Associate Director, Implementation Planning, UK in London

Associate Director, Implementation Planning, UK in London

London Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive excellence in media planning and activation across various channels.
  • Company: Join WPP Media, a leader in AI-driven media solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, and generous time off.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make an impact by shaping innovative media strategies for top brands.
  • Qualifications: Experience in media planning and strong data analysis skills required.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ 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.

Role Summary and Impact

As an Implementational Planning Associate Director, you drive day-to-day excellence in cross-channel media planning and activation. Translating client strategies (from Strategists/Comms Planners) into detailed implementational plans across all media (digital, audio, VOD, AV), you ensure seamless execution and measurable brand/performance outcomes. You collaborate deeply with specialist teams, acting as a key client contact on media performance, aligning with OASIS (objective, audience, strategy, Implementation & scoring) framework within WPP Open.

Key Responsibilities

  • Line Management: Provide direct line management, mentorship, and development for junior team members.
  • Client Delivery & Management: Act as the primary day-to-day client connection, delivering integrated planning and activation, developing and presenting implementational responses, and building strong client and partner relationships.
  • Cross-Channel Planning: Collaborate with Strategists and Comms Planners to translate overarching media strategies into detailed tactical plans across all channels, creating integrated roadmaps aligned with brand and performance goals.
  • Optimisation & Performance: Lead cross-channel optimisation, implement advanced measurement (including media testing frameworks), refine plans based on data and audience insights, and coordinate insights for PCAs.
  • Innovation & Capability: Implement and test new tools, technologies (e.g., AI-driven optimisation) within client campaigns, utilising WPP Open and WPP Open Intelligence for data opportunities and testing initiatives.
  • Team Collaboration: Foster cross-functional collaboration with Comms Planners, Strategists, and activation specialists, presenting a unified approach aligned with the OASIS framework within the WPP Open ecosystem.

Skills and Experience

  • Extensive experience in media planning, digital activation, or implementational planning, managing complex accounts and orchestrating integrated media strategies.
  • Expertise in cross-channel planning (digital, audio, VOD, AV), strong data analysis, integrated media testing knowledge, and client relationship management.
  • Ability to translate high-level brand and performance strategies into detailed, actionable tactical plans across the entire media mix.
  • Advanced knowledge of the full media landscape and core media buying platforms.
  • Strong understanding of audience insights, advanced analytics, data validation, and the ability to leverage performance data for optimisation.
  • Proficiency in planning and optimisation tools (including WPP Open) and integrating AI-driven tools.
  • Proven ability to build trusted client relationships, present confidently, and manage expectations.
  • Highly collaborative, fostering productive working relationships across internal teams and partners.
  • Agile, innovative, and pioneering mindset, focused on continuous improvement, problem-solving, and passion for media testing.

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values: Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity. Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust. Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise.

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. 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.

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.

Associate Director, Implementation Planning, UK in London employer: WPP Media

WPP Media is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a commitment to inclusivity and a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive medical and retirement plans, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while enjoying a supportive environment. The opportunity to work with high-profile clients globally and leverage cutting-edge AI-driven solutions makes this role not only rewarding but also pivotal for personal and professional advancement.

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Contact Details:

WPP Media Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Implementation Planning, UK in London

Show Your Creative Side

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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Implementation Planning, UK in London

Media Planning
Digital Activation
Cross-Channel Planning
Data Analysis
Client Relationship Management
Integrated Media Testing
Audience Insights

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit WPP Media. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.

Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.

Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!

Demonstrate Your Understanding of WPP Media:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about WPP Media’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at WPP Media

Showcase Your Creative Campaigns

Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at WPP Media will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.

Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out

If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.

Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions

At WPP Media, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing

As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.