Associate Director, Global Commercial (12-Month FTC)
London, United Kingdom
About WPP Media
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.
WPP Media is WPPs AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.
Role Summary and Impact
Drive the commercial success of multi-million-dollar international contracts for some of the worlds most recognisable brands. As an Associate Director in the Global Commercial team, you will have the opportunity to lead complex negotiations, build strong client relationships, and contribute to revenue growth while ensuring contract compliance and maximising profitability. You may oversee a mix of Commercial Managers and or Commercial Analysts. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be involved in the commercial management of and negotiations with existing and potential new clients. You will have the opportunity to manage your own client portfolio and partner with Commercial Directors on complex negotiations, gaining valuable experience and developing your commercial expertise.
Key Responsibilities
* Business Growth & Profitability
o Identify and pursue opportunities for revenue growth.
o Develop competitive pricing and remuneration models that maximise profitability for GroupM while delivering value to our clients.
* Commercial Management & Reporting
o Develop and implement commercial strategies for a portfolio of clients, ensuring alignment with overall agency goals and client objectives.
o Oversee all commercial aspects of assigned client accounts, including meticulous contract compliance, accurate reporting, adherence to payment terms and effective incentive management.
* Stakeholder & Client Engagement
o Serve as the primary commercial contact and trusted advisor for a designated portfolio of global clients, fostering strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
o Proactively manage client communication, skilfully navigating complex discussions with confidence and providing expert commercial guidance to both clients and internal stakeholders.
* Contract Negotiation and Compliance
o Lead and manage client contract negotiations (with the support from the Legal Team), ensuring favourable terms and conditions to GroupM while maintaining positive client relationships.
o Support client contract compliance audits, collaborating with our internal client compliance team to provide necessary documentation where required.
* Team Leadership
o Support, mentor and guide any direct reports fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
o Provide ongoing coaching, training, and development opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of team members, contributing to their professional growth and success.
Skills and Experience
* Ability to manage the overall financial performance and drive revenue, profit and cash flow of clients.
* Deep understanding of various pricing models and the ability to recommend and implement changes to optimise financial outcomes.
* Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels.
* Experience of negotiating client contracts.
* Proactive problem‑solving approach and a desire for continuous improvement.
* Ability to work autonomously, with an awareness of wider business context and approval processes.
* Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
* Ability to delegate effectively and support the development of junior staff, including providing clear instructions and constructive feedback.
Qualifications
* A bachelors degree or professional accounting qualification and/or equivalent experience.
* Progressive experience in roles such as commercial management, client finance, or business affairs, with a proven track record of managing and mentoring a team. Experience of working in a media agency is highly desirable.
* Demonstrated experience interpreting, applying, and negotiating contract terms in a client‑facing role, preferably within the media or advertising industry.
* Proficiency in Excel, including experience with financial modelling and data analysis.
Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.
Equal Opportunity Statement
WPP Media is an equal‑opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. 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.
Please note this is a UK-based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location.
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