New Business Director

Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

Reporting into the Chief Growth Officer of VML UK, the successful candidate will demonstrate:

Commercial Growth & New Business Leadership

Proven track record of delivering and exceeding new business revenue, margin and pipeline targets within a communications, consulting or agency environment.

Significant experience developing and executing new business strategies, prospecting programmes and pursuit plans that generate measurable commercial results.

Strong commercial acumen with a deep understanding of client business challenges, marketing transformation and the evolving communications landscape.

Experience supporting integrated opportunities across complex organisations and multidisciplinary teams, including cross-agency and cross-network pursuits.

Ability to identify, qualify and prioritise opportunities, balancing strategic value, commercial potential and likelihood of success.

New Business Development & Pursuit Excellence

Proven ability to take a proactive role in prospecting, including developing target account lists, identifying routes to market, crafting pursuit strategies and driving engagement programmes.

Significant experience managing RFIs, RFPs, credentials requests, chemistry meetings and competitive pitch processes from qualification through to outcome.

Strong understanding of consultant-led procurement processes and agency review programmes. • Experience coordinating integrated pitch and pursuit initiatives across multiple capabilities, disciplines and partner organisations.

Ability to maintain oversight of all live opportunities and ensure momentum, accountability and progress across the pipeline.

Highly organised with excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously without compromising quality.

Market Intelligence & Opportunity Management

Demonstrates a strong understanding of market trends, competitive activity and emerging industry developments.

Naturally curious and commercially minded, with the ability to identify opportunities from market signals and business change.

Analytical and methodical in approach, using data and insight to inform decision-making and prioritisation.

Committed to continually improving processes, ways of working and pursuit effectiveness.

Relationship Building & Influencing

Outstanding relationship development and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to build credibility and influence with senior clients, consultants, agency leadership and WPP stakeholders.

Strong networking, influencing and negotiation skills with the confidence to challenge constructively when required.

Demonstrates emotional intelligence and excellent judgement when navigating complex stakeholder environments.

Marketing, Brand & Agency Profile

Experience supporting or delivering marketing and profile- building initiatives that enhance agency visibility and supportgrowth ambitions.

Strong understanding of brand positioning, thought leadership, events, content and PR as drivers of awareness and commercial opportunity.

Demonstrates genuine passion for creativity, innovation and the work produced by VML.

Business Development Operations & Enablement

Experience maintaining and continually improving a best-in- class new business infrastructure, including case studies, credentials, pitch materials and sales tools.

Proven ability to create, organise and manage content libraries, ensuring key materials are easily accessible and consistently maintained.

Comfortable developing credentials presentations and supporting materials for client meetings, leadership presentations and ad hoc business development activity.

Strong experience using Salesforce (or equivalent CRM platforms) to manage pipeline data, track opportunities, support forecasting and produce management reporting.

High attention to detail and commitment to process excellence, governance and quality standards.

Leadership & Collaboration

An inspiring, collaborative leader with experience managing, coaching and developing high-performing teams.

Ability to motivate and mobilise cross-functional teams around growth opportunities and shared commercial goals.

Demonstrates accountability, ownership and the ability to create momentum in fast-paced environments.

Strong team player who builds trusted partnerships across functions, disciplines and leadership teams. Communication & Presentation Excellence

Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills.

Ability to distil complex information into clear, compelling and persuasive narratives.

Experience developing and refining pitch stories, credentials presentations and client-facing communications.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing work of consistently high quality.

Personal Attributes

Highly self-motivated, entrepreneurial and results-oriented.

Demonstrates initiative, creative thinking and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Calm, resilient and confident under pressure.

Able to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines while maintaining quality and attention to detail.

Organised, adaptable and comfortable operating within ambiguity.

Energetic, curious and passionate about driving growth.

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.

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