VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML's specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world's largest and most awarded health agencies. VML's global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.
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.
Who we are looking for
VML is seeking an Associate Creative Director, Copy for our New York office, dedicated to supporting the Ford business across brand, product, digital, and 360 campaign work. You are a big‑idea generator—a highly conceptual thinker and storyteller who can translate strategic insights into compelling, culturally relevant narratives. You thrive inside a large, fast‑moving automotive account and help evolve how Ford shows up creatively across all channels through powerful, distinctive voice and messaging.
What you'll do
- Big idea thinking: Drive conceptually bold, strategically grounded ideas across Ford's portfolio, shaping narratives that elevate the brand and resonate with diverse audiences.
- Write: Develop clear, compelling copy across channels—including campaign platforms, scripts, digital experiences, and social—ensuring a consistent and distinctive voice.
- Collaborate: Partner with ACD Art and cross‑discipline teams to create and execute integrated campaigns that deliver on both creative excellence and business impact.
- Client Facing: Build trusted relationships with Ford partners and confidently present work, articulating both the creative idea and its strategic foundation.
Who you are
- A Builder: Entrepreneurial and proactive, with the ability to create momentum around ideas and bring others along.
- Open and collaborative: Thrive in cross‑office, cross‑capability environments, working seamlessly with strategy, design, production, and media.
- Ambitious: Passionate about pushing the work forward and exploring future‑leaning opportunities for the Ford brand.
- Ego‑less: Hands‑on, team‑first, and committed to elevating both the work and those around you.
What you'll need
- Minimum 7 years of agency experience in copywriting or creative roles.
- A portfolio showcasing big ideas, strong conceptual thinking, and integrated campaigns across multiple channels. Expertise in writing across formats, including campaign platforms, scripts, digital, social, and experiential. Strong understanding of storytelling, tone of voice, and brand building.
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams and deliver high‑quality work under tight timelines.
- Automotive experience preferred.
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 discrimination or regard to 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.
VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
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