associate director

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. WPP Media is WPP's global media collective. We bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. We embrace 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.

Job Title: Associate Account Director, Performance Media

Team: Media Buying (Entertainment App) | Location: Tokyo, Japan | Reports to: Group Account Director / Head of Media

• Strategic Planning & Leadership: Develop and deliver innovative, app-focused performance campaigns across MAI and Social channels to meet and exceed client KPIs (CPI, CPA, ROAS). Provide high-level strategic input into short-term and long-term media plans, aligning performance goals with the client's broader business objectives. Stay ahead of industry trends, platform updates, and competitive activity in the entertainment and app marketing space to provide proactive recommendations.
• Team Management & Development: Lead, mentor, and guide a team of two direct reports (Account Executive and Specialist), overseeing workload distribution, objectives, and regular performance reviews. Foster a culture of learning, testing, and continuous improvement.
• Client Management & Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for key client stakeholders, own all aspects of channel performance, lead client meetings, present results, and articulate the data story. Manage expectations regarding campaign performance, test plans, budget pacing, and strategic roadmaps.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure flawless campaign setup, budget management, and reporting. Develop and oversee robust testing plans (creative, audience, bidding strategies) to unlock growth. Collaborate with wider SEM and Brand teams to ensure an integrated media approach.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (Media & Advertising, Mass Communication, Digital Marketing, or Computer Science preferred).
• Experience: 5-7 years in digital media or agency environment, with 1-2 years of leadership/mentorship experience.
• Platform Expertise: Proficiency with large-scale campaigns on Google Ads, Yahoo Japan, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), LINE Ads, DV360, Apple ads.
• Digital Mastery: Strong understanding of digital marketing concepts, biddable media, performance KPIs, and attribution in mobile app ecosystems.
• Strategic Mindset: Analytical, strategic thinking, and ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills; capable of conveying complex ideas clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Language Proficiency: Japanese – at least N2 for daily team management and local platform navigation; English – business-level for reporting and collaboration with international teams.

• Experience managing large budgets for mobile app or gaming clients.
• Experience in a global or matrixed organization.

• Impactful Work: Play a leading role in the success of a globally recognized entertainment brand.
• Career Growth: Clear paths for professional development and advancement.
• International Environment: Diverse, international team with collaborative culture.
• Dynamic Culture: Fast-paced, innovative, and supportive environment where strategic contributions are valued.

Japan is a major media and e-commerce market with a mature mobile ecosystem. Digital consumers are experienced and discerning, and campaigns are sophisticated. The market features growing opportunities in programmatic and mobile advertising.

We invest in our employees and offer opportunities to grow within the global WPP Media network. Benefits include competitive medical, retirement plans, vision and dental insurance, paid time off, partner discounts, and mental health days. WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and supports a hybrid work model (office approximately four days per week). Accommodation or flexibility needs can be discussed with the hiring team during the interview process.