Account Manager (Freelance)

Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100.

VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.

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Role Overview

We are looking for an organized, proactive, and relationship-focused Account Manager with a strong governance mindset to lead day-to-day client communication and campaign delivery for The Coca-Cola Company Portugal (TCCC PT) at VML Lisbon on an initial 6-month freelance contract. A central priority for this 6-month engagement will be driving seamless execution for high-profile integrated campaigns, product launches, brand activations, and ongoing brand management across the Portuguese market.

The ideal candidate is confident managing multiple workstreams in a fast-paced FMCG environment, possesses exceptional process discipline and governance, builds trusted client relationships, and maintains tight control over timelines, budgets, scope, and quality deliverables.

Previous experience servicing The Coca-Cola Company or major fast-paced FMCG accounts is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Client and Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the main day-to-day liaison for TCCC PT and key local/international stakeholders.
• Foster trusted client relationships, lead regular status meetings (WIPs), and manage expectations around timelines, scope, and deliverables.
• Translate client briefs into clear, actionable direction for internal creative and strategy teams.

Cross-Functional Project Management & Operational Governance

• Lead multidisciplinary teams (creative, strategy, production, media) through every phase of project execution.
• Develop and monitor project plans, proactively identifying and resolving bottlenecks, timing conflicts, and approval dependencies.
• Maintain high standards of process control and governance within the WPP and TCCC framework.

Creative Campaign Delivery

• Oversee 360° integrated campaigns, local activations, and product launches across Portugal from concept to post-launch review.
• Consolidate client feedback and oversee thorough QA to ensure all assets comply with TCCC brand guidelines, legal standards, and creative quality benchmarks.

Commercial and Operational Management

• Manage campaign budgets, estimates, purchase orders (POs), invoicing, and job reconciliation.
• Identify out-of-scope requests and manage the formal change-approval process alongside the Business Partner.
• Maintain project documentation and lead post-campaign debriefs to refine ways of working between VML Lisbon and TCCC PT.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• 3–5 years of account management or project management experience within an integrated advertising or marketing agency.
• Immediate or short-notice availability for a 6-month freelance contract (with potential for extension depending on business needs).
• TCCC / FMCG Experience: Demonstrated experience working on The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) or other top-tier fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) accounts is strongly preferred.
• Native or fluent in Portuguese with full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken) for international and network coordination.
• Integrated Campaign Knowledge: Proven track record delivering multi-channel campaigns (ATL, BTL, Digital, Social, Shopper, Experiential/Sampling, and Video).
• Governance & Process: Exceptional organizational skills, high attention to detail, and a disciplined approach to process, timeline, and scope management.
• Briefing & Communication: Ability to write sharp creative briefs, detailed status reports, clear meeting notes, and professional client communications.
• Fast-Paced Capability: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously under tight deadlines and changing priorities.
• Tools: Proficiency with project management and collaboration platforms (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Jira, Trello, Teams, or similar agency tools).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience within WPP network agencies (e.g., VML, Ogilvy, EssenceMediacom) or dedicated global client agency setups.
• Hands-on experience delivering major brand campaigns and new product launches (NPD) in the Portuguese beverage or retail market.
• Deep familiarity with TCCC asset adaptation, localization toolkits, and brand approval systems.
• Degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.

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.

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