Client Lead

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

Job summary

WPP Media Limited is seeking a Client Portfolio Lead to oversee a diverse client portfolio and be the main contact for clients, guiding strategy and driving growth. You will work with senior leadership to translate objectives into actionable plans and oversee delivery across campaigns.

This role requires digital and automotive experience, strong budgeting discipline, and the ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high-quality client deliverables on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Proven track record managing client portfolios in digital/media
• Strong ability to translate client vision into actionable plans
• Excellent stakeholder management across brands and senior leadership

Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture strong relationships with key client stakeholders at all levels.
• Act as primary connection and driver of client and agency relationships on the portfolio.
• Identify opportunities to solidify the agency's value as a trusted partner.
• Serve as client visionary with deep understanding of business issues and opportunities.
• Manage senior relationships between clients and partner agencies to deliver integrated solutions.
• Oversee client budgets with forecasting, tracking expenditures, and timely reporting.
• Lead and motivate a high-performing team; ensure clarity on objectives and goals.
• Oversee the delivery of post-campaign analysis with quantitative and qualitative insights.

Skills

Client relationship management

Strategic insights

Portfolio management

Team leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Negotiation

Project management

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.

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
• 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.
• 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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