VP, Group Account Director

Merkle is a leading data-driven, technology-enabled, global performance marketing agency that delivers unique, personalized customer experiences across platforms and devices. For over 30 years, Fortune 1000 companies have partnered with Merkle to maximize the value of their customer portfolios.  

The VP, Group Account Director is a senior client leadership role responsible for leading executive relationships, driving strategic growth initiatives, and serving as a trusted advisor for two nationally recognized brands. This is a hybrid opportunity based in our Detroit office, reporting to the SVP, Client Services, you will oversee a team of 2-3 direct reports while leading a portfolio of CRM, customer engagement, and loyalty-focused business. 

This is a highly visible leadership role that blends executive relationship management, commercial acumen, CRM expertise, and people leadership. You will partner closely with senior client stakeholders to shape long-term business strategies, strengthen customer relationships, identify opportunities for growth, and deliver customer engagement and loyalty solutions that generate measurable business impact. 

Responsibilities 

• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with client stakeholders, serving as a trusted strategic advisor and primary point of escalation. 

• Lead a portfolio of enterprise CRM and loyalty clients, developing and executing strategies that drive client retention, revenue growth, and long-term partnership value. 

• Develop strategic account plans that align client business objectives with customer experience, CRM, loyalty, and marketing solutions. 

• Own account growth strategies focused on revenue expansion, client retention, and deepening existing client partnerships. 

• Identify, develop, and close growth opportunities within existing accounts while partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions. 

• Partner with strategy, analytics, customer experience, project management, and delivery teams to ensure seamless execution and strong business outcomes. 

• Manage account financial performance, including forecasting, revenue planning, profitability management, and resource allocation. 

• Lead executive business reviews, strategic planning discussions, and growth conversations with senior client stakeholders. 

• Maintain a deep understanding of clients' industries, competitive landscapes, customer needs, and emerging market trends to proactively identify opportunities and provide strategic recommendations. 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of account leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. 

• Serve as a visible leader within Merkle and dentsu, contributing to broader business growth initiatives and cross-functional collaboration. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience. 

• 15+ years of experience in account management, client services, CRM, customer engagement, loyalty marketing, consulting, digital marketing, or related disciplines. 

• 5+ years of experience leading, coaching, and developing high-performing client-facing teams. 

• Proven success managing executive-level client relationships and leading complex enterprise accounts. 

• Demonstrated track record of driving account growth, revenue expansion, and long-term client retention. 

• Deep understanding of CRM, customer lifecycle marketing, customer engagement, loyalty programs, personalization, and customer experience strategy. 

• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including forecasting, revenue planning, profitability management, and portfolio oversight. 

• Exceptional communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior-level decision-makers. 

• Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution in a fast-paced, client-focused environment. 

The annual base salary range for this position is $119,000-$145,000. Placement within the salary range is based on a variety of factors including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law. Additionally, this position is eligible for commission following the terms of the company’s plan in effect at the time the commission is earned. 

Benefits available with this position include:  

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance, 

• Life insurance,  

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance, 

• 401k,  

• Flexible paid time off, 

• At least 15 paid holidays per year, 

• Paid sick and safe leave, and 

• Paid parental leave.   

Dentsu also complies with applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.  For more information regarding dentsu benefits, please visit www.dentsubenefitsplus.com. 

At dentsu, we believe great work happens when we're connected. Our way of working combines flexibility with in-person collaboration to spark ideas and strengthen our teams. Employees who live within a commutable distance of one of our hub offices, currently located in Chicago, metro Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York City, are required and expected to work from the office three days per week (two days per week for employees based in Los Angeles). Dentsu may designate other Hub offices at any time. Those who live outside a commutable range may be designated as remote, depending on the role and business needs. Regardless of your work location, we expect our employees to be flexible to meet the needs of our Company and clients, which may include attendance in an office. 

To begin the application process, please click on the “Apply” button at the top of this job posting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps.