Associate Director, Research Insights

WPP Media Limited; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Mental health days

Job summary

WPP Media seeks an experienced research professional to drive insights across planning, investment, and client teams. You will manage multiple projects, translate questions into actionable approaches, and present findings to stakeholders. A strong grasp of AI-enabled tools and industry trends is essential.

The role emphasizes collaboration with planning and client teams, with a hybrid working model and opportunities to contribute to thought leadership within WPP Media.

Qualifications

• 6–8+ years of experience in media research, consumer insights, media planning, analytics or related field.
• Broad understanding of the media and advertising ecosystem across traditional and digital channels.
• Experience with syndicated research, audience, consumer and/or competitive intelligence resources.
• Strong ability to translate data into clear insights and recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Manage research projects supporting planning, investment and client teams.
• Translate business questions into research approaches using data, tools and resources.
• Develop presentations, POVs and research materials for internal and client-facing audiences.
• Leverage AI and emerging technologies to enhance analysis and automate workflows.
• Partner with planning, investment and client teams on requirements and timelines.
• Present findings clearly to internal teams and clients.

Skills

Media research

Audience insights

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Excel

PowerPoint

AI tools

Vendor management

Collaboration

Tools

Syndicated research platforms

Planning tools

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.

Responsibilities

Skills and Experience

• Research & Insights
• Manage research projects supporting planning, investment and client teams.
• Translate business questions into appropriate research approaches using available data, tools and resources.
• Analyze audience, consumer, competitive and marketplace information to develop actionable insights and recommendations.
• Develop presentations, POVs and research materials for internal and client-facing audiences.
• Contribute to larger WPP Media research and thought-leadership initiatives.
• Leverage AI and emerging technologies to enhance research, deepen analysis and automate repeatable workflows where appropriate.
• Stay informed on relevant consumer, media, advertising and research trends.
• Planning & Client Support
• Partner with planning, investment and client teams on research and insight requirements, including more complex or bespoke requests.
• Help teams identify and use the most appropriate research resources for their needs.
• Present and communicate findings clearly to internal teams and, where appropriate, clients.
• Manage multiple projects and requests while maintaining quality and timelines.
• Research Tools & Resources
• Develop strong familiarity with WPP Media’s portfolio of syndicated research, competitive intelligence and planning tools.
• Support teams in accessing and effectively using available research resources.
• Help evaluate new tools, data sources and emerging technologies based on agency and client requirements.
• Work with research partners and vendors to resolve questions and support effective use of their platforms.
• Research Operations & Contract Support
• Support the Director with the coordination of Research and data contracts, subscriptions and renewals.
• Assist with vendor, licensing, access and data-usage requirements across WPP Media.
• Work with internal teams including Procurement and Finance as required to support Research operations.
• Help track usage and business requirements across Research tools and data resources.
• Provide coverage and support across Research operational responsibilities as required.

Skills And Experience

• 6–8+ years of experience in media research, consumer insights, media planning, analytics or a related field.
• Broad understanding of the media and advertising ecosystem across traditional and digital channels.
• Experience with syndicated research, audience, consumer and/or competitive intelligence resources.
• Ability to independently manage research projects from initial brief through analysis and presentation.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate data into clear insights and recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with AI-enabled tools and LLMs, with the curiosity and judgment to apply emerging technologies to research, analysis and productivity.
• Experience working with planning, investment, strategy or client teams preferred.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint and familiarity with major media and research platforms.

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 believing in andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor 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.

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 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.

Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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 believing in andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor 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.

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 events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment,