Implementation and Activation Director

EssenceMediacom, part of WPP, is a new breed of media agency. As the Implementation & Activation Director for UPI & Warner Bros., you are a pivotal leader responsible for driving digital media strategy, planning, and activation for these key entertainment clients. This role oversees a dedicated team focused on digital (direct and biddable) media, collaborates strategically across departments, and champions data-driven approaches to achieve client business objectives and lead digital transformation. You will ensure best-in-class campaign execution, effective client engagement, and robust compliance management, acting as a trusted advisor to senior client and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Digital Team, ensuring high-quality output, efficient workflow, and proactive quality control; Collaborate with Planning and Activation leadership to deliver holistic and integrated responses to client briefs and core projects; Consult within the broader Strategic & Activation Planning team, ensuring the quality, integration, and accuracy of digital responses prior to client presentation; Provide expert guidance and coaching on best-in-class digital activation practices for both Direct and Biddable Digital team members; Engage and lead specific client portfolio projects, aligning digital strategies with client business KPIs and collaborating across internal and external stakeholders (Client Leadership, EM experts, NZ/Global teams, and the Client Digital Director); Spearhead the development and implementation of the client's data and digital transformation roadmap for 2026 and beyond; Proactively address client feedback, implementing measurable solutions and actionable plans in a timely manner; Ensure robust digital compliance management across all campaigns and strategies.

Requirements

Deep expertise in both direct and biddable digital media, with a strong comprehension of its role within the broader marketing/media mix; Proven expertise in effective digital campaign planning principles; Strong capabilities in audience profiling and insights into media usage behavior; Expertise in the strategic role of device, platform, and format in digital media; Adept at leveraging 1st, 2nd, and 3rd party data for audience targeting, including setting up and managing test campaigns in collaboration with our Transformation team; Proficiency in defining measurement metrics and setting effective KPIs for digital campaigns; Strategic understanding of when to apply Direct vs. Biddable buying models for optimal campaign performance; Ability to establish and measure test hypotheses, fostering a strategic test-and-learn framework; Demonstrated effective engagement and communication with diverse stakeholders, including client leadership, strategic and planning leads, functional experts (including our Transformation team) within EM, and both junior and senior clients.

Benefits

Access to global WPP Media & WPP networks; Employee resource groups; In-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events