Associate, Direct Activation

The role

You will translate clients' media strategies into media buys and take day-to-day ownership of assigned buys. The role covers the full investment lifecycle, from marketplace analysis and negotiation through activation, optimization, measurement and financial reconciliation.

What you will do

• Develop media buying recommendations for assigned campaigns by analyzing marketplace intelligence and comparing opportunities.
• Evaluate media partners' offerings, audiences, pricing and capabilities, and negotiate rates and terms within approved parameters.
• Translate approved media strategies into accurate media buys, with schedules, budgets and rates aligned to approvals.
• Own day-to-day execution of assigned buys, including buy entry, insertion orders and trafficking coordination.
• Coordinate with Planning, Ad Operations and media partners so campaigns launch accurately and on time.
• Monitor campaign pacing and delivery, investigate discrepancies and escalate material performance or budget risks.
• Recommend and implement approved campaign optimizations based on delivery and performance data.
• Prepare post-campaign analyses and translate findings into recommendations for future investments.
• Maintain and reconcile client budgets and trackers, and follow up on invoice discrepancies with Finance and media partners.

Required qualifications

• 1–2 years of relevant experience in media buying, investment or activation, with hands-on campaign execution.
• Working knowledge of offline and digital direct media, including broadcast, digital video and CTV/OLV buying principles.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, including managing budgets, interpreting campaign data and using Excel.
• Hands-on familiarity with media buying and reporting systems, buy entry, insertion orders and trafficking workflows.
• Experience evaluating proposals and supporting vendor negotiations.
• Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Excellent time management and the ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented approach with clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change.
• Confident communicating with internal stakeholders and external media partners.

Nice to have

• College or University education.

Benefits

• Competitive medical insurance.
• Group retirement plans.
• Vision and dental insurance.
• Significant paid time off.
• Preferential partner discounts.
• Employee mental health awareness days.
• Access to global WPP Media and WPP networks and learning opportunities.
• Employee resource groups and in-office events.

Before you apply

• Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About the company

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data and partnerships. It is WPP's global media collective, focused on creative personalisation at scale.