Account Director - AV New London, United Kingdom

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. 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.

About EssenceMediacom: A Leading WPP Media Brand

EssenceMediacom is a new breed of media agency. Grounded in analytics & insights and powered by data & technology, we believe in the power of media and creative to drive breakthroughs for the world’s best brands. We help clients understand the modern marketing paradox and discover the breakthroughs brands need to win with their consumers.

Overview of role

EssenceMediacom handles the media planning and buying for some of the world's smartest advertisers. Supported by keen consumer insight, analysis, and experience, we are part of the largest media planning and buying network in the world. We are the only agency to simultaneously hold the title of Agency Network of the Year across all 5 of the industry’s biggest awards. EssenceMediacom UK also recently won Media Agency of the decade for the second time in a row!

We’re looking for an experienced AV leader who can oversee the planning and buying across Tesco (and other accounts when required). The candidate will have a strong AV planning and buying skill set, enabling them to lead the client and take full advantage in the changing AV landscape and viewing habits.

Reporting of the role

This role would report to the Investment Partner in the Business Group.

3 best things about the job

• Exposure to a challenging and forward-thinking advertiser – Tesco, which will ensure your knowledge and understanding is furthered, making you a better media practitioner.
• Working within one of the industry’s leading AV planning and buying teams, with Mediacom regularly being the most awarded agency at the Thinkbox awards.
• Exposure not only to planning of all AV channels, but the digital specialists in response to briefs, where we make a joined‑up media recommendation across all channels.

Measures of success

• Producing high quality, insight‑led work that leads to tangible success for our clients (brand and trading).
• A motivated team with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and direction.
• Strong senior client relationships, building on the agency and client partnership.
• A full understanding of the contractual commitments and overseeing the delivery of client guarantees.
• Delivered stable or improving client referral scores.
• Delivered demonstrable revenue growth or value saving within your clients.
• Delivered against all trading commitments.

Responsibilities of the role

• Overseeing the buying and ensuring delivery of all guarantees across AV on Tesco.
• Overseeing the Barter trading across Tesco.
• A happy and motivated team who have clear progression plans.
• Lead the planning of all facets of AV (inc TV, BVOD, Cinema, Audio).
• Providing inspiration in relation to the future of AV, updating clients on market trends and new opportunities.
• Working with the AV team to push response to briefs from good to great.
• Ensuring One/Av principles are implemented across the group.
• Management of the AV planning and buying team.
• Driving growth in Proprietary products with a focus on Finecast and Unmissable.
• Assist in new business pitches and transition of new clients.

What you will need

• A track record of delivering guarantees for clients.
• Experience in running a large team and managing development.
• A deep understanding of how to deliver client targets.
• Deep Knowledge of industry media planning tools (e.g. Techedge, BARB, TGI, Touchpoints).
• Pro-actively forge relationships with media owners, seeking out opportunities.
• Strong AV planning skills with the ability to drive One/Av principles forward across the group.
• Commercially aware.
• Ability to extract and filter relevant insights / research to support planning decisions.
• Ability to handle very complex situations and propose solutions.
• Hold the room in any meeting.
• Accountable and a decision maker in your specialist area.
• Pitch ready.

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.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

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.