Manager, Publishing in London

Manager, Publishing in London

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

  • Tasks: Lead innovative publishing campaigns and manage client relationships in a dynamic media environment.
  • Company: Join WPP Media, a leader in AI-driven media solutions for top brands.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, extensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Embrace a hybrid work culture that values creativity and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the publishing sector while working with industry leaders.
  • Qualifications: Experience in media planning and strong communication skills are essential.

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

We are looking for an ambitious, proactive, and commercial Senior Account Executive to join our Media Investment team in London, focusing on the Publishing sector. In this role, you will report directly to an Account Director and play a key role in delivering high-impact publishing strategies—spanning digital publishing, premium print, podcasts, and rich brand partnerships—for some of Mindshare’s flagship clients. You will manage campaigns from brief through to post-campaign evaluation, acting as the day-to-day engine of the team while building strong relationships with major media owners and clients.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

  • Media Investment & Campaign Execution: Work closely with the Account Director to interpret client briefs and translate them into innovative, commercially strong publishing campaigns. Lead day-to-day media buying, negotiating competitive rates, premium placements, and added value with top-tier publisher partners (e.g., Guardian, Mail Metro Media, News UK, Telegraph, Hearst, Bauer). Utilize UK industry measurement tools (e.g., PAMCo, Comscore, ABC, Telmar/Kantar) to gather audience insights, benchmark rates, and justify investment decisions.
  • Client & Stakeholder Management: Act as a reliable day-to-day contact for clients, managing expectations, campaign timelines, and status updates. Prepare clear, compelling media plans, rationale decks, and PCAs (Post-Campaign Analyses) that clearly communicate campaign performance and ROI to clients. Build trusted, collaborative relationships with publisher sales teams to ensure Mindshare gets early access to new editorial, digital, and content initiatives.
  • Financial Management & Campaign Operations: Take full ownership of the campaign delivery lifecycle: accurate booking, tracking, Tagging/Ad Serving (where applicable), and reconcilement within agency systems (DDS / MX). Oversee media spend, ensuring zero unbilled media and working closely with the finance team to resolve any invoicing queries promptly.
  • Team Mentorship & Industry Knowledge: Guide and mentor Account Executives/Assistants within the Media Investment department, fostering a culture of accuracy and continuous learning. Maintain a deep curiosity about the UK publishing landscape, staying ahead of trends in subscription models, first-party data strategies, digital audio/podcasts, and privacy changes.

Skills and Experience

  • Experience: Experience in a media agency or UK publisher environment, with direct experience in publishing/print/digital content media planning and buying.
  • Tools & Systems: Proficiency in UK industry tools (PAMCo, Telmar, Comscore, Choice) and agency financial booking systems (DDS / MX). Advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint is essential.
  • Commercial Mindset: Strong understanding of media metrics (CPM, CPT, viewability, reach/frequency) and confidence in negotiating media spend.
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting ideas to internal leadership and external clients.
  • Organization: Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple fast-moving campaigns simultaneously.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

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 that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country. Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location.

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

Manager, Publishing 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 Manager, Publishing in London

Show Your Creative Side

In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for WPP Media and show them what you can bring to the table.

Engage in Marketing Communities

Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like WPP Media are looking for.

Leverage Social Media

Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with WPP Media on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.

Attend Industry Events

Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at WPP Media. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!

We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Publishing in London

Media Planning
Campaign Management
Client Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Audience Insights Analysis
Financial Management
Proficiency in PAMCo, Comscore, ABC, Telmar/Kantar

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.