Freelance Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

VML 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 award-winning human-first work for clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. In 2026, VML was namedCampaign’s Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions. 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.

For more information, please visitwww.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

• This person will support the VML resource management department in areas such as:
• Providing exceptional service as a reinforcement for the main office receptionist.
• Aiding in the process of coordinating meetings and booking conference rooms.
• Assisting with vendor and purchase order requests.
• Processing timesheets and expense reports for some of VML executive leadership team.
• Handling and supporting additional tasks and projects as needed.

• Develops relationships with talent at all levels and works as trusted partner to departmental leadership, making staffing recommendations based on skillset and career aspirations, not just availability
• Maintains knowledge of current and upcoming projects across the agency, building strong relationships with client engagement, Operations, Delivery and new business teams
• Has a pulse on the overall health and happiness of the department, ensuring any talent concerns are escalated to leadership through the appropriate channels
• Alerts capability leads of any potential concerns or issues in meeting key client deliverables due to resourcing and makes recommendations to resolve
• Leads weekly resourcing meetings, to ensure talent is properly utilized and works to resolve any conflicts or balance workloads.
• When internal options have been exhausted, identifies needs for freelance talent, creates the business case to hire and works with TA to secure the proper temporary support.
• Partners with operations to review monthly utilization reports and share insights and action plan with leadership
• Works with the Talent Acquisition & Human Resources teams to on-board department new hires and freelancers
• Works with project management functions to ensure internal resourcing platforms are maintained
• Overall focus on optimizing talent in balance with constant changes to organizational priorities
• Understands and maintains a knowledge database of team skillsets and career ambitions to be able to properly assign resources and retain top talent
• Is actively working to maintain a balance between agency margin goals, employee’s ability to do their best work all while being a profitable organization
• Actively work with department leads and HR to ensure mobility of talent within the agency and network
• Proactively strategize department staffing needs, identifying peaks/valleys, core competency gaps/redundancies based on client forecasts and trends
• Continuously strategizes new ideas for process improvements and better ways to foster a connected and inclusive creative department culture

• 3+ years of resource management experience in advertising/marketing industry
• Firm grasp of the processes within an agency environment and a love of creating order in the chaos
• Deep understanding of the functional skills and responsibilities of various departmental roles
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills with the ability to motivate and influence across all levels of seniority
• Comfortable working in an environment of constant change and doing so with a positive attitude
• Proactive and confident in prioritizing competing demands in a fast-paced environment

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.