Overview
Join to apply for the Creative Director role at VML.
At 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. We offer end-to-end solutions across the customer journey, delivering revolutionary work in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology.
The Opportunity
We are in the third year of our global partnership with The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC), our largest client across WPP networks. We have 5,000 people from our agencies worldwide working across 200 brands in 195 countries across five Categories in nine OUs. Through our operating model, WPP OpenX, we bring together marketing services across WPP—from creative and production to media, experience, social, PR, influencer, shopper, design, data, and technology. This transformation has led to recognition as Creative Brand of the Year at Cannes Lions 2024. We have established a best-in-industry global agency network to support TCCC across disciplines and markets.
The Role
We are seeking a Creative Production Lead to join our world-class creative team. This individual will oversee the adaptation of global campaigns into various regional formats, ensuring seamless execution across multiple platforms. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a passion for creative problem-solving and a keen eye for production standards in a fast-paced environment. You will work with cross-functional teams, managing projects from start to finish to meet client expectations and deliver on time and within budget. In addition to adaptations and transcreations, this role involves overseeing mechanicals, down-funnel production needs, and ensuring high-quality control across SX’s design output, both internally and externally. You will work closely with the Executive Creative Director (ECD) to maintain design integrity across all deliverables. You should thrive in a collaborative environment, be adaptable to change, and provide leadership to junior team members. A high degree of attention to detail, organizational ability, and a client-focused mindset are critical for this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Campaign Adaptation Leadership: Lead and oversee the adaptation of global & local campaigns across a wide variety of platforms, ensuring they meet market requirements and client objectives.
- Production Timeline Management: Manage production timelines, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to high production standards.
- Cross-Department Coordination: Act as the primary liaison between creative, strategy, production teams, and clients for smooth project coordination and timely execution.
- Strategy Development: Develop and implement strategies for adapting global campaigns to local markets, ensuring creativity, relevance, and consistency.
- Collaboration with Teams: Work with creative, strategy, and production teams to maintain quality and consistency across channels.
- Leadership and Problem Solving: Provide leadership during stressful moments, clearly communicating priorities and resolving issues to maintain momentum.
- Creative and Production Oversight: Oversee creative and production processes, ensuring timely approvals and sign-offs.
- Budget Management: Develop and manage production budgets, identify cost savings, optimize resources, and deliver cost-effective solutions.
- Relationship Building: Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, clients, and external vendors for successful campaigns.
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of creative professionals, offering guidance and professional development opportunities.
- AI Implementation Leadership: Champion the integration of AI tools, including WPP Open, into creative workflows to enhance efficiency and innovation.
- Partnership in AI Fluency: Collaborate with Studio X Creative Leadership to strengthen the team’s AI understanding in TCCC-related work.
Skills And Experience Required
- 5+ Years of Experience: Minimum 5 years in production, project management, or related roles within a global agency, ideally with large-scale campaigns for high-profile clients.
- Cross-Platform Project Management: Ability to manage complex projects across multiple media channels (digital, print, TV, social, etc.).
- Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to manage and motivate cross-functional teams.
- Creative Content Adaptation: Experience localizing creative content for global brands while maintaining brand consistency.
- Project Management Expertise: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
- Strong Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with senior management and clients, providing clear updates.
- Commercial Awareness: Understanding of budgets and resource management with ability to deliver work profitably.
- Proficiency in Project Management Tools: High proficiency with project management and production planning tools.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous to ensure top-quality deliverables.
- AI Knowledge & Application: Growing understanding and application of AI tools, including WPP Open.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Digital & Social Media campaigns in addition to traditional media.
- Familiarity with production technologies, tools, and software (e.g., project management and production planning tools).
- Global Brand Standards: Experience working across multiple markets to maintain consistency.
- Creative Process Expertise: Solid understanding of the creative process and delivering high-quality work on time.
Why Join Us
Join a world-class agency network transforming the future of marketing for a leading global brand. Opportunity to be part of a high-performing team driving innovation across multiple platforms. Competitive salary and benefits with professional growth opportunities in a dynamic, supportive environment. We embrace hybrid work with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, discuss with the hiring team during the interview process. We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate belonging and opportunity for all.
VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, visit our website and follow VML on our social channels. California and privacy notices apply to applicants where relevant.
Employment Details
- Seniority level: Not Applicable
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function/Industries: Software Development
Location: Atlanta, GA