Group Director Business Development

Who We Are

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that blends brand, customer, and commerce experiences to create connected brands that drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative, human‑first, award‑winning work for blue‑chip clients such as AstraZeneca, Colgate‑Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca‑Cola Company, and Wendy’s. Our specialist health network, VML Health, is among 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, uniting cutting‑edge media intelligence, data solutions, world‑class creativity, next‑generation production, and expert strategic counsel into a single company powered by exceptional talent and our WPP Open platform.

Group Director, New Business

The Group Director, New Business is responsible for driving, planning, and managing business development efforts for both new and existing clients of VML. You will lead the pursuit of new revenue streams with new clients and organic growth within existing accounts by executing business development plans, framing opportunities and solutions that feature VML’s integrated services, and collaborating with other WPP companies.

Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development & Relationship Management

• Develop and execute VML’s overall marketing plan, identifying likely targets for new clients and opportunities for expansion with existing clients.
• Proactively connect with potential new clients and decision‑makers to introduce VML services.
• Maintain and grow relationships with advertising search consultants to position VML for significant client opportunities.
• Collaborate with new business teams across VML and WPP on inter‑disciplinary pitches and drive additional opportunities for VML through existing WPP integrated businesses.

Pitch Management & Execution

• Manage significant business development pitches for new and existing clients as ‘pitch producer,’ assembling account, creative, planning, and production resources.
• Provide direction, support, and assistance to local new business teams for smaller opportunities.
• Spearhead organization throughout the pitch process, from initial kickoff meetings and content development to ongoing touch‑bases and final presentation creation and logistics.
• Be a key part of the presentation team at significant new client meetings.
• Manage and train business development managers, leading or supporting growth opportunities.

RFI/RFP & Marketing Materials Development

• Collaborate on and support the development of creative, yet informative, RFI/RFP presentations that highlight VML’s capabilities, resources, and outlook.
• Aid in the development of pitch background materials, including prospective client contact and business background research.
• Conceptualize and develop new business marketing materials and related collateral to support overall marketing efforts.
• Develop and oversee thoughtful, enticing client outreach, including meetings, presentations, digital communications, and films.
• Organize creative work; assist in project management of client outreach deliverables and follow‑up with respective teams to ensure on‑time delivery.

Internal Collaboration & Support

• Drive VML business development efforts with all levels of communication, owning strategic and day‑to‑day management of various internal and external projects.
• Collaborate and build trust among all internal stakeholders, from creative teams through office services and beyond.

Performance Tracking & Infrastructure Development

• Track, monitor, and report on actual VML business development performance against the global plan.
• Support the development of VML’s new Business Development infrastructure and a new approach to New Business.

Skills & Experience

• 8+ years’ experience in a digital or integrated communications agency environment.
• Proven track record for new revenue and new business opportunities.
• Dynamic leadership, team‑building, and team‑management skills.
• Excellent project‑management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to operate successfully in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment, with high energy and vibrance.
• Ability to analyze, develop, sell in, and manage business strategies, plans and business cases.
• Prior experience leading new business pitches.
• Prior experience developing and executing overall marketing plans in an agency environment.
• Strong presentation and senior client‑facing skills.

Compensation & Benefits

$100,000—$230,000 USD (based on location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications). We offer a competitive benefits package. Click WPP Benefits for more details.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Legal Notice

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