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VML & Ogilvy | Business Director, Japan

WPP · Tokyo

Posted 8/7/2026 · last confirmed live 8/26/2026

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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.    We work with the world's most valuable brands and have global reach across 100+ markets, with deep local expertise.   Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow.    For more information, visit WPP.com.   JOB OVERVIEW:   Business Director (BD) is a leader amongst many stakeholders, including clients, internal account, creative, cross domains. S/he is a key driver of business stability as well as growth.   BD is wholly responsible for an assigned portfolio of clients, new business and staff. Within this portfolio, BD has full P&L and revenue delivery responsibilities. Beyond financial accountability, BD is responsible for the quality of agency output, both strategically and creatively.    BD works closely with senior management on the overall strategic direction of the agency and day-to-day agency management. S/he is involved in new business development, talent development and staff coaching. S/he forms strong working relationships with the senior people of VOJ.   BD has a strong understanding of brand management, strategic planning, customer engagement, and customer management, and develops new business as well as grows existing business.     RESPONSIBILITIES:   Client Management   With the Client Group (CG) leader, responsible for total revenues and direct contributions to the accounts in your group   Work with relevant parties to deliver financial targets and control costs   With the CG leader to develop the yearly business plan and monthly dialogue reports for all key accounts   Independently and in partnership with the appropriate internal partners, develop, refine and implement a business development strategy   Manage and ensure quality of client services   Manage key client briefs, projects and requests, including the refinement of the above   The typical day-to-day management of clients and their requests including presentations, documentation, client activity administration, etc.   Present and pitch our services to potential clients in a competitive context   Identify and develop new business opportunities   Identify and deliver new business activities that augment and/or expand VOJ services   Maintain regular dialog with CG’s senior leadership to maintain the strategic relationship   Understand CG’s business model and business challenges on a regular basis   Manage CG’s expectations especially during planning stages, in order to ensure they are aligned with VOJ’s deliverables and quality   Strategy   Provide account planning and strategic support to key clients, demonstrating sound strategic planning capabilities, including brand planning, digital engagement planning, and communication planning   Advise clients in the development of successful customer management strategies   General business planning and marketing strategy advice   Understand industry/market trends and the success factors critical to the organization’s long-term sustainability and competitiveness   Understand the offering of VOJ’s 6 Capabilities   Develop a strategic plan based on a vision and mission and translate the strategy into a business plan and tactics    Modify business plans based on changing business conditions   Creative Leadership   Passionate about good ideas, nurture the ideas of others    Demonstrate enthusiasm for the creative industry in general and bring curiosity and creativity to daily work   Inspire team members and help generate “Big Ideas” with legs, ideas that are effective and sell for the brand   Understand the importance and integrity of the creative product   Earn the trust and respect of creative colleagues   Give good direction and feedback; contribute ideas; push for better work   Challenge clients to accept our best ideas and then sell them well   Help build a place where creativity thrives, and big ideas are expected   Leadership & People Management   Establish himself/herself as a role model   Have a vision and get excited about the future and all it may bring; see possibilities rather than impossibilities   Able to share his/her vision and excitement for change with others   Identify good talents, inspire p eople to want to work for/follow him/her   Have an inspiring and approachable style of leadership,  strive to make things better   Respect and believe in others , strive to bring out their inner greatness,  ensure the development and appropriate training of team members,  and build an efficient  team with high morale   Make and take responsibility for, and demonstrate commitment to appropriate decisions in a timely manner, esp. when significant information is incomplete and/or ambiguous   Have a broad perspective and be open to varied options   Abide by the WPP Code of Business Conduct     QUALIFICATIONS:   A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in communications or a related field, with a strong preference for experience within the advertising or marketing industry.    Demonstrated experience in leading, mentoring, and managing high-performing teams.    Proven track record of leadership excellence and success in building and retaining talent.    Exceptional verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to confidently engage and influence high-level executives internally and externally.    Highly goal-oriented, organized, and dedicated approach to all aspects of work.    Strong understanding of P&L management, financial acumen, and revenue generation strategies.    In-depth knowledge of brand management, strategic planning, customer engagement, and customer management principles.    Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, Media, Digital, Public Relations, or a closely related field are plus.   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. 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. Please read our Privacy Notice ( https://www.wpp.com/en/careers/wpp-privacy-policy-for-recruitment ) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

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