Account Director - AV

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. EssenceMediacom UK has won multiple awards including Agency Network of the Year across major categories and Media Agency of the decade.

We are 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 adapt to the changing AV landscape and viewing habits.

This role reports to the Investment Partner in the Business Group.

Best Things About the Job

• Exposure to a challenging and forward-thinking advertiser – Tesco, expanding your knowledge and media expertise.
• Work within one of the industry’s leading AV planning and buying teams, with Mediacom regularly being highly awarded.
• Exposure to planning across all AV channels and collaboration with digital specialists for joined-up recommendations.

Measures of Success

• Produce high-quality, insight-led work that drives client outcomes (brand and trading).
• Motivated team with clear roles, responsibilities, and direction.
• Strong senior client relationships and effective client partnerships.
• Clear understanding of contractual commitments and delivery of client guarantees.
• Stable or improving client referral scores.
• Demonstrable revenue growth or value saving within your clients.
• Delivery against all trading commitments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the buying and delivery of all guarantees across AV for Tesco.
• Oversee Barter trading for Tesco.
• Lead a happy and motivated team with clear progression plans.
• Lead the planning of all facets of AV (TV, BVOD, Cinema, Audio).
• Provide inspiration on the future of AV, updating clients on market trends and opportunities.
• Collaborate with the AV team to elevate responses to briefs from good to great.
• Ensure One/Av principles are implemented across the group.
• Manage the AV planning and buying team.
• Drive 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

• Track record of delivering guarantees for clients.
• Experience in running a large team and managing development.
• Deep understanding of how to deliver client targets.
• Deep knowledge of industry media planning tools (e.g. Techedge, BARB, TGI, Touchpoints).
• Proactively forge relationships with media owners, seeking opportunities.
• Strong AV planning skills with the ability to drive One/Av principles forward across the group.
• Commercial awareness.
• Ability to extract and filter relevant insights/research to support planning decisions.
• Ability to handle complex situations and propose solutions.
• Conflict resolution, effective delegation, and strong negotiation skills.
• Confident presenter and able to hold the room in meetings.
• 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. We offer competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, dental insurance, significant paid time off, partner discounts, and mental health awareness days. We support a hybrid working approach and accommodations or flexibility can be discussed during the interview process. WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination. We are committed to a culture of respect and inclusion where everyone belongs and has equal opportunities to progress. The best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. We have teams in the office around four days a week. Please note this is a UK-based role and requires the right to work in this location.