Associate Director, Activation & Delivery, GCS

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 Role Summary and Impact We are looking for a Search & Ecommerce Account Director to lead the strategic development, execution, and performance of integrated biddable activity across Google Ads (Search, Shopping, Performance Max) and Amazon Search . As a senior leader within the team, you will be responsible for defining and delivering best-in-class search and ecommerce strategies , ensuring alignment with broader client business goals and full-funnel media objectives. You will act as the senior client contact , working with stakeholders at Director level and above, while leading cross-functional teams and offshore delivery hubs to execute against strategy. This role combines deep platform expertise, strategic leadership, and operational oversight , ensuring campaigns are executed to the highest standard while continuously driving innovation and growth. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership • Lead the development of holistic Search & Ecommerce strategies across: • Google Ads (Search, Shopping, Performance Max) • Amazon Search (Sponsored Ads ecosystem) • Ensure strategies are aligned to client business objectives, KPIs, and commercial priorities • Translate broader marketing strategy into channel-specific activation frameworks • Identify growth opportunities across demand capture (Search) and retail media (Amazon) • Drive integration between Search, Ecommerce, and wider media channels (Paid Social, Programmatic, SEO) • Develop forward-thinking POVs on industry trends, platform developments, and emerging opportunities Client and Stakeholder Management • Act as the primary senior contact for Search & Ecommerce across your client portfolio • Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, becoming a trusted strategic advisor • Lead client meetings, presentations, quarterly reviews, and strategic planning sessions • Clearly articulate performance, insights, and forward strategy • Identify opportunities to grow client investment and expand scope Performance and Campaign • Maintain ultimate accountability for performance delivery across all Search & Ecommerce activity • Oversee campaign execution across Google Ads and Amazon platforms, ensuring alignment with strategy • Ensure robust optimisation frameworks are in place across: • Bidding & automation (e.g., Smart Bidding, PMAX optimisation) • Feed optimisation (Shopping / Amazon) • Query, audience, and keyword strategies • Lead performance reviews, identifying risks and opportunities • Ensure rigorous testing frameworks are defined and executed • Ensure all campaigns are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards • Maintain strong governance ac