Implementational Planning Lead

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.

2933 - Implementational Planning Lead - GCS

About Wavemaker

Our clients in Worldwide Activation are split into 4 specialist category hubs, this role will sit within the Entertainment category hub (ents hub includes clients : Paramount, Viacom, Bungie Games, Riot, Sky). The client for this role is our newly acquired and Wavemaker worldwide’s largest client, Audible. The set up of each team is specific to the client’s needs but is largely dependent on the scope of media channels.

Client Context:

Audible is Wavemaker Worldwide’s largest client and one of the world’s favourite platforms for audio content, from podcasts to audio books to Audible Originals. Audible have ambitious growth targets that we will help them achieve through both branding and performance campaigns across four major markets: France, Italy, Germany and Spain giving the applicate an opportunity to work across market and understand how different markets behaviour and respond to media.

Role Context:

As Implementational Planning Lead, you will be responsible for the coordination and delivery of performance and branding campaigns across all biddable channels across 5 European markets.

The role involves leading a team of channel-specialist Execs, Managers and Directors both in the London office and in the Global Hub, who are a core part of the team. Specifically 5 channel-specialist Directors will report directly in to this position.

Making use of platform knowledge and account management practices, you’ll ensure effective management of projects to brief, schedule and budget. Ultimately, you’ll work to deliver world class campaigns which exceed client’s expectations.

This includes campaigns with a mobile app-install objective (MAI) which have their own set of KPIs and unique tracking considerations using the Kochava platform.

Key Responsibilities:

Campaign Management.

• Responsibility for the output of your team (UK-based and Global Hub), both client facing and operational. You are accountable for your team’s adherence to Wavemaker Governance and GroupM best practices across your clients.
• Strategic understanding of the client’s business and KPIs, keeping up to date with latest Industry news and proactively spotting trends, product releases, and other opportunities which could enhance activity.
• Have an excellent understanding of app download campaigns and how to drive the best campaign results.
• Maintain a forward thinking and innovative approach in the development of all biddable activity.
• Take responsibility & direct performance and your wider team’s deliverables.
• Development of overall client digital and data roadmaps in conjunction with Client Lead and Activation Partner
• Oversight of the holistic digital strategy for tactical campaigns including the approach for building and targeting audiences effectively across platforms
• Positively provoking past thinking and driving innovation within all channels including keeping up to date with new publisher innovations and applying them to clients
• Ensuring there is an effective test and learn framework for client campaigns in order to maximise performance.

Client & Partner Management.

• Develop strong relationships with your client and key suppliers, leading team communications with these stakeholders. Be able to communicate with clients on subjects outside your remit and provide them with useful insight.
• Advise internal and external stakeholders around paid search and industry trends, displaying a deep knowledge and also how it impacts client’s businesses.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of and monitors the client’s industry and competitive environment to create effective solutions.
• Foster a good working relationship across all clients & suppliers to direct flawless execution of plans. Builds rapport and become a trusted advisor representing the agency.
• Make sure that service level agreements are aligned with all relevant stakeholders and that all deadlines are met, with tasks managed through our project management suite.
• Identifying growth opportunities for clients within data, technology, and content such as DCO, and audience science

Team Player.

• Active member of the Wavemaker community which includes contributing to internal team meetings, participation in wider GroupM training & events, and more.
• Oversee, as appropriate, the performance of Account Directors in your team ensuring that you are quality controlling work, and by proxy also be involved in the development of your junior team members.
• Train your team and others across the department. Make sure we continue to develop the departments knowledge & expertise.
• Development and roll out of updated best practice guidelines for channel planning in conjunction with the precision lead community
• Leading by example to inspire team members and create a positive and enjoyable working atmosphere that fosters collaboration
• Supporting the activation leadership team on new business, award entry submissions and other department initiatives

People Management.

• Play an active role in recruitment and interviewing processes to build strong teams. This will involve leading interviews, making staffing decisions and acting as an ambassador for the team to potential candidates.
• Take responsibility for your UK and Global Hub team’s development and career progression within the agency. Leading by example to motivate and encourage.
• Motivational people manager leading by example and coaching your team. Provide constructive feedback at every appropriate opportunity.

Operational Excellence.

• Helping to drive process development and efficient ways of working.
• Lead on application and adherence to all areas of finance processes.
• Contributes to the development of strategic revenue and service opportunities.
• Making full use of the technology available, implementing processes and practices that maximize operational efficiencies whilst identifying opportunities for process improvement, and providing recommendations.
• Takes ownership of operations in your team, proactively suggesting ways to resolve and eliminate issues from happening.
• Building and maintaining robust knowledge of Wavemaker & WPPs key proprietary tools and identifying opportunities to share these with clients

Measures for success in this role will include: no account errors, your accounts never go offline, improved performance and results, completion of tasks & projects on time, client feedback, effective communication, team development, increased utilisation of the Global Hub, and overall progress of clients against the WM Search Maturity Framework.

Skills and Experience

• A proven digital practitioner with an in-depth understanding of audiences and digital data planning & solid expertise in developing innovative, holistic digital strategies (across paid search, social, programmatic & IO display)
• The ideal candidate will have ‘hands-on’ in-platform activation experience in at least one of the core channels of paid search, paid social, programmatic / IO display but also demonstrate sound understanding of all channel fundamentals
• Experience in media, ideally from an agency side background (client side or a mix will also be considered)
• Client leadership experience, delivering excellence for clients
• Good knowledge of mobile tracking technologies is beneficial
• All academic backgrounds will be considered
• Professional digital media/advertising qualifications will be of an advantage

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. 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

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

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