Associate Director, Commercial, UK

WPP; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Pension Plan

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Partner Discounts

Mental Health Days

Job summary

WPP Media in the United Kingdom seeks a highly experienced Commercial Business Director to lead the UK Commercial Growth team. You will implement the commercial strategy, manage daily contract negotiations, and drive profitability across a select portfolio of major client accounts.

You will oversee pricing models, client reporting, and cross-functional collaboration with Finance, Legal, and Client Leadership.

Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent is required.
• Minimum 10 years in commercial management, business affairs or senior client leadership roles.
• Experience in the media industry or similar is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement commercial strategy for a portfolio of high-profile clients.
• Manage day-to-day contract negotiations with support from senior teams.
• Oversee client reporting, pricing governance and compliance across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with Global Commercial team and UK pitches to maximise profitability.
• Mentor and develop a small team of commercial professionals and analysts.

Skills

Commercial Management

Team Leadership

Contract Negotiations

Pricing Strategy

Client Relationships

Finance & Analytics

Excel Modelling

Strategic Thinking

Education

University degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Financial Modelling

Job description

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 ourpioneeringagentic 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.

About WPP Media

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com.

WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com

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.

Role Summary and Impact

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Commercial Business Director to join our UK Commercial Growth team. In this role, you will focus on implementing our commercial strategy and executing short-term operational plans across a dedicated portfolio of high-profile client accounts.

You will provide measurable input into commercial processes and standards, managing day-to-day contract compliance, and using insights from client profitability analysis to drive commercial improvement for WPP Media UK. You will manage a small-sized team of commercial professionals and analysts, guiding their development and ensuring the successful delivery of projects and processes. This position offers an excellent platform to gain hands‑on experience in commercial management within a market‑leading organisation, preparing you for more senior roles.

Business Growth & Profitability

• Support the identification of opportunities for revenue growth, including scope evolution, new service adoption, and rate evolution.
• Contribute to the development of pricing and remuneration models and implement them to maximise profitability while delivering client value.
• Provide commercial support on UK pitches and collaborate with the Global Commercial team as required.

Commercial Management & Reporting

• Implement commercial strategies for a portfolio of clients, ensuring alignment with WPP Media goals and client objectives.
• Oversee commercial aspects of assigned accounts, including contract compliance, accurate client reporting, and adherence to payment terms.
• Support the implementation of AI tools and other technologies to drive efficiencies across commercial processes.
• Work with finance and client teams to standardise commercial ways of working across WPP Media.

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• Act as a key commercial contact for a designated client portfolio, building strong relationships with clients and internal Client & Activation leadership.
• Partner with senior client leads and internal stakeholders, providing expert day-to-day commercial guidance.

Contract Negotiation and Compliance

• Manage day-to-day client contract negotiations with support from senior commercial and legal teams, ensuring favourable terms for WPP Media.
• Support client contract compliance audits, collaborating with our internal compliance team to provide necessary documentation.
• Ensure all stakeholders are aware of and adhere to contractual terms, with a focus on Flex Terms disclosure.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Manage a small-sized team of supervisors, professionals, and/or analysts, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing environment.
• Provide ongoing coaching, training, and development opportunities to enhance team skills and contribute to their professional growth.
• Oversee the team in pricing on‑going and one‑off projects, providing guidance and final review.

Skills and Experience

• Practical knowledge in leading and managing the execution of commercial processes, projects, and programs.
• Advanced knowledge and skills within commercial management, with an understanding of the impact of this work on other areas of the organisation (e.g., Finance, Legal, Client Leadership).
• Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively.
• Experience in supporting or managing client contract negotiations.
• A proactive approach to problem‑solving and a desire for continuous process improvement.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven ability to manage and develop a team, providing clear instruction and constructive feedback.
• A university degree or equivalent experience is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in roles such as commercial management, business affairs, or a commercially‑focused client leadership role, preferably within the media industry.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying contract terms in a client‑facing role.
• Proficiency in Excel, including experience with financial modelling and data analysis.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in‑office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include 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 are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. 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 read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

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