Senior Associate Operations – ESP

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.

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. 

Reporting to: VP Client Leadership & Growth, WPP Media

Senior Associate - Operations (Events & Activations)

Department - ESP - Entertainment, Sports & Partnerships

Reports To -  Manager - ESP

Job Summary:

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Senior Associate - Operations with proven leadership experience in managing client relationships, field teams, and operational staff. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in event management and activation operations, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinate effectively with clients and vendors, and ensure seamless execution of all operational activities while maintaining high-quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute corporate events, promotional campaigns, exhibitions, roadshows, and brand activation projects.
• Manage end-to-end operational requirements, including logistics, manpower, venue setup, transportation, and event execution.
• Coordinate with clients to understand project objectives and ensure successful delivery within agreed timelines.
• Source, negotiate, and manage vendors, suppliers, and third-party service providers.
• Prepare project timelines, operational plans, budgets, and post-event reports.
• Supervise on-site event and activation teams to ensure smooth execution and compliance with quality standards.
• Monitor project costs and ensure effective budget utilization.
• Ensure all health, safety, and compliance requirements are met during event execution.
• Resolve operational challenges quickly and effectively during project implementation.
• Work closely with internal teams, including client leads, Creative, Procurement, and Finance, to ensure successful project delivery.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and enhance client satisfaction.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Marketing, Event Management, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience in operations management with significant exposure to event management and brand activations.
• Proven experience in managing end-to-end event operations and activation projects.
• Strong knowledge of event logistics, vendor management, and operational planning.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including weekends or holidays, based on project requirements. (critical requirement)

Preferred Skills

• Experience in experiential marketing, BTL campaigns, retail activations, or promotional events.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management capabilities.
• Leadership experience in managing field teams and operational staff.
• Budget management and reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Team Leadership
• Budget & Cost Control
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Communication & Coordination

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. 

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