Media and Activation Sales Lead

Media & Activations Sales Lead

Location: Aldgate, London (Hybrid – 3 days a week minimum)

At WHSmith, people are at the heart of everything we do. For over 235 years, we’ve built a brand customers trust – from high streets to airports in 32 countries. Now, we’re on a journey to become the leading global travel essentials retailer, and our Commercial team is right at the centre of that mission.

We’re looking for a creative, driven, and commercially minded Media & Activations Sales Lead to take our supplier media campaigns to the next level. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and know how to turn a media strategy into results, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

As our Media & Activations Sales Lead, you’ll manage the retail media strategy and campaign execution across either the Impulse & Food or Non-Food category. You’ll be responsible for:

• Owning media income and sales targets – and delivering against them.
• Working with the Media & Activations Sales Manager to shape and execute your category's retail media strategy.
• Pitching and selling creative campaign ideas to suppliers that align with their objectives and our customer strategy.
• Collaborating with Buying teams to ensure media activations are aligned with Joint Business Plans.
• Ensuring optimal, timely spend of agreed media budgets and identifying incremental opportunities.
• Overseeing accurate media income logging, campaign tracking, and briefing in post-campaign reporting.
• Managing campaign timing and placement to avoid brand conflicts.
• Briefing internal teams clearly to ensure seamless activation.
• Ensuring campaigns land with impact – with the right product, stock, and space in-store.

Who You Are

You’re passionate about retail media and delivering results through powerful supplier partnerships. You bring:

• Proven experience in managing retail media sales and brand activations.
• A strong understanding of how to drive income through media assets.
• Existing relationships with retail media networks (a plus!).
• Strong planning and organisation skills – and confidence using Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels.
• A self-starting attitude with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative team player who thrives on sharing best practice.
• High level of analytical skill and strong commercial acumen.

What You’ll Get in Return

We value our people and reward great work. You can expect:

• A competitive salary and annual bonus based on personal and company performance.
• Hybrid working – from home and our central London office near Aldgate.
• 24 days holiday, your birthday off, and bank holidays – plus the option to buy more.
• Early Friday finish at 4pm to kick-start your weekend.
• A high-impact role in a collaborative, fast-moving team that values innovation and initiative.