Vice President Account Director - Financial Services

Company Description

Leo Burnett is a communications agency powered by its HumanKind operating system, with the belief that creativity, data and technology work together to transform human behavior and drive prosperity for clients. Part of Publicis Communications, Leo Burnett Worldwide is one of the world's largest agency networks with 85 offices and more than 8,000 employees. The global agency works with some of the world's most valued brands including Bank of America, Bridgestone/Firestone, Campbell's, Hillshire Farm, Jim Beam, Kellogg's, Kraft, Marshalls, MillerCoors, Nestle, Nintendo, P&G, Samsung, Tillamook and UnitedHealthcare among others.

Job Description

OPPORTUNITY

Leo Burnett is looking for an outstanding Vice President Account Director (VP AD) who'll work in partnership with the Senior Vice President Account Director (SVP AD) to manage a brand or segment of the account to bring consistent thought leadership and support the client’s marketing needs. They must be well-versed in all things digital with expertise in the management of websites and experience partnering with technology teams. In addition, they must build a motivated, collaborative and high-performing team capable of supporting a variety of marketing initiatives and programs to his/her client account. Their activities contribute measurably to Leo Burnett's reputation, generate year-to-year increases in agency profits, assist in generating success in securing new business and develop client solutions and strategic insights that contribute to the agency's market presence. The VP AD should be a discipline expert with cross-disciplinary mastery and is accountable for the direction, motivation, and financial impact of their team. They are expected to identify and recruit new talent while promoting best agency practices. They seek opportunities to mentor individuals outside of their direct reports, while setting the standards for the work produced in the group. They create an environment that enables collaboration and inspirational ideas. In partnership with other senior leaders, they take responsibility for the financials of the group to ensure resources are being used appropriately. They also support and build a HumanKind culture within the agency.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with team and client management counterparts.

• Facilitates the sharing of the team’s client intelligence, creative work and other expertise within and across business units in an effort to help all units identify business-building opportunities and enhance their marketing programs.

• Sets the direction for the account by leading creation of strategic and tactical business plans that outline how the team will achieve its financial objectives. Communicates account’s objectives and strategies to team members and the role they play in achieving them. Regularly updates team on changes to and progress against the plan.

• Establishes annual budget, staffing needs and revenue forecasts to assure the growth and profitability of the account.

• Monitors team’s progress against plan including revenues, resource allocation, profitability and billing/collection problems. Reviews analysis of incurred costs, operations and forecast data to determine progress toward stated goals and objectives. Develops and implements action plans to correct/improve team financial performance as needed.

• Identifies and actively pursues new business opportunities within existing client assignments as well as outside existing projects.

• Staff, manage, develop and inspire team members to become their client’s best marketing partner by delivering strategic and creative excellence, introducing client to innovative solutions, delivering quality service, and delivering marketing programs that further client’s marketing and business objectives.

• Understands assigned client’s business as well as main competitors to properly analyze and understand status and direction of brand strategy. Ensures all team members have a complete understanding of the client’s business and the unique needs of the client and their brand(s).

• Fosters direct report(s) growth and performance. Prepares and implements effective employee development plans and coaches personnel using same.

• Develops and maintains cooperative working relationships with various agency personnel to gather and exchange information, develop and implement solutions to problems, and improve programs.

• Understands the agency’s capabilities and stays current with agency activities. Finds ways to leverage agency’s capabilities in promotion, direct and interactive into the team’s relationship with client in order to create positive relations and enhance new revenue opportunities.

• Champions specific agency initiatives, including new programs, services,