Associate Director, Implementation Planning, UK

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 .

771 - Associate Director Implementational Planning - UK

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. Responsibilities include cross-channel optimisation, media testing, leveraging WPP Open Intelligence for data, and coordinating PCA insights for future strategies.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Implementational Planning Business Director.

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. This process is aligned with OASIS framework.
• 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, all within the context of the DPAM framework.
• 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, in partnership with Comms Planners and Strategists, into detailed, actionable tactical plans across the entire media mix, directly contributing to wider client media strategy, following the OASIS framework.
• Advanced knowledge of the full media landscape and core media buying platforms, with an understanding of how they intersect and integrate.
• Strong understanding of audience insights, advanced analytics, data validation, and the ability to leverage performance data for optimisation, including robust media testing frameworks and WPP Open Intelligence.
• 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, 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. 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

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