Client Lead

WPP; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

WPP in Johannesburg seeks a Client Lead to oversee a diverse client portfolio within the Client Teams. You will nurture senior relationships, translate strategy into action, and drive revenue growth across assigned portfolios.

You will lead a high-performing team, manage budgets and campaigns end-to-end, and partner with Creative, PR and media teams to deliver integrated solutions. Digital and automotive experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to nurture trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking to translate objectives into action plans.
• Experience guiding cross-functional teams across agencies.
• Track record of managing client budgets and campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture strong relationships with key stakeholders at all client levels.
• Act as the primary connection and driver of client and agency relationships.
• Identify opportunities to solidify the agency's value as a partner.
• Lead communication on media trends and quarterly insights for clients.
• Oversee delivery of high-quality client deliverables on time and within budget.
• Manage portfolios end-to-end from brief to post-campaign analysis.

Skills

Client relationships

Strategic insight

Cross-functional leadership

Budget management

Job description

Client Lead

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Department: Client Teams

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.

The Client Lead is responsible for overseeing a particular portfolio/category. This individual serves as the primary partner and key client contact, accountable for fostering strong, successful client relationships and driving growth across their assigned portfolio. This role focuses on leveraging strategic insights provided by specialist teams.

The Client Portfolio Lead directs and guides a team to ensure the delivery of high-quality client deliverables. Their role is to support the Client Partner in the profitable and efficient management of the portfolio through process optimization, system/tools utilization and financial management across the entire portfolio.

Client Relationship Management & Growth

• Develop and nurture strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders at all client levels, including brand managers, media managers, and senior leadership on their portfolio.

• Act as the primary connection and driver of client and agency relationships on their portfolio, translating client vision and strategic objectives into tangible action plans and operational success.

• Proactively identify opportunities to solidify the agency's value as an indispensable partner.

• Serve as a client visionary on your portfolio, bringing a highly valued perspective based on a deep understanding of their business, issues, and opportunities.

• Manage senior relationships between clients and brand partner agencies (e.g., Creative, PR, media owners) to achieve integrated solutions.

• Effectively manage client expectations, addressing concerns promptly, and consistently exceeding expectations.

• Own and lead communication and updates on media trends, landscapes, and thought leadership. This includes writing an insight piece on a quarterly basis that is shared with clients.

• On a monthly basis, drive and present innovative media solutions to clients.

Account Oversight & Operational Excellence

• Direct and guide teams to deliver high-quality client deliverables on time and within budget.

• Oversee the entire client service process, from initial brief reception to campaign execution and post-campaign analysis, ensuring adherence to established workflows and quality standards.

• Lead the annual and/or campaign strategy briefing process, overseeing internal coordination (including creative agency involvement) and client presentations.

• Work with the Strategic Lead to review and provide feedback on strategic outputs generated by the Strategy team, ensuring alignment with client objectives and brand vision.

• Take responsibility for maintaining the quality of contracted services and ensuring client satisfaction with agency work.

• Track and course-correct service and operations of delivery across the portfolio.
• Must have digital and automotive experience

Financial Management & Commercial Acumen

• Oversee client budgets, ensuring accurate forecasting, meticulous tracking of expenditures, and timely reporting.

• Negotiate favorable rates and contracts with media vendors, securing cost-effective solutions.

• Work closely with the Investment Lead to monitor all values delivered to clients on a monthly basis (e.g., commitments, deals, discounts, make-goods) and present this back to clients.

• Be cognizant of and mitigate any financial risks for the client and business within the portfolio.

• Oversee the timely and accurate delivery of post campaign analysis with both quantitative and qualitative insights.

• Ensure adherence to all financial processes, including accrual submissions and PO receipt, as per client and internal deadlines.

Team Leadership & Development

• Proactively lead, inspire, and motivate a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

• Provide clear direction and guidance, ensuring team members have clarity around business objectives and goals.

• Mentor and develop team members, identifying growth opportunities, implementing necessary training, and recognizing achievements.

• Manage team workload and resources, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

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