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 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.
Role Summary and Impact
The
Associate Director – Investment (Digital Media Buying)
will play a pivotal role in leading and optimizing digital media investments across key clients within the WPP Media network. The position demands strong expertise in digital buying, partner negotiations, media efficiency management, and cross-platform optimization to deliver best-in-class value and performance for clients.This role requires close collaboration with planning, client leadership, and analytics teams to drive investment excellence and deliver measurable business outcomes.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Lead digital media buying and investment strategy across platforms such as Google, Meta, Programmatic (DV360, The Trade Desk), OTT, YouTube, and E-commerce media.
- Drive commercial negotiations with publishers, platforms, and ad-tech partners to ensure cost competitiveness and value optimization.
- Collaborate with digital planning, client leadership, and performance teams to execute integrated and efficient media strategies.
- Deliver on investment KPIs, audit readiness, and rate adherence in alignment with WPP Media’s trading and compliance standards.
- Oversee budget management, delivery tracking, and post-buy analysis for key campaigns.
- Partner with WPP Media trading and digital excellence teams to identify innovations, first-mover opportunities, and beta partnerships.
- Lead a team of digital buyers and executives, ensuring strong capability building and operational discipline.
- Provide market intelligence, platform insights, and cost benchmarks to support new business pitches and client strategy discussions.
- Ensure adherence to WPP Media governance frameworks and compliance across all digital investment operations.
- Strong understanding of digital media platforms, programmatic ecosystems, and biddable buying.
- Proven ability to negotiate, optimize, and deliver cost efficiencies while maintaining quality and performance.
- Hands-on experience with DV360, CM360, Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager, and analytics tools.
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills; comfort with data interpretation and reporting.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed organization and manage multiple client priorities.
What You’ll Get
- Google Account Exposure: Work on one of the most respected and demanding global brands.
- 360° Buying Experience: From tactical buying to event activations, branded content, and sponsorship deals.
- Digital Buying Development: Build your expertise across reservation-based digital media including OTT platforms.
- Learning & Leadership: Be part of a high-performance, future-facing investment team with access to top tools, platforms, and learning frameworks.
Skills And Experience
- 8–10 years of experience in digital media buying, investment, or trading within a leading media agency or digital network.
- Graduate/Postgraduate degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or Media Studies.
- Prior experience within the WPP ecosystem (WPP Media, Mindshare, Wavemaker, EssenceMediacom, or Nexus) will be an advantage.
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. 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. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Please read our Privacy Notice (
https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy)
for more information on how we process the information you provide. While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please read our Privacy Notice for more information on how we process the information you provide.
