VP, Group Account Director

Job Description 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. Compensation and Benefits 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. Work Location and Hybrid Policy 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. Location: Detroit Brand: Merkle Time Type: Full time Contract Type: Permanent Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io by clicking on the link to let us know the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you. About dentsu For over 120 years, innovation has been a core tenet of our offering - exploring new ways to reach, engage and nurture relationships with audiences. Together we drive a multiplier effect for clients at a global scale, through the development of Integrated Growth Solutions that are underpinned by our promise to clients: innovating to impact. Be a force for good. Sustainability is a vital part of our business and an important area of focus for our clients. We're leading the way - helping to build a more sustainable planet. Dream loud. In this moment of transformation, we need our people to be fearless, embracing change and ambiguity, driven by the love for their work and excitement for the future. Team without limits. We create opportunities for connection and collaboration between our colleagues and clients, building a sense of belonging and having some fun along the way. Find out more about us Who we are Our Social Impact Our work #J-18808-Ljbffr