At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive operational excellence in planning, reporting, and data governance processes.
- Company: Join IPG Mediabrands, a global leader in media and marketing solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexi-leave, free meals, early finishes, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while collaborating with top brands and diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Strong project management skills and experience in cross-market coordination.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Agency: Mediabrands Capability Center - United Kingdom
Ref#: 26156
Type of Contract: Temporary
About Us
IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Mediabrands manages approximately $40 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients and provides strategic services and solutions across its award‑winning, full‑service agency networks UM, Initiative and Mediahub and through its innovative marketing specialist companies Kinesso, Magna, Orion, Rapport and Mediabrands Content Studio. Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognisable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors. The company employs more than 13,000 marketing experts in more than 130 countries, representing the full diversity of humanity.
The Operations Associate Director is responsible for driving operational excellence across planning, reporting, workflow management, and data governance processes. The role focuses on four key areas: Dashboard Management, Monday.com Operations, Media Plan Template Governance, and Commercial Reporting.
Working closely with Planning, Activation, and Data, Technology & Analytics (DTA) teams, this role ensures consistency, accuracy, compliance, and effective communication across markets and client teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate with local planning teams to collect quarterly and annual planning and actualised data within agreed timelines.
- Ensure data templates are completed accurately and consistently across markets.
- Partner with Data, Technology & Analytics (DTA) teams to provide guidance, troubleshooting, and training to local teams.
- Lead communications with client teams regarding data governance progress, milestones, and completion status.
- Maintain and update documentation related to data acquisition, governance, and reporting processes.
- Collaborate closely with Planning, Activation, and DTA teams to support operational alignment.
- Work collaboratively with Planning, Activation, and DTA teams to develop and implement a strategic roadmap for operational improvements, driving greater efficiency, consistency, automation, and process optimisation.
- Train local teams on dashboard upload processes, ensuring accurate data submission and adherence to procedures.
Commercial Reporting
- Liaise with Initiative market team to ensure timely and accurate submission of commercial data.
- Budgets and spend tracking.
- Commissions and fees.
- Out‑of‑scope project reporting.
- Consolidate and validate reporting outputs for stakeholder review.
- Support financial visibility and operational accountability through accurate reporting practices.
- Own and manage the global media plan template process.
- Update templates with new media vendors and requirements as requested by local teams.
- Monitor and enforce adherence to approved template usage across teams.
- Partner with dashboard teams and clients on template updates, rollouts, and process improvements.
- Ensure the media plan template remains accurate, scalable, and fit for purpose across markets.
Key Skills & Experience
- Strong operational and project management skills.
- Experience coordinating cross‑market or regional teams.
- Strong attention to detail and process governance capabilities.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including with senior client stakeholders in Global Planning and Analytics teams.
- Experience with reporting, workflow management tools, and data governance processes.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
- Collaborative approach with experience working across Planning, Activation, Finance, and Analytics teams.
Employee Transparency
At IPG Mediabrands, we celebrate differences and believe this makes us stronger. IPG Mediabrands is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to championing an inclusive culture that provides a sense of belonging for all our employees. We do not discriminate against any applicant based on age, disability, race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, belief, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please reach out to Ninette if you would like to have a confidential conversation regarding any adjustments that would ensure our recruitment process is accessible for you. Please note: requesting a reasonable adjustment will not affect your application.
The Perks
- Flexi‑leave, with 25 days annual leave to be taken as minimum. In addition to your holiday entitlement, the office usually closes between Christmas & New Year.
- Free breakfast and free lunch.
- Early finish Fridays.
- Core Hours (Mon‑Thurs, flexible start/finish times).
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice car scheme.
- Interest‑free season ticket loan.
- Paid time off for volunteering.
- Group income protection.
- Life assurance.
- Private medical insurance or health cash plan (dependent on level).
- Group personal pension plan with matched contributions from 3‑6%.
- Generous parental leave & pay.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Free eye tests.
- Flexible benefits including dental, travel insurance, cycle to work, gym discounts and many more!
Positions: Associate Director, Client Operations (12-month Maternity Cover) in London employer: IPG Mediabrand
IPG Mediabrands is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. With a commitment to employee growth, the company offers a range of benefits including flexible leave, free meals, and generous parental leave, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported. The collaborative environment encourages innovation and operational excellence, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the media and marketing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Positions: Associate Director, Client Operations (12-month Maternity Cover) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Mediabrands. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Mediabrands and its operations. Show us you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. Get comfortable talking about your experience and how it aligns with the Associate Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Positions: Associate Director, Client Operations (12-month Maternity Cover) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Associate Director role. Highlight your operational and project management skills, and show how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with various teams and stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use examples from your past experiences where you effectively communicated complex information or led a team.
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key for this position. In your application, mention specific instances where your meticulous nature helped improve processes or outcomes. This will show us that you can handle the data governance aspects of the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at IPG Mediabrand
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Associate Director in Client Operations, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your understanding of key metrics and reporting processes relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive operational excellence in past positions.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams like Planning, Activation, and DTA. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, especially senior clients.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the emphasis on data governance and process accuracy, be ready to share specific instances where your attention to detail made a significant impact. Discuss how you ensure compliance and consistency in your work, especially when managing multiple priorities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenges related to workflow management or data discrepancies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.