Associate Director, Global Commercial

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 .

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 Global Commercial team plays a crucial role in driving the financial and operational success of WPP Media's international client accounts. We manage contract negotiations, revenue forecasting, profitability analysis, and contract compliance while supporting profitable growth. The team collaborates closely with internal stakeholders, including client teams and finance, as well as external partners such as our clients' media and procurement teams.

As a Senior Associate Director in the Global Commercial team, you will drive the commercial success of multi-million-dollar international contracts for some of the world's most recognisable brands. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead complex negotiations, build strong client relationships, and contribute to revenue growth while ensuring contract compliance and maximising profitability. You may oversee a mix of Commercial Managers and/or Commercial Analysts, managing your own client portfolio and partnering with Commercial Directors on complex negotiations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Business Growth & Profitability : Identify and pursue opportunities for revenue growth. Develop competitive pricing and remuneration models that maximise profitability for WPP Media while delivering value to our clients. Partner with client leaders to identify and pursue revenue growth opportunities presenting compelling proposals.
• Commercial Management & Reporting: Develop and implement commercial strategies for a portfolio of clients, ensuring alignment with overall agency goals and client objectives. Oversee all commercial aspects of assigned client accounts, including meticulous contract compliance, accurate reporting, adherence to payment terms and effective incentive management.
• Stakeholder & Client Engagement: Serve as the primary commercial contact and trusted advisor for a designated portfolio of global clients, fostering strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders. Proactively manage client communication, skilfully navigating complex discussions with confidence and providing expert commercial guidance to both clients and internal stakeholders.
• Contract Negotiation and Compliance: Lead and manage client contract negotiations (with the support from the Legal Team), ensuring favourable terms and conditions to WPP Media while maintaining positive client relationships. Support client contract compliance audits, collaborating with our internal client compliance team to provide necessary documentation where required.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Support, mentor and guide any direct reports fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. Provide ongoing coaching, training, and development opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of team members, contributing to their professional growth and success.

Skills and Experience

• Ability to manage the overall financial performance and drive revenue, profit and cash flow of clients.
• Deep understanding of various pricing models and the ability to recommend and implement changes to optimise financial outcomes.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels.
• Experience of negotiating client contracts.
• Proactive problem-solving approach and a desire for continuous improvement.
• Ability to work autonomously, with an awareness of wider business context and approval processes.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to delegate effectively and support the development of junior staff, including providing clear instructions and constructive feedback.
• A bachelor's degree or professional accounting qualification and/or equivalent experience.
• At least 8-10 years of progressive experience in roles such as commercial management, client finance, or business affairs, with a proven track record of managing and mentoring a team to success. Experience of working in a media agency is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting, applying, and negotiating contract terms in a client-facing role, preferably within the media or advertising industry.
• Proficiency in Excel, including experience with financial modelling and data analysis.

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 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.

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

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