Senior Associate, Media Activation

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 .

Role Summary & Impact

As a Senior Associate within Media Activation, you will support the planning, execution, optimization, and reporting of paid search and programmatic media campaigns. The role works across both disciplines, with much of the campaign activity taking place within the Google Ads ecosystem.

You will collaborate closely with planning, analytics, ad operations, and other activation teams to deliver campaigns that support client business objectives and performance goals. You will also have opportunities to participate in client status meetings, contribute campaign insights, and help Associates strengthen their platform and organizational skills.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with Google Ads, The Trade Desk, or DV360 and is curious, accountable, collaborative, and eager to continue developing their media activation expertise. The team’s preference is for Google Ads experience, although candidates with relevant experience in at least one of the three identified platforms may be considered.

Key Responsibilities

- Support the planning, execution, optimization, and reporting of paid search and programmatic media campaigns.

- Activate campaigns across platforms such as Google Ads, The Trade Desk, and DV360.

- Translate media plans and client objectives into accurate campaign builds, targeting strategies, and platform settings.

- Conduct keyword, audience, competitive, and marketplace research to inform campaign recommendations.

- Monitor campaign pacing, budgets, delivery, and performance against established KPIs.

- Analyze platform and campaign data to identify trends, optimization opportunities, and areas for improved performance.

- Make campaign adjustments related to bidding, budgets, targeting, audiences, keywords, placements, and other activation levers.

- Develop clear performance updates, reports, and actionable insights for internal teams.

- Collaborate with planning, analytics, ad operations, and other activation teams to support integrated campaign execution.

- Participate in internal meetings and contribute to recurring client status updates as appropriate.

- Maintain accurate campaign trackers, media documentation, budget records, and billing information.

- Perform campaign quality assurance to ensure builds, budgets, targeting, tracking, and creative assets are implemented correctly.

- Stay current on platform updates, media trends, emerging technology, and evolving search and programmatic capabilities.

- Provide Associates with guidance on campaign organization, platform execution, and established activation processes.

- Use approved tools and technology to support research, quality assurance, brainstorming, and workflow efficiency.

Skills & Experience

- 2+ years of relevant experience in paid search, programmatic media, digital activation, media buying, or a related field.

- Hands-on experience with at least one of the following platforms:

Google Ads

- The Trade Desk

- DV360

- Google Ads experience is strongly preferred because a significant portion of the team’s work takes place within the Google advertising ecosystem.

- Experience supporting campaign setup, trafficking, optimization, pacing, and performance reporting.

- Understanding of paid search and programmatic campaign fundamentals.

- Ability to interpret campaign data and translate findings into clear recommendations.

- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and comfort working with numbers, statistics, and performance data.

- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when managing campaigns across multiple platforms and workflows.

- Ability to manage competing priorities and complete work accurately within established deadlines.

- Clear written and verbal communication skills.

- Ability to collaborate effectively with planning, analytics, ad operations, and activation partners.

- Curiosity and willingness to ask thoughtful questions, learn new platforms, and deepen technical knowledge.

- Accountability, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

- Working knowledge of productivity technology and AI-supported workflows is a plus, but is secondary to hands-on platform experience.

What You’ll Bring

- A genuine interest in media, advertising, digital marketing, technology, and performance-driven campaign activation.

- An analytical mindset and enthusiasm for using data to solve problems and improve campaign outcomes.

- A growth mindset with the ability to learn from both successes and challenges.

- A collaborative approach that supports open communication, inclusion, and respect.

- A willingness to take ownership, remain flexible, and continuously improve.

- A team-oriented working style and the ability to build positive relationships with cross-functional partners.

What You’ll Gain

- Hands-on experience across both paid search and programmatic media.

- Opportunities to strengthen your expertise within Google Ads and expand your experience across The Trade Desk and DV360.

- Experience collaborating with planning, analytics, ad operations, and other media activation teams.

- Opportunities to contribute to client updates and build confidence communicating campaign insights.

- The ability to support and guide Associates while continuing to develop toward future media activation leadership opportunities.

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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The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, go to https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome for more details.
US Pay Range $45,000 — $90,000 USD

Please read our Privacy Notice for more information on how we process the information you provide.