Implementation Lead

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 our pioneering agentic 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. Job Title: Account Manager/Implementation Lead Company: WPP Media South Africa Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Reports To: Client Partner 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. Objectives of the Role: The purpose of an Implementation Planner is to translate a client brief into a detailed media flow. The role is to translate strategy to plan and to activation. A significant part of this role will be building and developing strong working relationships with both the client and the creative agencies which will enable the production of defined media flows. Responsibilities: Strategic Skills: • To be able to interpret a client brief and provide tactical strategic advice on brand communications by applying EssenceMediacom best approaches • Advise the client on optimal media plans • Help to improve interfaces between planning and strategy • Assist in preparing regular media reviews. (Competitor analysis and media environment scans) • Work together with the BUD to integrate our Planning & strategy approach to drive more effective and efficient solutions to clients • Assist in the preparation of central strategic work, e.g. availabilities, rates Client Account and Stakeholder Management Skills: • Improve interfaces between planning and strategy • Keep up to date with media changes and alert the team of potential advantages/new opportunities for presentation to Client • Prepare and update the media flow plans and advise BUD/Client of changes that occur on time and space that has been bought. • Checking and ensuring media planning is reflective of the media strategy at all times • Internally communicate and contribute to brainstorming to help generate ideas with the team • Relationship building and negotiation for leveraging costs, discounts and added value incentives with media vendors (Securing the best discount, added value incentive or sponsorship deals from vendors) • Maintain sound relationships & communications between EssenceMediaCom departments, their relevant creative/brand agencies, Clients and media vendors, where necessary • Timeously highlighting any budgetary deviations • Check commitment tracking of Budgets for Client with media vendors • Attend regular status meetings both internally and with the clients; contributing to client business reviews • Act as the client point of contact in relation to implementation planning. This will include responding to client queries and proactive client management Operating and Technical Skills: • To produce implementation plans, based on agreed strategy or parameters set out in the brief. (The best mix within a medium for the task at hand). • Be proficient in the use of media planning measurement tools • To apply all applicable and relevant trading deals • To continuously improve on existing commitment discounts/positioning as circumstances allow • Conduct detailed checking of media vendor contracts against what has been bought, and communicate any amendments to contracts detailing approved changes on media flow plans • Monitor changes that occur on time and space that has been bought to ensure flow plans are updated and revised • Help to leverage media vendor initiatives through innovative implementation plans • Work in collaboration with buyer to ensure that any budget fluctuations are identified and necessary action taken • Work with the buying team to ensure zero error implementation • Weekly TV tracking and recommendation on changes • Manage and generate TV Post Campaign Reports, including learning’s • Ensure all cancellations are received from client in writing Personal and Interpersonal Skills: • Actively manage own performance in line with key tasks and objectives. • Share knowledge with others across the team to enhance collective service delivery and client knowledge. • Build effective business relationships with stakeholders through managing expectations, clear communication and consistent performance. • To ensure that all time-sheets are updated accurately. 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 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 for more information on how we process the information you provide.