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Lead / Manager

Creative Director, Art

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

VML (Wunderman Thompson)

VML (Wunderman Thompson)

Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Hybrid
Posted March 31, 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.

Who We Are Looking For

At VML, we are looking for a visionary and strategic Creative Director to lead our team and shape the visual direction of compelling, large-scale campaigns. In this role, you will be a defining creative force behind major accounts, leading a multi-disciplinary team to execute big ideas from concept to completion. This role aligns with our Human First approach, focusing on creating authentic, sustainable value for people and ensuring our work resonates on a deeply human level while driving tangible business growth.

What You'll Do

  • Lead, inspire, and manage a multi-disciplinary team of creatives, including art directors, designers, and copywriters, to deliver exceptional work.
  • Shape the overarching visual vision and creative strategy for major accounts, ensuring all output aligns with client objectives and brand identity.
  • Act as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to senior clients and internal leadership, guiding them through the creative process.
  • Drive business growth through innovative, award-winning creative work and active participation in new business pitches.
  • Foster a culture of creative excellence, mentorship, and inclusivity, elevating the craft and careers of the creatives on your team.

Who You Are

  • You approach complex business challenges with relentless curiosity and strategic insight, transforming them into clear, engaging, and highly effective visual and conceptual solutions.
  • You build trust through empathy, collaborating seamlessly with cross-functional teams and mentoring others to create work that connects with audiences on a human level.
  • You are comfortable navigating ambiguity and aren't afraid to challenge the status quo, pitch bold ideas, and champion inclusive storytelling at the highest levels of the organization.

What You'll Need

  • A world-class portfolio demonstrating a proven track record of conceptual brilliance, exceptional art direction, and successful, large-scale campaign execution.
  • Extensive experience leading and developing creative teams, with a passion for mentoring and elevating the craft of those around you.
  • Deep understanding of brand strategy, visual identity systems, and how to translate complex business objectives into compelling creative visions.
  • Proven ability to build strong relationships with senior clients and internal stakeholders, acting as a trusted creative advisor.
  • A track record of contributing to business growth, including experience leading or playing a key role in successful new business pitches.

The base salary range for this position at t

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