Manager, Programmatic Activation

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 .

785 - Activation Manager - MM&D

About WPP Media

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com.

WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

Role Summary and Impact

The (Programmatic) Activation Manager is an integral part of the WPP Media Solutions activation team, tasked with ensuring service excellence in programmatic campaign activation, primarily across CTV, Audio, Online Video, DOOH and display channels. Their primary responsibility includes the comprehensive management of a specific segment of WPP agency operations. Collaborating closely with the Activation Associate Director, the manager aims to achieve business objectives, enhance best practices, and supervise a dedicated team comprising both onshore and offshore programmatic activation specialists committed to fulfilling our clients' core expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

Campaign Autonomy and Ownership

• Oversees the full lifecycle of campaign management for a portfolio of clients.
• Acts as the final approval point for all campaigns launched by their team.
• Drives the testing strategy for their team's campaigns.

Strategic Input

• Contributes to forecasting and provides technical recommendations to achieve campaign goals.
• Supports Solutions Planning with strategic responses to client briefs, including audience/tech recommendations.
• Assists in monetisation strategies for their team's campaigns.

Stakeholder & Client Interaction

• Collaborates with Solutions Planning team to meet agency KPIs.
• Serves as the primary activation contact for Solutions Development teams.
• Communicates campaign insights to commercial teams.
• Presents in-depth post-campaign analysis and next steps to internal teams.

Problem Solving & Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoots using technical expertise and escalates complex issues as needed.
• Acts as a key point of escalation for campaign management issues.
• Coordinates with senior members to resolve complex campaign and billing issues.

Commercial Acumen

• Ensures financial accuracy across the campaign portfolio.
• Oversees the reporting process for their portfolio to ensure accuracy.

Skills and Experience

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 .

Experience

• Experience in Advertising Operations, Programmatic Trading, or Campaign Management.
• Familiarity with multiple DSPs; exposure to SSPs is advantageous.
• Deep understanding of the online advertising industry, including ad targeting, DSP/SSP optimisation, and relevant metrics.
• A passion for driving campaign performance.
• Eagerness to expand knowledge in digital and addressable channels.
• Highly organised with excellent time-management and prioritisation skills.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Ability to manage expectations, work at a fast pace, and build strong colleague relationships.
• Proficiency in Excel and analytical skills; willingness to learn key business systems.
• A data-driven and performance-focused programmatic expert.
• Independent initiative combined with a collaborative spirit.
• Exceptional communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to forge strong relationships to meet client needs.
• Problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach to challenges.

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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