Senior Business Development Manager

Who We Are:

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, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.  Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work. 

Who we are looking for

The Senior Business Development Manager is a key member of the VML global new business team. You will support all aspects of the pitch process for the agency, inherently driving the growth of our business. You will be essential to the continued success of our New Business team and the agency itself.

You are self-motivated, team-oriented, and thrive in an entrepreneurial environment. You are able to bridge gaps across organizations and promote open and free communication between peers. You are able to get things done, keep appropriate people in the loop and ensure multiple stakeholders are bought in.You are excited by the opportunity to work across many industry categories and specialty skills, including health, B2B, commerce, CX, etc.

Responsibilities

• Drive VML Business Development efforts with all levels of communication, owning strategic and day-to-day management of various internal and external projects.
• Collaborate on, and support the development of, RFIs and RFPs, across all categories and capability areas.
• Aid in the development of pitch background materials, including prospective client contact and business background research.
• Spearhead organization throughout the process, from initial kickoff meetings and development of content to ongoing touch bases and final presentation creation and logistics.
• Organize creative work; assist in project management of client outreach deliverables follow-up with respective teams to ensure on-time delivery.
• Schedule, create agendas and follow-ups for team meetings as needed.
• Develop and oversee thoughtful, enticing client outreach, including meetings, presentations, digital communications and films.
• Coordinate category knowledge – research, analysis, compilation of new business communications.
• Maintain and edit business case histories with up to date references and data.
• Collaborate and build trust amongst all internal stakeholders, from creative teams through office services and beyond.

Skills & Experience

• Four or more years' previous communications/advertising agency experience, agency setting required
• Understanding of how an agency operates, and passionate about immersing yourself in all things VML
• Insatiably curious and a supportive team player
• Interested in social and cultural trends and stay up to speed on emerging digital technologies

What we offer: 

• Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.
• Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
• Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.
• Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.

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 discrimin