibits enthusiasm for clients’ business and industry. Maintains leading edge of knowledge of clients’ business and industry.
• Recognizes and seizes opportunities to contribute to agency new 
• Regularly informs Executive Director of Retail Communications on status of business, including escalation as needed.
• Responsible for execution of communication/marketing programs and coordination of agency services in support of Tier-1.5 content including, but not limited to, Cross Tier Campaign integration with partner agencies, Dealer Community Engagement and additional Retail content at Tier-2 such as T2 Content Library and Truck Leadership in both the traditional and digital realms.
• Execute ad-hoc content opportunities with FBA, FCSD, Integrated Services, etc.
• Execute upon GTB’s Precision Marketing practice within content developed for major and minor events including working with the Shopper, dot.com, CRM and social teams on complimentary assets, pathing and execution and strategy and media to ensure proper digital asset development and execution.
• Ensures measurable performance and alignment of digital tactics to Client business and marketing goals by managing and coordinating with strategy and analytics for desired outcomes.
• Manage internal processes and collaborations with internal teams (PPL, Hogarth, Media, Strategy, Creative and Analytics).
• Facilitate or attend regular media & creative reviews with the regional clients and agency teams.
• Accurately consolidate regional feedback into clear, concise direction, and distribute promptly to client and agency personnel.
• Manage budgets, tracking, and administration of program costs and internal processing including monthly report out to clients.
• Manage creative approval process and ensure quality control.
• Recommend measures to improve work process methods, performance, and quality of product.
• Shepherd all programs through rigorous processes including proper documentation, briefing and timeline management and continuously evaluate and implement new processes as needed to drive successful outcomes.
• Be a steward of the GTB Retail’s Business Plan Review (BPR) process to manage performance of the business so it runs as efficiently as possible.
• Develop and maintain positive client relationships at the appropriate levels.
• Ensure that communication programs are executed in accordance with client needs and wants.
• Acquire client assignments and define, clarify, and focus direction as needed.
• Monitor work of Retail Content Account support team and provide appropriate direction including development and oversight of financials, program development and execution.
• Facilitate onboarding and training for junior account team including interns and ongoing 360 feedback as needed.
• Updating and including the Executive Director or Retail Communications, Executive Director of Retail Operations and Executive Managing Director when appropriate.
• Development and delivery of client presentations.
• Assist in development and facilitation of all communications / updates with the GTB Field teams (and Ford Field teams when needed) regarding Retail Communication (Content) updates for field consumption.
• Execute with internal touch points to ensure proper success of program execution including but may not be limited to Product, Proof, Legal and in-house production team.
• Assist Executive Director with new solutions and pilots as they relate to Tier-2 and Tier-3 pilots and creative content.
• Direct team to ensure deliverables meet strategic objectives, budget, and timing requirements
• Accurately consolidate regional feedback into clear, concise direction, and distribute promptly to client and agency personnel.
• Manage creative approval process and ensure quality control.
• Maintain and support all company standards as specified within the Quality Management System.
• Supports/facilitates the mandatory adherence to ISO9001 requirements, processes, and procedures.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
• Has excellent presentation skills and presentation development
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Possess a keen eye for detail with tremendous organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities (multi-task oriented).
• Thorough and accurate verbal communication, presentation and listening skills.
• Familiarity with Monday.com.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with clients by gaining trust and repeated successful delivery of expectations.
• Ability to manage the Retail Content Account team as well as cross-functional teams (creative, production, strategy, etc.) to meet client expectations.
• Experience with Retail Advertising including TV, Digital (video & Programmatic) & Social Media campaigns from planning, implementation & measurement of performance.
• Must be creative, analytical, highly organized with strong project management skills.
• Deliver clear, concise, and accurate messages both verbally and written.
• Comfortable working in an integrated agency
• Financial responsibilities include monthly budgeting and forecasting, client management or escalation of billing as needed.
• Is able to concurrently lead and grow multiple
• Minimum of bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field; graduate degree is a plus
• 10-15 years minimum of relevant marketing, media, or agency experience, which may include large-agency interactive or senior client- side marketing experience.
• Experience with traditional and digital marketing.
• Has deep knowledge and experience with multichannel marketing.
• Has experience managing and growing employees and teams required.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• 5+ years management experience.
• Automotive, Retail, Media, Digital, Social and Direct Response Advertising is a plus.
• Ability to work both remotely and in our GTB Detroit office, as needed.
• Open to travel for 25% of work schedule during the year for production shoots and meetings as required.
• The physical and mental requirements to meet the above listed job responsibilities.
• There is no relocation assistance for this role.

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 (GTB) 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. 

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