Associate Director, Client Investment – Digital Partnerships Lead

About WPP Unite: A Leading WPP Media Brand

WPP Unite is a specialized unit within the WPP network, designed to deliver integrated, transformative marketing solutions for some of our most strategic clients. We bring together talent and capabilities across disciplines—media, creative, strategy, commerce, and analytics—to operate as one unified team.

Our focus is not only on delivering exceptional work, but on continuously evolving how we work. We build and scale modern operating models, workflows, and tools that drive efficiency, transparency, and measurable impact across the business.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director, Client Investment – Digital Partnerships Lead to join our fast-paced Foods and Homecare media practice. In this role, you will be the day-to-day lead orchestrating innovative, high-impact digital media partnerships and custom cross-platform campaigns for marquee beauty and lifestyle brands.

As the primary client-facing lead for digital partnerships, you will manage day-to-day client communications, direct vendor negotiations, and guide junior teammates (1.5 junior associates) through campaign execution—allowing senior leadership to focus on long-term strategy and top-tier tentpole initiatives.

This position is focused strictly on Digital Media Partnerships (streaming, video, audio, social, and custom content).

Responsibilities

Partner with Client Investment Lead

• Turn client marketing objectives into compelling, insight-driven partnership concepts across digital, social, experiential, video, audio, and live events. As primary client contact for all Partner Investment issues.
• Bring fresh, trend-forward ideas in fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and pop culture directly to clients rather than waiting for formal RFPs. Ownership of partner relations for given clients.
• Apply a distinct creative lens to vendor proposals, refining concepts to ensure alignment with brand identity and high standards before client presentation.
• End-to-End Campaign Investment & RFP Management.
• Measurement, Analytics & Data Quality.  Oversee campaign data quality and evaluate post-campaign performance in collaboration with analytics teams.
• Act as the primary, confident voice on day-to-day client calls, leading presentations, sharing written POVs, and managing vendor discussions.
• Direct and mentor a junior team (1.5 junior associates), setting clear priorities, delegating tasks, running daily standups, and balancing workload distribution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, business administration, and communications; OR equivalent professional work experience.
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive media agency experience, specifically within digital media investment, custom partnerships, or cross-platform marketing.
• Deep expertise across digital video, OTT/CTV streaming, social platforms, podcasts, and custom digital integrations.
• Hands-on proficiency with Prisma for media plan execution and investment management.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to senior client stakeholders and authoring clear client POVs.
• Passion for beauty, lifestyle trends, pop culture, and sports entertainment, with an intuitive feel for what resonates with target audiences.
• Strong comfort with post-campaign data synthesis, performance reporting, and data quality assurance.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.  We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including 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 believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. 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. Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

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US Pay Range 75000 - 180000 USD