Associate Director, Activation

Role Summary and Impact

The Activation Associate Director is a pivotal senior position within the WPP Media Solution Activation team responsible for managing both people and advertising operations to achieve client and business objectives. This role involves leading a top-tier team excelling in activation expertise to deliver WPP Media Solutions. Additionally the Associate Director oversees weekly and monthly forecasting of demand and supply. Reporting to an Activation Director this role encompasses leadership of a dedicated agency/business segment and guidance of both onshore and offshore activation specialists.

Key Responsibilities:

Activation Excellence & Delivery

• Oversee campaign pacing and performance within your teams remit.
• Oversight of successful end-to-end campaign activation for your assigned WPP 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 WPPMedia Solutions portfolio.
• Report and escalate where necessary any 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 performanceissuesand 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 withWPP SolutionsandWPPPremium 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 toestablishedactivation controls and best practices.
• Drive quality and efficiency through automation offshoring and specialist training and certification amongst others.
• Work with Associate Directors and stakeholders for cross-vertical and agency knowledge sharing.
• Deploy data AI and analytics working in collaboration withWPPAssociate 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 technicalassistance and serving as a liaison for your agency teams.
• Mentor team members and manage their performance.
• Upholdhigh standardsof behaviour and professionalism.
• Collaborate effectively withWPPUK for campaign success.
• Focus on team career developmenttrainingand continuous improvement towards their goals.
• Oversee effective management of onshore and offshore teams and resources to achieve businessobjectives.
• Handle recruitment onboarding and training processes for new team members.
• Ensure your teammaintainup-to-date market and technical knowledge including platform certification.
• Drive accountability with clear performance KPIs.
• Foster a one team ethos withWPP Solutionsfor client growth locally and regionally.
• Encourage a culture of curiosity and learning through partner engagements.

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 were 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 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 were together fostering creativity collaboration and connection. Thats why weve 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.

While we appreciate all applications received only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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