Senior Manager, Programmatic Activation

791 - Senior 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 Senior Manager, Activation at WPP Media Solutions is pivotal in ensuring service excellence in programmatic campaign activation (primarily across CTV, Audio, Online Video, DOOH and display channels), managing a specific segment of agency operations, and working closely with the Activation Associate Director to meet business objectives. This role involves comprehensive programmatic campaign management, serving as the primary contact for a subset of agency campaigns, and delivering operational services to internal teams. The Senior Manager also supports the fulfilment of KPIs, acts as the escalation point for campaign issues, oversees team workload, contributes to innovative projects, and manages Activation Executives to foster their growth and development.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

Campaign Autonomy and Ownership

• Focuses on ensuring campaign management excellence for a portfolio of priority clients.
• Oversees the most critical or high-spend campaigns within their remit.
• Supervises campaign strategies to meet and exceed margin targets.
• Oversees monetization efforts and streamlines billing procedures.

Strategic Input

• Directs the testing strategy and oversees complex, multi-variant tests.
• Participates in business projects to advance Nexus solutions.
• Provides expert recommendations for AI-driven measurement solutions.
• Leads the implementation of new processes or tools within their team.

Mentorship & People Leadership

• Formally manages Campaign Management Executives, fostering their growth and development.
• Provides strategic feedback to direct reports to drive excellence.
• Leads advanced learning sessions with key partners for the wider team.
• Manages the growth and development of Campaign Management Executives.

Stakeholder & Client Interaction

• Acts as the primary contact for a subset of major agency campaigns.
• Facilitates communication with commercial teams.
• Collaborates with Client Leadership teams to ensure agency KPIs are met.

Problem Solving & Troubleshooting

• Applies expert troubleshooting and technical expertise to resolve complex campaign issues.
• Provides expert troubleshooting guidance using advanced reporting tools.
• Spearheads the testing and implementation of automation initiatives.

Commercial Acumen

• Supervises campaign strategies to meet/exceed margin targets.
• Oversees monetization efforts and billing procedures to ensure financial efficiency.

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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