Associate Director, Sports & Entertainment Partnerships in London

Associate Director, Sports & Entertainment Partnerships in London

London Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
WPP Media

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead client projects in sports and entertainment, ensuring high-quality delivery and measurable results.
  • Company: Join WPP Media, a leader in AI-driven media and creative partnerships.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, extensive benefits, and a supportive work culture.
  • Other info: Hybrid work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the dynamic world of sports and entertainment marketing.
  • Qualifications: Experience in account management and strong communication 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.

For more information, visit wppmedia. com .

3084 - Associate Director, Sports & Entertainment Partnerships- UK

Role Summary and Impact

Overview

The Associate Director, Client Development plays a key role in the day-to-day leadership and delivery of client work within WPP Media Sport & Entertainment.

Working closely with the Director, Client Development, this role is responsible for the management and development of key client accounts — ensuring the successful delivery of creative, partnership, and content solutions across sport, sponsorship, influencer, entertainment, and cultural marketing.

You will lead the day-to-day running of client projects, coordinating internal teams and external partners to deliver high-quality work that drives measurable results for clients.

The Associate Director is a central connector across teams — working with project management, specialist disciplines, and partners to ensure seamless delivery and consistently excellent client service.

Our team culture is what drives us.

We have a passion to deliver the very best work we can for our clients and to support each other as much as we can to help us all achieve that goal.

We care about the work we do but more importantly we care about each other.

Key Responsibilities

  • Client Account Leadership
  • Manage the day-to-day running of key client accounts within the portfolio.
  • Act as a primary client contact for assigned projects and workstreams.
  • Build strong working relationships with clients through consistent delivery and communication.
  • Support the Director, Client Development in identifying opportunities for account growth and development.
  • Ensure client needs are understood and translated into clear briefs for internal teams.
  • Project & Partnership Delivery
  • Lead the development and execution of partnership, sponsorship, branded entertainment, and influencer activations.
  • Coordinate internal teams and external partners to deliver high-quality campaigns and content.
  • Ensure projects are delivered efficiently, on time, and within agreed budgets.
  • Maintain strong attention to detail and quality control across all deliverables.
  • Collaboration Across Teams
  • Work closely with specialist teams across sport, influencer, partnerships, and entertainment disciplines.
  • Collaborate with project management teams to ensure smooth and efficient delivery of client work.
  • Support integration with wider WPP agencies and partners to deliver joined-up solutions.
  • Creative & Commercial Support
  • Contribute to the development of creative ideas and partnership solutions for clients.
  • Support the Director in developing proposals and responses to client opportunities.
  • Help identify opportunities to expand client activity across sport, entertainment, and cultural marketing.
  • Ensure ideas and proposals are aligned to client objectives and deliver commercial value.
  • Client Service Excellence
  • Maintain high standards of responsiveness, organisation, and professionalism in all client interactions.
  • Ensure clear communication between clients, partners, and internal teams.
  • Proactively manage timelines, expectations, and delivery milestones.
  • Measurement & Learning
  • Support the evaluation of campaign performance and partnership effectiveness.
  • Work with data and insight teams to ensure reporting and learning are captured for clients.
  • Use insights and results to inform future client work and improve delivery.

Skills and Experience

  • Experience in account management, partnerships, sponsorship, or content roles within an agency, media, sport, or entertainment business.
  • Experience managing client projects and multi-partner campaigns.
  • Strong organisational and project management capabilities.
  • Understanding of sport, entertainment, sponsorship, influencer, or cultural marketing ecosystems.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong client communication and presentation skills.
  • Commercial awareness and understanding of how client work drives business growth.
  • What Success Looks Like
  • Client projects run smoothly and are delivered to the highest standard.
  • Clients experience excellent day-to-day service and clear communication.
  • Campaigns and partnerships deliver measurable results and strong creative output.
  • Internal teams work effectively together through strong coordination and leadership.
  • You are recognised internally as a reliable leader of complex client work.
  • 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 also 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.

Please read our Privacy Notice ( https://www. wppmedia. com/pages/privacy-policy ) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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  • Please read our

Privacy Notice for more information on how we process the information you provide.

Associate Director, Sports & Entertainment Partnerships in London employer: WPP Media

WPP Media is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of Greater London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer competitive benefits and a hybrid work model that encourages creativity and flexibility, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the media landscape.

WPP Media

Contact Details:

WPP Media Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Sports & Entertainment Partnerships in London

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Engage in Marketing Communities

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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Sports & Entertainment Partnerships in London

Account Management
Client Communication
Project Management
Partnership Development
Sponsorship Activation
Content Creation
Collaboration

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.