Head of Media (UK)

Situation UK is a digital-first London agency championing the power of shared experiences and building passionate communities for today’s live entertainment and experience-based brands. With 20+ years of award-winning work under the global Situation Group umbrella, we deliver audience-first marketing, media, creative and digital solutions across live entertainment, attractions, theatre, sports, arts and culture.

Our work turns passion into action for clients including Wicked, MJ the Musical and Mean Girls in the UK market. As a close-knit team of industry specialists, we’re growing our presence and impact - we’re looking for a Head of Media to help lead strategy and execution in our London office. This role will report to the Managing Partner, US.

Role Summary

The Head of Media will lead the digital media output of the agency, encompassing paid digital media planning, buying and analytics. This is the senior-most media leader in the UK and is responsible for setting the strategic vision, contributing to revenue growth, elevating media sophistication, and building a high-performing, scalable department. This role requires the confidence to delegate execution to trusted team members, allowing space to focus on innovation and long-term agency growth while maintaining the ability to step into tactical planning and buying when necessary.

Core Responsibilities

• Define and lead the strategic vision for media services in the UK, ensuring work reflects innovation, full-funnel thinking, and measurable business outcomes.
• Lead and facilitate innovative media strategies for key accounts and new business opportunities, elevating the sophistication and differentiation of agency output.
• Maintain a high standard of and oversee media reporting practices and standards.
• Drive new business media strategy, contribute to pitch development and scope modeling, and play an active role in winning and expanding client relationships.
• Identify and unlock incremental revenue opportunities across existing accounts, partnering closely with Client Services to grow media scopes.
• Build, mentor, and empower a strong leadership layer within the media team, confidently delegating execution while maintaining high standards of accountability.
• Collaborate on clear team structures and succession planning, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term talent development.
• Act as senior escalation point for complex client, performance, or operational challenges, providing decisive leadership and solutions.
• Maintain deep expertise and hands-on Buyer/Platform knowledge across digital channels and emerging platforms, guiding innovation adoption and testing frameworks across accounts.
• Demonstrate strong platform knowledge and Project Management tool capabilities, including proficiency in Asana and Media traffic management systems.
• Strengthen and oversee senior-level media vendor partnerships to ensure strategic advantage and commercial value for clients.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Client Services leadership to ensure fully integrated campaign planning and execution.
• Step into tactical planning or troubleshooting when necessary, demonstrating hands-on credibility while intentionally avoiding day-to-day operational immersion.
• Maintain a high standard of media service best practices, processes & procedures.

Requirements

• 8–10+ years of progressive experience in digital media, with significant agency leadership experience managing senior-level teams.
• Deep cross-channel expertise across brand and performance media (programmatic, paid social, search, emerging platforms), with the ability to set strategic direction rather than execute day-to-day platform management.
• Proven success leading media strategy for new business pitches and high-profile accounts, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive revenue growth.
• Strong commercial acumen, including experience overseeing media revenue targets, utilisation planning, and department profitability.
• Advanced understanding of measurement, attribution, and analytics, with the ability to translate complex performance data into clear business recommendations.
• Executive presence and confident leadership style, with demonstrated ability to delegate effectively, mentor senior talent, and build scalable team structures.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort operating in a fast-growing environment - able to zoom out to shape long-term vision while stepping in tactically when necessary.

We offer a competitive base salary and a range of benefits and perks:

• Salary range: £75,000‑£85,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
• £200 Annual wellness contribution.
• BUPA health insurance.
• YuLife well being and benefits app.
• YuLife EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) and 24/7 Virtual GP.
• Birthday holiday.
• Hybrid working, 3 days in office.
• 6 Work From Anywhere days per year.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity.
• Central London office, with snacks and regular socials.
• Quarterly £50 ticket subsidy to experience the best of London theatre.
• Special access to London's arts and entertainment scene.