At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead rapid, data-driven media campaigns for central government, optimising performance and delivering impactful results.
- Company: Join WPP Media, a pioneering force in AI-driven media solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a supportive work culture focused on growth.
- Other info: Collaborative, dynamic workplace with opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in government communications while working with talented, passionate colleagues.
- Qualifications: Experience in biddable media and managing large budgets in fast-paced environments.
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.
Join an award-winning team at the heart of UK government, where your work will genuinely shape lives. As part of WPP 650 you’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative environment that values curiosity, kindness, and growth. Together, we use behaviour change principles to design smarter services, influence better decisions, and help millions of people across the country.
This is meaningful work with real-world impact – the kind you can point to with pride.
Role Summary and Impact
As Programmatic Account Director for the Government New Media Unit (NMU), you will own the rapid, data led delivery of always on, tactical and reactive biddable media activity across search and social for central government. Operating within an agile, test and learn delivery model, this role prioritises speed, accountability and continuous optimisation, while ensuring all government governance, compliance and assurance requirements are met.
Key Responsibilities
- Agile Delivery & Optimisation
- Own and deliver rapid, data‑led biddable activity across all three operating speeds
- Lead iterative test‑and‑learn cycles, including sprints, daily optimisation and rapid hypothesis testing
- Operate effectively within short planning horizons (weekly or bi‑weekly), adapting to evolving priorities and incomplete briefs
- Capture, embed and scale learnings at pace across the NMU and wider government ecosystem
- Ways of Working & Continuous Improvement
- Continually review, refine and optimise ways of working to increase speed and agility
- Apply foresight, pre‑mediation and proactive setup to remove friction and enable rapid delivery
- Contribute to the development of playbooks, guardrails and best‑practice frameworks for agile government biddable delivery
- Governance & Decision‑Making
- Ensure all government governance, compliance and assurance requirements for biddable media are met and documented
- Balance speed with risk management through clear guardrails, approval thresholds and escalation routes
- Exercise fast, confident decision‑making within defined autonomy, acting as a trusted senior lead for clients
- Budget & Performance Accountability
- Manage multi‑million‑pound budgets (£40m+) with accountability for ROI, effectiveness and value for money
- Embed real‑time, data‑driven performance management, drawing on platform signals, social insight and trend analysis
- Innovation & Transformation
- Re‑imagine government communications through innovative paid and owned media approaches
- Actively leverage WPP Open and WPP AI capabilities to support automation, insight generation and optimisation within the NMU operating model
- Leadership, Collaboration & Capability
- Lead and develop biddable activation talent, embedding specialist knowledge and best practice
- Work collaboratively within a fully integrated, cross‑functional team spanning strategy, creative, data and client stakeholders
- Foster a culture of fast decision‑making, learning and continuous improvement
Skills & Experience
- Experience delivering biddable media in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments
- Expertise across the digital media and programmatic landscape
- Proven experience managing large‑scale budgets with outcome accountability
- Confidence operating in regulated or complex client environments, including government
- Stakeholder management skills and advisory skills at senior level
- Collaborative mindset with a clear appetite for transformation and new ways of working
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, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. 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.
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.
Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location.
Account Director, Programmatic in Manchester employer: Wppmedia
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, offering employees the flexibility of a hybrid working model in the vibrant setting of Greater London. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, we provide ample opportunities for skill development and career advancement, ensuring that our team members are equipped to deliver outstanding client solutions. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Director, Programmatic in Manchester
✨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 Wppmedia 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 Wppmedia 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 Wppmedia 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 Wppmedia. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Director, Programmatic in Manchester
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 Wppmedia. 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 Wppmedia:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Wppmedia’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 Wppmedia
✨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 Wppmedia 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 Wppmedia, 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.
