Account Director (Contract role)

Who we are at VML, you won’t just do the best work of your career. You’ll leave your mark on some of the top brands in Canada. With more than 400 employees across our Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver offices, and another 28,000 in our 150+ offices in 60-plus markets around the world, VML is here to deliver unparalleled global, and local, brand experience (BX), customer experience (CX) and retail commerce (CO) creative solutions for clients – all powered by deep data, marketing technology, and platform prowess.

VML is looking for a strong leader, thinker, and problem solver with senior-level account experience. With an impressive history of building robust long-term client relationships, you’re accustomed to success and will accept nothing less. You’re also someone who loves working as part of a close-knit team. 

The Account Director, Retail will play a key role in the day-to-day relationship with a key automotive client, acting as a strategic partner and primary point of contact in the Quebec market. You will oversee the delivery of integrated National retail campaigns for the client, and ensure that all work is aligned with the client’s commercial and brand objectives. 

This role requires a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on management of complex, multi-channel initiatives in English and French—across both retail and other touchpoints of the business including brand, digital, and dealer/network communications.  

You’re fully immersed in the culture around you and informed by the most current ideas, trends, and behaviours. And speaking of culture, VML prides itself on having a very vibrant one that is extremely bright and always charged. 

Key Responsibilities 

Client Leadership & Strategy 

• Serve as the senior client partner in Quebec, building strong, trusted relationships with marketing and business stakeholders at multiple levels. 

• Work with integrated teams on annual and quarterly planning: translate client business goals (e.g., model launches, sales targets, dealer performance) into clear marketing and communications strategies. 

• Understanding automotive market dynamics, customer journeys and competitor activity to inform strategic recommendations would be a strong asset 

• Challenge and inspire the client with proactive thinking, insights, and opportunities for innovation. 

Business Management & Growth 

• Identify and convert opportunities to grow the account (new projects, additional channels, regional rollouts, dealer programs, etc.). 

• Ensure the agency team delivers high-quality work on time and on budget. 

Campaign & Project Oversight 

• Oversee development and delivery of integrated retail campaigns at a National level. Lead adaptation of all QC market brand, digital, social, and dealer/local marketing. 

• Manage complex campaign calendars, including quarterly sales events, and tactical promotions. 

• Ensure clear briefs, robust timelines, and seamless coordination between internal teams  

• Monitor performance and optimize: work with analytics/data teams to evaluate campaign effectiveness and recommend improvements. 

Team Leadership & Collaboration 

• Work directly with the Managing Director on the business to exceed the needs of the client  

• Mentor, and develop Account Supervisor/Manager on the retail business in both the Montreal and Toronto offices, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture. 

• Align and collaborate closely with strategy, creative, media, and production leads to deliver integrated solutions. 

• Represent the account in the Montreal Office, ensuring the client’s needs and opportunities are understood across disciplines. 

• Lead meetings, briefings and consolidate the next steps. Be the “Go-To” lead on integrated retail programs. 

Quality & Brand Stewardship 

• Safeguard the client’s brand across all touchpoints, ensuring all work adheres to brand guidelines and regulatory requirements (including automotive-specific legal/compliance). 

• Maintain a strong understanding of the client’s product range, technologies, and key selling points (e.g., safety, connectivity, EV/ICE range, sustainability). 

• Ensure that customer experience is considered end-to-end, from media exposure through to dealer and digital touchpoints. 

Required experience & Skills

Experience 

• 7+ years of account management/client services experience, ideally within an advertising, marketing, or digital agency environment. Ideally 1-2 years in a director level capacity. 

• Experience managing automotive or other complex, multi-location retail clients (OEMs, importers, dealer networks, or similar). 

• Proven track record of leading integrated accounts and delivering measurable business results. 

• Demonstrated success in managing multi-market/regional accounts. 

Skills & Competencies 

• Strong strategic thinking: able to connect business objectives to brand and communication strategies. 

• Excellent client management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to manage senior stakeholders and challenging situations. 

• Strong project and workflow management skills, comfortable with complex timelines and multiple workstreams. 

• Confident presenter that is fully bilingual in English and French with strong verbal and written communication skills in both languages. 

• Ability to lead and inspire teams; proven team management and mentoring experience. 

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. 

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