Associate Director - Activation

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.

Role Overview
The Operations Manager will be accountable for end-to-end planning, execution, and client servicing for large-scale urban activations and events. The role requires a strong command over on-ground operations, cross-functional coordination, vendor management, and financial stewardship to ensure seamless delivery of high-quality projects.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning & Execution

• Lead comprehensive project planning, including scoping, timelines, resource allocation, and operational workflows.
• Drive implementation of all on-ground activation elements, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and safety compliance.
• Conduct site recces, feasibility assessments, and risk evaluations to build robust execution plans.

1. Vendor & Partner Management

• Identify, onboard, and manage vendors across fabrication, manpower, logistics, technology, and production verticals.
• Oversee vendor performance and quality control across all execution stages.
• Maintain strong industry relationships and vendor contacts to optimize cost, efficiency, and service standards.

1. Costing, Budgeting & Negotiation

• Prepare detailed project costings and budgets with accuracy and transparency.
• Lead commercial negotiations to secure competitive rates while maintaining quality benchmarks.
• Track project spends, manage invoicing documentation, and ensure financial discipline.

1. Client Servicing & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary operational point of contact for clients and Business teams, ensuring proactive communication and expectation management.
• Present plans, MIS updates, weekly progress reports, and post-event documentation with clarity and precision.
• Resolve operational challenges swiftly, ensuring high client satisfaction and repeat business.

1. Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Guide internal teams (creative, operations, finance, procurement) to deliver cohesive project outcomes.
• Mentor junior team members on operational processes, vendor engagement, and execution best practices.
• Collaborate with account and strategy teams to translate client briefs into executable activation formats.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong project management and multi-tasking abilities.
• Expertise in vendor management, negotiations, budgeting, and cost optimization.
• Excellent grasp of on-ground activation logistics, fabrication techniques, and event production workflows.
• High attention to detail, problem-solving aptitude, and ability to work under demanding timelines.
• Strong communication, documentation, and client-relationship management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, and operational reporting formats.

Qualifications

• 7–10 Years experience (preferably in Experiential Marketing / Events / Brand Activations)
• Post-graduate in Marketing, Event Management, Mass Communication, or related fields.
• Prior experience in experiential agencies, events, BTL activations, or brand marketing operations preferred.

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, 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 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.