Associate Director, Paid Social

Mindshare; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Job summary

WPP Media in Los Angeles is seeking an Associate Director, Biddable Media to lead cross-channel paid social and programmatic initiatives, and to act as the senior day-to-day client lead. You will drive integrated media strategies that deliver measurable outcomes while ensuring excellence in planning, activation, and performance.

You will identify opportunities in audience targeting, automation, platform capabilities, and emerging technologies to maximize effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years planning/buying across major platforms (Meta, X, TikTok, etc.).
• Significant client-facing and team-management experience.
• Agency experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of Paid Social and Programmatic strategies aligned with client objectives.
• Serve as primary client contact for biddable media activations; provide recommendations and insights.
• Drive cross-channel planning across Paid Social, Display, Video, CTV, Native and more.
• Establish KPIs with analytics; translate results into actions.
• Champion testing and AI-driven optimization; promote innovation.
• Lead and mentor Associate Directors, Managers, and Analysts.
• Oversee budget, pacing, QA, and performance across investments.

Skills

Paid Social strategy

Programmatic strategy

Client leadership

Cross-channel activation

Data-driven optimization

Team mentorship

Campaign analytics

Optimization tooling

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business/Analytics/Marketing/Communications/Advertising

Tools

CMS platforms

3rd Party API tech

Native UIs (Facebook Power Editor)

Job description

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.

As an Associate Director, Biddable Media, you will lead the strategic development, activation, and optimization of cross-channel biddable media programs, with a primary focus on Paid Social and Programmatic. You will serve as the senior day-to-day client lead, driving integrated media strategies that deliver measurable business outcomes while ensuring operational excellence across campaign planning, execution, and performance.

You will be responsible for identifying innovative opportunities across audience targeting, automation, platform capabilities, and emerging technologies to maximize campaign effectiveness. In addition, you will mentor and develop team members while fostering collaboration across media, analytics, strategy, and creative disciplines.

Skills and Experience

• Lead the development of Paid Social and Programmatic strategies that align with client business objectives, leveraging audience insights, data, and platform innovation to drive performance.
• Serve as the primary client point of contact for all biddable media activations, providing strategic recommendations, performance insights, and proactive optimization opportunities.
• Drive integrated planning across Paid Social, Programmatic Display, Video, CTV, Native, Audio, and emerging digital channels to ensure cohesive audience engagement throughout the customer journey.
• Partner with analytics and measurement teams to establish KPIs, evaluate campaign performance, and translate findings into actionable business recommendations.
• Champion testing, learning, and innovation initiatives across platforms, including advanced audience strategies, automation, AI-driven optimization, incrementality testing, and emerging ad products.
• Lead Associate Directors, Managers, and Associates in developing strategic, data-driven media plans and activation frameworks that deliver against client goals.
• Oversee campaign execution, pacing, optimization, quality assurance, and budget management across Paid Social and Programmatic investments to ensure operational excellence.
• Collaborate closely with media partners, ad technology platforms, publishers, and internal stakeholders to unlock new capabilities and drive competitive advantage for clients.
• Develop and implement best practices, governance processes, and operational efficiencies that improve campaign effectiveness, scalability, and team productivity.
• Support cross-functional integration with strategy, investment, analytics, commerce, and creative teams to deliver holistic media solutions.
• Mentor and develop team talent by providing coaching, guidance, and leadership that supports career growth, technical expertise, and client management skills.
• Keep senior leadership informed of key client opportunities, performance trends, marketplace developments, potential risks, and strategic recommendations that impact business growth

Preferred Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising; OR equivalent professional work experience.
• 5+ Years experience planning/buying across all platforms, such as Meta, X, TikTok, Snapchat, Pinterest, YouTube, DV360, TTD, Amazon etc
• Experience with CMS platforms, 3rd Party API technology, Native UIs (i.e. Facebook Power Editor).
• Significant client-facing and relationship management experience is required.
• Prior experience managing a team; demonstrating the ability to train and grow junior members, and serving as a coach and mentor.
• Prior experience in an agency environment is highly desired.
• Exhibit passion through appropriate participation in team, agency, and industry initiatives.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment toBe Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We alsoLead Optimistically,firmly believingin andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees toleveragethe extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at thecutting edgeof marketing and advertising. WeCreate an Open environmentbuilt 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 eventsshowcasingteam 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 whenwe'retogether, 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. Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

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

$75,000 — $180,000 USD

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