Manager, Publishing

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 nected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

We are looking for an ambitious, proactive, and commercial Senior Account Executive to join our Media Investment team in London, focusing on the Publishing sector.

In this role, you will report directly to an Account Director and play a key role in delivering high-impact publishing strategies—spanning digital publishing, premium print, podcasts, and rich brand partnerships for some of Mindshare’s flagship clients. You will manage campaigns from brief through to post-campaign evaluation, acting as the day-to-day engine of the team while building strong relationships with major media owners and clients.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Media Investment & Campaign Execution

• Work closely with the Account Director to interpret client briefs and translate them into innovative, commercially strong publishing campaigns.
• Lead day-to-day media buying, negotiating competitive rates, premium placements, and added value with top-tier publisher partners (e.g., Guardian, Mail Metro Media, News UK, Telegraph, Hearst, Bauer).
• Utilize UK industry measurement tools (e.g., PAMCo, Comscore, ABC, Telmar/Kantar) to gather audience insights, benchmark rates, and justify investment decisions.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a reliable day-to-day contact for clients, managing expectations, campaign timelines, and status updates.
• Prepare clear, compelling media plans, rationale decks, and PCAs (Post-Campaign Analyses) that clearly communicate campaign performance and ROI to clients.
• Build trusted, collaborative relationships with publisher sales teams to ensure Mindshare gets early access to new editorial, digital, and content initiatives.

Financial Management & Campaign Operations

• Take full ownership of the campaign delivery lifecycle: accurate booking, tracking, Tagging/Ad Serving (where applicable), and reconcilement within agency systems (DDS / MX).
• Oversee media spend, ensuring zero unbilled media and working closely with the finance team to resolve any invoicing queries promptly.

Team Mentorship & Industry Knowledge

• Guide and mentor Account Executives/Assistants within the Media Investment department, fostering a culture of accuracy and continuous learning.
• Maintain a deep curiosity about the UK publishing landscape, staying ahead of trends in subscription models, first-party data strategies, digital audio/podcasts, and privacy changes.

Skills and Experience

• Experience: Experience in a media agency or UK publisher environment, with direct experience in publishing/print/digital content media planning and buying.
• Tools & Systems:Proficiency in UK industry tools (PAMCo, Telmar, Comscore, Choice) and agency financial booking systems (DDS / MX). Advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint is essential.
• Commercial Mindset:Strong understanding of media metrics (CPM, CPT, viewability, reach/frequency) and confidence in negotiating media spend.
• Communication:Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting ideas to internal leadership and external clients.
• Organization:Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple fast-moving campaigns simultaneously.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our…