Senior Account Director

About WPP Production

We are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world-class human craft with next generation technology to originate, design, and deliver multi-channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today's always on, AI driven marketing world.

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.

About 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 

Senior Account Directors (SAD) are trusted Client leads responsible for delivery excellence across complex accounts. They partner closely with Client Delivery Team, production counterparts and Clients to ensure operational discipline, commercial performance, resource optimisation and effective project execution. SADs lead teams, manage senior Client relationships and ensure all delivery meets Hogarth’s global standards.

Responsibilities 

• Act as the senior Client Delivery contact across multiple clients and markets.
• Ensure client needs are understood, met and escalated appropriately to Business Director: Delivery or Client Delivery Managing Director.
• Oversee on-time delivery and swift resolution of delivery issues.
• Lead status updates, scope definition, expectation-setting and problem-solving.
• Collaborate with Client Delivery Teams, Production and Finance to ensure smooth operations and delivery.
• Lead complex projects from initiation to completion.
• Ensure teams have clarity on timelines, deliverables and priorities.
• Drive process innovation and operational discipline across engagements.
• Maintain detailed project documentation including scope, timelines, trackers, risk registers and reports.
• Identify risks early, develop contingency plans and escalate when appropriate.
• Review team structure and resourcing needs to ensure optimal utilisation and profitability.
• Ensure all work meets Hogarth’s quality standards.

Leadership

• Create a culture of collaboration, respect, equality and inclusion.
• Lead by example – demonstrating ownership, professionalism and passion.
• Inspire the team and remove barriers to their success.
• Support team development, performance management and talent retention.

Financials

• Demonstrate strong commercial abilities and financial acumen.
• Oversee budgets, track costs and reconcile estimates to actuals.
• Manage billing, reporting and profitability across accounts ensuring all projects are profitable.
• Ensure understanding of commercial arrangements, contractual obligations and SLAs.
• Protect margins and proactively identify organic revenue-growth opportunities.

Requirements

• Client or project management experience within integrated or digital agencies.
• Global/ Multi-market delivery experience
• Strong understanding of production processes across digital, social, content and video.
• Proven experience leading complex projects and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong senior client relationship-building skills.
• Commercially astute, able to build scopes, budgets and commercial models.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with global teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools such as JIRA, Smartsheet, Trello 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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