Job Description

Position at WPP Media

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. 

Job Title: Associate Account Director, Performance Media 

Team: Media Buying (Entertainment App) 

Location: Tokyo, Japan 

Reports to: Group Account Director / Head of Media

The Opportunity

Are you a strategic media leader passionate about driving growth for major entertainment brands? We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Associate Account Director to join our dedicated Tokyo-based team. You will be at the forefront of managing media buying for one of the world's leading entertainment apps, with a specific focus on Mobile App Install (MAI) and Social channels.

In this pivotal role, you will lead a small, specialized team, own client relationships, and drive performance marketing strategy. You will also be an integral part of a larger, collaborative media group that manages SEM and Brand activities, offering a holistic view of the client's marketing ecosystem. If you are a data-driven strategist with a talent for leadership and a deep understanding of the Japanese digital landscape, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Leadership:

• Develop and deliver innovative, app-focused performance campaigns across key 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), fostering their professional growth and ensuring excellence in execution.

• Oversee workload distribution, set clear objectives, and conduct regular performance reviews to cultivate a high-performing and motivated team.

• Champion a culture of learning, testing, and continuous improvement within your team.

• Client Management & Communication:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for key client stakeholders, building strong, trusted relationships.

• Own all aspects of channel performance, leading client meetings, presenting results, and articulating the story behind the data.

• Confidently manage client expectations and communications regarding campaign performance, test plans, budget pacing, and strategic roadmaps.

• Operational Excellence:

• Take full ownership of account hygiene, ensuring flawless campaign setup, budget management, and accurate reporting.

• Develop and oversee robust testing plans (creative, audience, bidding strategies) to unlock new areas of growth.

• Collaborate seamlessly with the wider SEM and Brand teams to ensure an integrated and synergistic approach to media strategy.

Desired Skills and Experience

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (Media & Advertising, Mass Communication, Digital Marketing, or Computer Science preferred).

• Experience: 5-7 years of progressive experience in a digital media or agency environment, with at least 1-2 years of proven team leadership or mentorship experience.

• Platform Expertise: Well-versed in managing large-scale campaigns on key platforms, including Google Ads, Yahoo! Japan, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), LINE Ads, DV360, and Apple ads.

• Digital Mastery: A deep, practical understanding of digital marketing concepts, biddable media, performance marketing KPIs, and attribution models, especially within the mobile app ecosystem.

• Strategic Mindset: Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

• Communication: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Capable of building rapport and conveying complex ideas clearly to clients and internal teams.

• Language Proficiency:

• Japanese: At least N2 is required for daily team management, client communication, and navigating local ad platforms.

• English: Business-level proficiency is required for reporting and collaboration with our international teams.

Preferred Qualifications (A Plus):

• Direct experience managing large budgets for mobile app or gaming clients.

• Experience working within a global or matrixed organization.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Play a leading role in the success of a globally recognized entertainment brand.

• Career Growth: We are committed to your professional development and offer clear paths for advancement.

• International Environment: Be part of a diverse, international team that values collaboration and different perspectives.

• Dynamic Culture: Thrive in a fast-paced, innovative, and supportive work environment where your strategic contributions are valued.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and lead a talented team in the exciting world of entertainment app marketing, we encourage you to apply.

About Japan    

Japan is both the world’s third-largest media market and third-largest e-commerce market. As one of the first markets to develop a full mobile e-commerce ecosystem circa 2001 to 2002, Japanese digital consumers are experienced and discerning; digital marketing campaigns are sophisticated, multi-layered labor of love. While growth is lower in this mature market, e-commerce is projected to increase by 12% in 2016, 11% in 2017 – emerging technologies are driving substantial growth. Programmatic spend across all devices has seen a 156% increase between 2012 and now, with mobile Programmatic spend expected to grow 174% between now and 2017. If you want to excel in a mature, refined media advertising atmosphere and reach savvy consumers with equally-savvy media plans, Japan is the place to be. 

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 particular 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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