Who We Are: At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.
Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.
Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work. Who we are looking for:
VML is seeking a dynamic, forward thinking Senior Talent Manager who is responsible for all financial and legal aspects of talent management for all TV, radio and integrated productions. The Senior Talent Manager serves as an expert and main point of contact for all talent matters including talent estimates, negotiations, residuals, music rights and SAG/AFTRA/AFM and other union rules/regulations. What you’ll do:
Estimate talent session and talent reuse/residual costs, holding fees; communicate regular updates and reporting to business affairs manager and account services team Determine accurate classification of all talent fees (i.e., industrial versus commercial, internet versus TV, allowable lifts, principal versus background, etc.) including upgrading/downgrading as necessary Prepare completion reports, reviews talent invoices/billings and resolve union claims Build and maintain relationships with talent agents, effectively negotiating costs and terms including overscale agreements that serve the best interests of common ground and our clients Work with media/traffic to obtain flight schedules and unit counts in order to estimate talent residual payments and ensure holding fees are authorized and paid on time; ensure that “maximum use periods” are known and anticipated Work with account services team and traffic companies to help coordinate spot trafficking Maintain records of all aired content including year of production, expiration dates, periods of first fixed cycles, holding fees and use Create and track all talent/music renewal estimates and usage extensions Experience with offshore talent agreements and negotiations Legal and contracts: Remain up to date on SAG rules and regulations and other relevant talent/artist unions and associations (i.e., AFTRA, AFM) Work directly with SAG to negotiate and process requested exceptions and waivers Handle SAG, AFM and AFTRA claims and disputes by working directly with the union and handles all talent audits Strong working knowledge and experience reviewing contracts, deal memos and other legal documents Experience in negotiating and draftingoverscale celebrity agreements while working closely with legal Process and project management: Proactively work to streamline talent processes, educate others and advance the overall functioning of the Talent Management discipline Who you are:
Big-Picture Thinker | A visionary with the ability and appetite to bring people together. Innate ability to marshal teams and create gravity around ideas.
Agile | A jack of all trades equipped with a malleable, crafty scope of ability. A get-things-done attitude. An unparalleled drive of initiative. Strong knowledge of digital technology, social landscape and current trends.
Forecaster | Able to tackle deadlines and special projects with ease. Detail oriented individual highly attuned to organizational best practices. Operates and drives strong continuous improvement.
A Problem Solver | Crafts carefully detailed written and oral communication to achieve results. Strong time management skills and multi-tasking ability. Willing to do whatever it takes to unblock teams and ensure success.
Ego-less | We all wear the hats that need wearing, it’s a mentality that makes the team successful. What you’ll need:
Minimum 7 years of experience in Business Affairs and Talent Services working at an Advertising Agency Excellent verbal, written and communication skills
Strong interpersonal communication skills as a team leader and team player A skilled creative, confident presenter and demonstrated strong negotiator Demonstrated budget and scheduling management skills Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, solutions-focused and capable of self-managing and multitasking in a fast-paced, demanding environment Excellent problem-solving skills, follow-through skills and able to apply critical and strategic thinking Experience in all aspects of production such as live action production, tabletop production, photography/stills/print, OOH, digital, social, experiential, user generated content, speculative executions, podcasts, social media and other areas of emerging content creation and media Knowledge of music licensing, stock footage licensing and intellectual property licensing Ability to summarize and clearly communicate complex advertising and clearance standards Understanding of copyright, trademark and network clearance procedures Extensive knowledge of the Bidding process for production, post-production and music Knowledge of the SAG/AFTRA/AFM commercial contracts, advertising standards and best practices Ability to take initiative, think independently and exercise sound judgment in seeking advice of legal counsel or team members An appreciation of how great work gets done and a commitment to making it happen A sense of humor, outgoing, articulate, well-informed, intelligent, confident and resourceful Positive and motivated
What we offer:
Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work. Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery. Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness. Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally. VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.
At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.
VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
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