Client Managing Partner

Role Summary and Impact

EssenceMediacom, part of WPP, is a new breed of media agency. Grounded in analytics & insights and powered by data & technology, we believe in the power of media and creative to drive breakthroughs for the world’s best brands. We help clients understand the modern marketing paradox and discover the breakthroughs brands need to win with their consumers. We are designed for the new communications economy — built on data & technology, built for people & algorithms, built around diverse schools of thought, built to test & learn at scale, and, crucially, built to evolve.

As a Client Managing Partner, you are a senior leader responsible for setting strategic goals for your client team, supervising daily activities, and driving business growth for both clients and EssenceMediacom. Your core responsibility is to implicitly understand your clients' business across all aspects of their operation, extending beyond just media & advertising. You will be a trusted advisor with a seat at the table in high-level C-suite meetings, acting as an indispensable resource for clients in key decision-making.

Client Managing Partners are the most senior client leaders in our business, serving as the gatekeepers of the client's experience with EssenceMediacom. You will be curious, passionate, enthusiastic, and forward-looking, constantly identifying new opportunities for growth.

Ultimately, success in this role means media becomes a growth engine, not a cost center, the client's brand is recognized as culturally resonant and progressive, and transformation delivers sustained performance gains. The client will see the agency as an indispensable strategic partner, and you will foster a strong team with high net promoter scores and retention rates.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a client portfolio, driving measurable growth outcomes (effectiveness, efficiency, ROI).
• Embed consultancy-led thinking into day-to-day delivery and orchestrate cross-agency, platform, and partner ecosystems.
• Be the primary point of contact for clients, building and maintaining strong relationships as a trusted business partner and strategic advisor.
• Ensure a high level of client interaction, developing strategies based on their evolving needs.
• Develop and implement Client Growth/engagement plans, driving new services, revenue, and engagement, always reinforcing EssenceMediacom's value proposition.
• Lead action plans to continually improve client satisfaction scores, addressing feedback and issues swiftly.
• Create and manage resource plans to support EssenceMediacom's service delivery and client needs.
• Manage your team's P&L and profitability, including staff costs, and ensure efficient financial processes (e.g., minimizing debt).
• Ensure delivery of all key client contract commitments, including scopes of work to maintain ongoing profitability.
• Drive identification, creation, and conversion of strategically relevant revenue opportunities for EssenceMediacom's diversified services.
• Accurately forecast revenue and billings.
• Lead new business pitches as required.
• Be knowledgeable about EssenceMediacom's Breakthrough proposition, product suite, and processes to enhance client services.
• Ensure your team is well-versed in EM & WPP Media offerings to engage clients knowledgeably.
• Regularly engage with 'heads of' specialisms to stay informed on updates, new services, and changes impacting client conversations.
• Implement the Breakthrough Planning process and drive consistency in creating unique and insightful channel strategies.
• Lead, inspire, and motivate staff to achieve client visions and deliver breakthrough work.
• Embrace, champion, and execute the talent strategy to attract, develop, and retain top talent.
• Cultivate a learning and coaching culture, providing mentorship and clear direction (KPIs, goals) to product leaders.
• Live and embody EssenceMediacom behaviors, acting as a role model.

Skills and Experience

What Makes You Great

• Proven senior media leadership experience on complex, high-value accounts.
• Deep experience across performance, brand, and data-led media.
• Strong consultancy mindset with commercial fluency.
• Confidence operating at a C-suite level with internal and external stakeholders.
• Passion for innovation, creativity, and cultural impact.
• Calm authority, sharp thinking, and the courage to challenge.
• Ability to build and inspire a high-performing, modern media team.
• Capacity to champion experimentation, learning, and bold decision-making.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.

We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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