Associate Director, Activation role at WPP Media
About WPP Media
WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com. WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com
Role Summary And Impact
The Activation Associate Director is a pivotal senior position within the Nexus Media Solution Activation team, responsible for managing both people and advertising operations to achieve client and business objectives. The role involves leading a top‑tier team, delivering Nexus Media Solutions, overseeing weekly and monthly forecasting of demand and supply, and reporting to an Activation Director. It encompasses leadership of a dedicated agency/business segment and guidance of onshore and offshore activation specialists.
Activation Excellence & Delivery
* Oversee campaign pacing and performance within your team's remit.
* Oversee successful end‑to‑end campaign activation for your assigned GroupM Nexus Media Solutions portfolio.
* Serve as the primary stakeholder for key projects, overseeing their execution across the team.
* Guide and coach the activation team to deliver client outcomes.
* Oversee and coordinate the campaign lifecycle for Tier 1 clients, ensuring the team effectively handles setup, optimization, and reporting to achieve client goals.
* Support Client Leadership and Client Services to meet KPIs.
* Act as the voice of activation, offering programmatic expertise.
* Lead business projects to enhance solutions and servicing.
* Provide escalation support and technical troubleshooting for your assigned GroupM Nexus Media Solutions portfolio.
* Report and, where necessary, escalate conflicts between best practice and client requirements.
* Advocate for data‑driven, multi‑channel best practices.
* Collaborate with Client Services on targeting recommendations and forecasting.
* Implement data, AI, and analytics solutions with the Activation Director and Marketing Science.
* Contribute to AdTech Product Development with a focus on activation requirements.
* Handle troubleshooting and communication with technology partners.
Performance and demand management
* Oversee campaign pacing and performance, forecast demand, and manage margins.
* Guide the team in recommending and implementing optimisations to achieve campaign KPIs.
* Guide and mentor team in investigation and resolution of delivery, performance issues and any discrepancies.
* Foster collaborative practices with internal and Operations teams to enhance client performance.
* Key stakeholder in monthly and weekly forecasting of demand and supply, in partnership with NMS and Group M Premium Supply.
* Conduct detailed analysis for monthly and weekly ADTV demand forecasts, communicate critical information to stakeholders, and manage issues, including portfolio management considering multiple clients and supply points.
Processes and operational efficiencies
* Collaborate with the Director, Activation to refine processes and best practices, enhancing quality, efficiency, and accuracy across campaigns.
* Ensure your team adheres to established activation controls and best practices.
* Drive quality and efficiency through automation, offshoring, and specialist training and certification among others.
* Work with Associate Directors and stakeholders for cross‑vertical and agency knowledge sharing.
* Deploy data, AI, and analytics working in collaboration with Nexus Associate Directors to elevate campaign results.
* Integrate onshore and offshore hubs to ensure seamless collaboration in delivering client campaigns.
* Facilitate knowledge sharing and training, ensuring processes and best practices are well‑documented and accessible.
* Monitor campaign delivery using available systems, addressing any recurring issues within your team.
* Coordinate with internal teams to align business processes with activation team needs and ensure compliance.
* Collaborate with Marketing Science and data teams to implement data, AI, and analytics solutions.
* Approval of supplier reconciliations from across the agency Patch.
Team & Culture
* Act as the escalation point for your agency "patch", providing your team with support for troubleshooting, technical assistance, and serving as a liaison for your agency teams.
* Mentor team members and manage their performance.
* Uphold high standards of behaviour and professionalism.
* Collaborate effectively with Nexus UK for campaign success.
* Focus on team career development, training and continuous improvement towards their goals.
* Oversee effective management of onshore and offshore teams and resources to achieve business objectives.
* Handle recruitment, onboarding, and training processes for new team members.
* Ensure your team maintain up‑to‑date market and technical knowledge, including platform certification.
* Drive accountability with clear performance KPIs.
* Foster a "one team" ethos with GroupM for client growth, locally and regionally.
* Encourage a culture of curiosity and learning through partner engagements.
Skills And Experience
* Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.
* Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust.
* Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise.
* Proven leadership in digital broadcasting and/or programmatic spaces.
* Strong background in Ad Operations with team management experience.
* In‑depth knowledge of programmatic tech platforms including DMPs, DSPs, SSPs, and brand safety tools.
* Expertise in video advertising and understanding of related metrics.
* Proficiency in digital cross‑channel operations and data utilisation from planning to insight generation.
* Advanced Excel and data analysis skills with the ability to communicate findings effectively.
* Preferred experience with offshore team collaboration.
* Data‑driven approach to enhance team performance in activation practices.
* Excellent communication skills at all organisational levels.
* Skilled in building and maintaining relationships to meet client needs.
* Ability to simplify complex technical concepts for a non‑technical audience.
* Strong problem‑solving abilities with a proactive mindset.
* Initiative‑taking self‑starter open to seeking and offering help.
* Highly organised with exceptional time‑management skills.
Life At WPP Media & Benefits
Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in‑office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events.
Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.
WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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.
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 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.
Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide.
Seniority Level
Director
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Business Development and Sales
Industries
Advertising Services
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