Associate Director, Activation

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 WPP's 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.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com .

Associate Director, Activation

Introduction

As digital marketing continues to evolve, media activation has become a fundamental pillar of our strategy. Our activation teams work closely with planning, analytics, and media partners to design, execute, and optimize integrated campaigns that support our clients’ business objectives.

About the Role

You will be responsible for overseeing the overall health and success of your assigned account(s). In this role, you will lead your clients’ media activation strategy while overseeing its implementation and day-to-day execution.

Key responsibilities include managing the activation team and collaborating with media teams, clients, and external partners. You will serve as the go-to expert across all paid activation channels, including Paid Search, Paid Social, Programmatic, Display, Video, Commerce Media, and other relevant digital marketing disciplines.

Your Impact

• Partner with planning teams to develop activation strategies that achieve client marketing objectives.
• Oversee campaign management and optimization to meet or exceed established performance goals.
• Serve as the lead media activation expert and escalation point for campaign- and account-related challenges.
• Ensure flawless execution of campaigns across all activation channels.
• Collaborate closely with planning, media investment, analytics, and operations teams.
• Develop strategic relationships with platforms, vendors, and media partners.
• Identify opportunities to improve performance and drive innovation across channels.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in media activation, digital marketing, or paid media, including at least 3 years in an agency, advertiser, or advertising platform environment.
• Strong experience across multiple activation disciplines, including Paid Search, Paid Social, Programmatic, Display, Video, and/or Commerce Media.
• Previous people management experience required.
• Excellent understanding of the digital advertising ecosystem and key activation channels.
• Deep knowledge of performance metrics, attribution models, and optimization strategies.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for the future of media extends to investing in our people. We are as committed to our employees’ professional growth as we are to responsible media investment.

WPP Media employees benefit from:

• Access to the global WPP Media and WPP network.
• Professional development and networking opportunities.
• Employee resource groups.
• Regular in-person events celebrating team achievements, knowledge sharing, and important milestones.
• Competitive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Group retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off.
• Partner discount programs.
• Dedicated mental health awareness and wellness days.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination and regardless of personal characteristics.

We are committed to maintaining a culture of respect where everyone feels included and has equal opportunities for growth and advancement.

We believe the best results are achieved when we come together. That is why we operate under a hybrid work model, with approximately four days per week in the office . If you require accommodation or flexibility, we encourage you to discuss your needs with the recruitment team during the interview process.

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