Manager, Media Activation, UK

About this role

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.

3709 - Manager, Media Activation, UK

Role Summary and Impact

As a Paid Search Account Manager, you will own the day-to-day execution of all elements of paid search activity, with a strong emphasis on AI-driven optimization and automation. You will leverage deep platform knowledge and manage client/supplier relationships to ensure you and your team deliver flawless operations, experimentation, media plans, performance optimization, and reporting & analysis.

The role involves managing one or several Account Executives (overseeing their workload and output, as well as managing their development) to successfully execute deliverables and exceed client expectations. The Paid Search Account Manager will also act as a key point of contact for the Global Operations Centre, who are a core part of your team.

People.

• Motivational Manager leading by example whilst coaching & developing your Account Executives in the UK & GOC; providing constructive feedback at every appropriate opportunity.

• Oversee, as appropriate, the performance of Account Executives and GOC; ensuring that you quality control work and advise them on the correct course of action, as needed.

• Delegating and managing the workload and output for your team, including in the GOC, who ensure daily diagnostics and governance is achieved to the highest standards.

• Assisting with the recruitment process for the immediate and wider team when required. Attending interviews and acting as an ambassador for the team to potential candidates.

Product

• Making full use of the technology available. Adoption of 3rd and 1st party tools & technology (e.g., Unlock, WPP MediaAutomations Portal, proprietary AI optimization tools, generative AI for ad copy/creative).

Operations.

• Ensure that wider client or team deliverables (such as performance commentary and weekly reporting) are prepared, working with other team members on delivery of this information, and ensuring quality of output is maintained.

• Implementing processes and practices that maximize operational efficiencies, especially through automation, whilst identifying opportunities for process improvement and providing recommendations to Directors.

• Takes ownership of issues when they arise and proactively suggests ways to resolve these and prevent them from happening in the future.

Performance.

• Collaborate with and support your team in the implementation and optimization of paid search campaigns for clients, leveraging AI and automation where possible.

• Effectively manage your team’s designated accounts, ensuring ongoing and timely optimization is delivered; proactively looking for both tactical and strategic optimization opportunities, whilst working with your Account Director to devise strategy and translate this into campaign delivery.

• Take responsibility for wider client or team deliverables (such as performance commentary or weekly reporting) and guide Account Executives in how this can be effectively achieved.

• Foster a good working relationship across all clients & suppliers to facilitate flawless execution of plans and builds rapport to become a trusted advisor.

• Make sure that service level agreements are aligned with all relevant stakeholders and that all deadlines are met, with tasks managed through our project management suite.

Growth.

• Responsible for the execution of a ‘fearless growth’ mindset in your team; continually experimenting with new AI capabilities and driving performance forwards for clients.

• Measures for success in this role will include: no account errors, your accounts never go offline, improved performance and results, completion of tasks & projects on time, client feedback, effective communication, Account Executive development, increased utilization of the GOC, and overall progress of clients against the WPP Media Way for Paid Search.

Skills and Experience

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.

We are looking for candidates who are self-starters, want to succeed, and have a desire to push the boundaries. Passionate about digital marketing, specifically Paid Search and Cross-Platform campaign formats (e.g., Performance Max, Microsoft Audience Network, and emerging AI-driven campaign types). Successful candidates will have an analytical mindset coupled with creativity.

It’s essential that you have:

• Some experience line managing people, their development, and workload.

• Deep Paid Search knowledge and experience, with current dated certifications (Google Ads and Microsoft Ads).

• Excellent knowledge of bid management and core Paid Search technology platforms (Google Analytics 4, GMP platform, SA360, Adobe, and familiarity with AI-driven optimization tools).

• Excellent data analysis skills and understanding of the strategic & tactical application of paid search and digital marketing, including the impact of AI…