At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive commercial success for global brands and lead complex negotiations.
- Company: Join WPP Media, a leader in AI-driven media solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, extensive benefits, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make an impact on major international contracts while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
Drive the commercial success of multi‑million‑dollar international contracts for some of the world’s most recognisable brands. As an Associate Director in the Global Commercial team, you will lead complex negotiations, build strong client relationships, and contribute to revenue growth while ensuring contract compliance and maximising profitability. You may oversee a mix of Commercial Managers and/or Commercial Analysts and manage your own client portfolio while partnering with Commercial Directors on complex negotiations.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Growth & Profitability: Identify and pursue opportunities for revenue growth. Develop competitive pricing and remuneration models that maximise profitability for WPP Media while delivering value to our clients.
- Commercial Management & Reporting: Develop and implement commercial strategies for a portfolio of clients, ensuring alignment with overall agency goals and client objectives. Oversee all commercial aspects of assigned client accounts, including meticulous contract compliance, accurate reporting, adherence to payment terms and effective incentive management.
- Stakeholder & Client Engagement: Serve as the primary commercial contact and trusted advisor for a designated portfolio of global clients, fostering strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders. Proactively manage client communication, skillfully navigating complex discussions with confidence and providing expert commercial guidance to both clients and internal stakeholders.
- Contract Negotiation and Compliance: Lead and manage client contract negotiations (with support from the Legal Team), ensuring favourable terms and conditions to WPP Media while maintaining positive client relationships. Support client contract compliance audits, collaborating with our internal client compliance team to provide necessary documentation where required.
- Team Leadership & Mentorship: Support, mentor and guide direct reports fostering a collaborative and high‑performing team environment. Provide ongoing coaching, training, and development opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of team members, contributing to their professional growth and success.
Skills and Experience
- Ability to manage the overall financial performance and drive revenue, profit and cash flow of clients.
- Deep understanding of various pricing models and the ability to recommend and implement changes to optimise financial outcomes.
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels.
- Experience of negotiating client contracts.
- Proactive problem‑solving approach and a desire for continuous improvement.
- Ability to work autonomously, with an awareness of wider business context and approval processes.
- Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
- Ability to delegate effectively and support the development of junior staff, including providing clear instructions and constructive feedback.
Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree or professional accounting qualification and/or equivalent experience.
- Progressive experience in roles such as commercial management, client finance, or business affairs, with a proven track record of managing and mentoring a team.
- Experience of working in a media agency is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated experience interpreting, applying, and negotiating contract terms in a client‑facing role, preferably within the media or advertising industry.
- Proficiency in Excel, including experience with financial modelling and data analysis.
Life at WPP Media & Benefits
Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to be extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We lead optimistically, firmly believing in and championing growth and development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We create an open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in‑office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including 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 believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. 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.
Associate Director, Global Commercial (12-Month FTC) in London employer: WPP Media Limited
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that champions employee growth and creativity within a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a commitment to professional development, employees benefit from extensive networking opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive medical plans and significant paid time off. Located in the UK, WPP Media fosters a supportive environment where innovation thrives, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the media industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Global Commercial (12-Month FTC) in London
✨Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like WPP Media Limited can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.
✨Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities
Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like WPP Media Limited; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.
✨Join Corporate Management Forums
Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like WPP Media Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Global Commercial (12-Month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.
Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at WPP Media Limited and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.
Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research WPP Media Limited's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at WPP Media Limited
✨Show Off Your Leadership Stories
For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.
✨Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks
In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.
