Implementation and Activation Associate Manager

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.

Implementation and Activation Associate Manager
Wavemaker, part of WPP, positively provokes growth for clients by reshaping consumer decision-making and experiences through media, content, and technology. Our name is both our mission and our method. We do our best work for brave brands and people who relish being challenged to go further and faster, together.

The Implementation & Activation Associate Manager is a key role within WPP Media's centralised Implementation & Activation team, responsible for delivering best-in-class media planning and buying across all channels and touchpoints. Working closely with a senior manager, this role ensures operational excellence across omnichannel media campaigns, from planning and activation through to optimisation and post-analysis reporting. The role carries emerging people leadership responsibility, including the day-to-day oversight and development of direct reports, alongside strong client and media partner relationship management. Success in this role means delivering campaigns that consistently meet client KPIs, maintaining full financial and compliance accuracy, and contributing meaningfully to a high-performing and collaborative team culture.

• You will manage end-to-end campaign processes across an allocated client portfolio, with responsibility for implementation, optimisation, reporting, and post-analysis, while keeping your manager and wider team regularly updated on performance


• The role includes genuine people leadership, with oversight of direct report workflows, contribution to performance reviews and career conversations, and an active role in fostering a supportive and solutions-oriented team environment


• You will build and maintain strong relationships with clients at junior to intermediate level, as well as with media and technology partners and internal product teams across WPP Media


• The I&A team sits centrally alongside a Centre of Excellence housing Media Operations and Craft Heads, giving you access to deep specialist expertise and a highly collaborative, cross-agency environment


• Financial and compliance accuracy is a core expectation of the role, with full adherence required across all relevant processes for both yourself and your direct reports


• The role offers clearly defined progression milestones at 3, 6, and 12 months, with genuine opportunity to grow your remit, client ownership, and publisher relationships over time

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience in media implementation, activation, or planning, with a solid working knowledge of omnichannel campaign delivery across multiple media channels and touchpoints


• Demonstrated ability to manage end-to-end campaign processes with strong attention to detail, ensuring consistent quality across planning, activation, optimisation, and post-analysis reporting


• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple campaigns and competing deadlines simultaneously


• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to present recommendations and performance insights to clients and stakeholders across different levels and functions


• Experience working alongside or overseeing direct reports, with the ability to provide clear guidance, constructive feedback, and effective day-to-day workflow management


• A results-driven mindset with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify, articulate, and act on what is working within a campaign and why


• Genuine curiosity about the media industry, with a commitment to continuous learning and staying across emerging platforms, technologies, and industry developments


• A collaborative and positive working style, with the ability to build trusted relationships across internal teams, clients, and media and technology partners

Bonus Points If You Have

• Familiarity with financial and compliance processes relevant to media buying and campaign management


• Experience preparing and presenting post-campaign analysis reports to clients or internal stakeholders


• An existing understanding of WPP Media's agency brands and their respective products and capabilities


• Active engagement with industry publications, professional development programs, or media industry events

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to 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.

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. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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

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