At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive creative partnerships and campaigns in sports and entertainment for top brands.
- Company: Join WPP Media, the UK's leading media agency network with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in culture while working with exciting brands and projects.
- Qualifications: 4-7 years in creative or partnership roles; strong communication and creative 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.
WPP Media: Sports & Entertainment is our dedicated practice focused on the development of brand partnerships, sponsorships, branded entertainment and socially driven content solutions for brands. We work with the biggest and most impactful brands, platforms, IP, rights holders, talent and creators to drive our work. We passionately believe that Sports and Entertainment make modern culture. Across sport, music, fashion, gaming and entertainment, they fuel the communities and fandoms that drive audiences and power brand differentiation.
Overview
The Manager, Development is a key role within WPP Media Sports & Entertainment, responsible for delivering outstanding creative, content, and partnership solutions across a defined client portfolio. Reporting to the Associate Director, Development, this role sits at the intersection of brands, culture, and media, driving the day-to-day development, planning, and activation of best-in-class content and partnership campaigns. You will be an integral team member, responding to client briefs, managing campaign delivery, and building strong relationships with clients and partners alike.
Key Responsibilities
- Client Servicing & Relationship Management: Work closely with clients to handle requests in a professional, timely, and accurate manner, building strong and effective relationships. Act as a specialist advisor to clients and their partner agencies, maximising partnership and content opportunities within the sports and entertainment space. Support the Director, Development in acting as a trusted strategic partner for key client accounts, championing the role of sport, entertainment, and culture in driving brand growth.
- Creative & Content Development: Respond to client briefs with innovative creative and content solutions spanning branded entertainment, sponsorships, sport, influencer campaigns, digital, social, experiential, radio, talent, and TV partnerships. Collaborate with partners — including media owners, rights holders, production companies, talent and creators — to develop best-in-class partnership campaigns that meet client business needs.
- Planning & Delivery: Lead the end-to-end planning and activation of content and partnership campaigns, from brief response through to delivery and reporting. Collaborate with wider WPP Media Sports & Entertainment teams to generate creative executions with effective campaign delivery and measurement.
- Commercial Awareness: Develop strong expertise in WPP Media Sports & Entertainment's internal processes and commercial model. Support delivery of commercial targets by contributing to organic growth within your client portfolio.
- Team & Development: Provide oversight and support to junior members of the team, contributing to their development and day-to-day output. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that prioritises creativity, innovation, and commercial excellence.
- Innovation & Collaboration: Maintain strong, proactive relationships with partners and stay informed of innovations and developments in the sports and entertainment landscape.
Core Skills
- Effective Communication: Leads clear dialogue between technical and non-technical stakeholders; presents a strong case, challenges ideas effectively, and employs active listening.
- Relationship Management: Cultivates, nurtures, and grows relationships with key clients, partners, and stakeholders internally and externally.
- Strategic Thinking & Planning: Uses analytics, data, market knowledge, and critical thinking to understand and solve client challenges.
- Creative Idea Generation: Facilitates the generation of new ideas and creative solutions to client briefs.
- Partnership Management: Takes ownership of content and partnership campaigns from start to completion.
- Multitasking & Prioritisation: Adapts to rapidly changing events and environments while accurately judging priorities.
- Technical Skills: Knowledge of media and campaign management systems.
Experience & Skills
- 4–7 years' experience in creative, content, partnerships, or sponsorship roles.
- Demonstrated experience responding to client briefs and delivering content and partnership campaigns across multiple channels and formats.
- Solid understanding of the branded entertainment, sport, and cultural marketing landscape.
- Strong creative instincts paired with growing commercial awareness.
- Experience working with or managing junior team members.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills.
What Success Looks Like
- Client briefs are answered with innovative, high-quality creative and content solutions that meet and exceed expectations.
- Campaigns are delivered on time, on brief, and demonstrate measurable brand and business impact.
- Strong, trusted relationships are built with clients, partners, and internal teams.
- Junior team members are supported and growing in capability and confidence.
Life at WPP Media & Benefits
We create an open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. 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.
Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location.
Business Director, Partnerships in London employer: WPP Media
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where creativity and innovation thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits, including competitive medical plans and significant paid time off, ensuring our team members feel valued and supported. Located in the heart of the UK, our dynamic environment allows you to engage with leading brands and make a meaningful impact in the sports and entertainment sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Director, Partnerships in London
✨Show Your Creative Side
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✨Engage in Marketing Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Business Director, Partnerships in London
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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at WPP Media
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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.
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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.
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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.
