Business Unit Director

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

VML (Wunderman Thompson)

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Hybrid

Posted March 19, 2026

Job Description

Who We Are

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of 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. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

What you’ll do:

Client Relationship Management

Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for assigned clients.
Build and maintain strong, enduring client relationships based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect.
Proactively identify and address client needs and challenges.
Manage client expectations and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality service.
Lead client presentations and meetings.

Strategic Planning & Execution

Develop and implement integrated communication plans and strategies that align with client business objectives.
Oversee the execution of all client projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.
Lead the creative development process, providing clear briefs and constructive feedback.
Monitor campaign performance and provide regular reporting to clients.

Financial Management

Responsible for the overall profitability of assigned client accounts.
Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation.
Monitor and control project costs, ensuring adherence to agreed-upon budgets.
Identify and pursue opportunities for organic growth within existing client accounts.

Team Leadership & Development

Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing client service team.
Provide regular coaching and feedback to team members.
Conduct performance reviews and identify training needs.
Foster a positive and collaborative team environment.

Agency Integration & Collaboration

Drive the integration of agency offerings across different departments and disciplines.
Collaborate effectively with internal teams (creative, media, digital, etc.) to ensure seamless project execution.
Share knowledge and best practices across the agency.

What you’ll need:

Brand management or marketing communications diploma or degree or equivalent.
2-3 years of experience as a Business Unit Director, preferably within an agency setting.
Minimum 12 years in a marketing communications role encompassing strategy, advertising, research, or marketing.
Proven ability to develop and main

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