Account Director
WPP Production
Account Director
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.
A Hybrid working model
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 around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
What does an Account Director do at WPP Production?
WPP Production is expanding its global production capability through the development of a Client Delivery Centre of Excellence (CoE) in South Africa. The CoE strengthens our position as WPP’s global production engine, providing best-in-class, client-facing delivery across some of the world’s best‑known and most prestigious brands. Our South Africa Client Delivery team partners closely with our clients and UK and regional counterparts to deliver high‑quality, scalable production and world‑class client servicing.
These Client Delivery roles operate as part of a unified global delivery organisation, upholding our gold‑standard operational excellence, commercial discipline and commitment to exceptional client experience.
The role:
Our Account Directors (AD) are trusted Client leads responsible for end‑to‑end delivery across complex projects and Client accounts. ADs partner closely with Client Delivery Teams, production counterparts and Clients, ensuring operational discipline, strong commercial stewardship and high‑quality project delivery.
They lead diverse project teams and ensure work is delivered on time, on specification and on budget.
Key areas of responsibility:
Serve as the day‑to‑day lead for Client Delivery across assigned Client accounts.
Ensure Client satisfaction by understanding needs and escalating concerns appropriately.
Manage timelines, deliverables, scope and expectations across project teams.
Provide regular status updates and ensure clear communication with Clients.
Collaborate with Client Delivery Teams, Production and Finance for smooth operations and delivery.
Lead medium‑to‑complex projects from initiation through completion.
Drive operational discipline by managing objectives, budgets, timelines and deliverables.
Maintain accurate task lists, schedules, trackers, risk registers and reporting.
Identify risks and escalate to Senior Account Director or Client Delivery Managing Director where required.
Liaise with clients, suppliers and agencies to gather briefs, assets and technical requirements.
Ensure the highest level of delivery quality.
Leadership:
Create a culture of collaboration, respect, inclusion and continuous development.
Lead by example, demonstrating ownership, professionalism and passion.
Support teams by removing barriers, enabling them to deliver effectively.
Contribute to team growth, development and retention.
Financials:
Demonstrate strong commercial acumen and financial management skills.
Manage project budgets, tracking costs and reconciling estimates to actuals.
Oversee financial reporting, billing and profitability analysis.
Understand commercial arrangements, contractual obligations and SLAs across accounts.
Protect margins, ensure all projects are profitable and identify new organic revenue opportunities.
Requirements:
- Client or project management experience within an integrated or digital agency.
- Global/ Multi-market delivery experience
- Strong understanding of production processes across channels including digital, social, content and video.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects and multi‑discipline teams.
- Experience building strong senior‑level client relationships.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools such as JIRA, Trello, Smartsheet or Miro.
- A curiosity and foundational understanding of AI and its application.
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Why work here:
At WPP Production, you’ll help shape the future of content production at a truly global scale. We bring together world-class talent, cutting-edge studios, and advanced technology to solve some of the most complex creative and production challenges in the industry. You’ll work in a collaborative, borderless environment where craft excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged, and AI and next-generation tools are used to amplify not replace human creativity. With access to diverse projects, global career opportunities, and the backing of WPP’s unmatched network, this is a place where you can grow your skills, make real impact, and create work that performs for every audience, across every channel, at every moment.
Inclusion and Impact
WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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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