Associate Director, Strategy

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. Role Summary and Impact This role is within The Goat Agency, a leading brand within WPP Media, where you will be instrumental in helping global brands harness the power of social and creator-led content to deliver measurable impact. Recognised as a global leader in the space, we deliver award-winning campaigns in more than 70 countries. With over 650 social natives worldwide, we create ambitious influencer programmes from tactical activations to long-term partnerships, designed to drive awareness, engagementand conversions across the full marketing funnel. Skills and Experience We are seeking a commercially minded Associate Strategy Director (Social Media) to lead social strategy and creative direction within our growing team. This role is for a social-native leader who understands platforms, creators and culture, and who is confident pitching and selling ideas. You will turn complex briefs into clear social opportunities, build insight-led strategies that work across the funnel, and shape social-first ideas that feel native in the feed. You will also set the bar for how we present our thinking, making it persuasive, memorable and practical to deliver. Key Responsibilities: Social and Influencer Strategy Leadership ● Own the social strategy approach across key accounts and new business, including audience insight, platform roles, content territories, creator approach, testing and measurement thinking ● Translate cultural and platform insight into simple, actionable strategic direction for influencer content and creative campaigns ● Define success by channel and funnel stage, aligning strategy to client objectives and KPIs Social and Influencer-First Creative Direction: ● Lead development of social-first creative territories and formats, including series thinking, creator prompts, hooks and narrative structures ● Ensure ideas are platform-native across TikTok, Reels, Shorts, YouTube and other relevant channels ● Maintain high creative standards across influencer-led work, balancing brand needs with creator authenticity Pitching and Selling: ● Lead and deliver compelling pitch narratives that win confidence and drive decisions ● Present clearly and persuasively to senior stakeholders, handling challenge and turning feedback into stronger work ● Partner with account and production teams to ensure ideas are commercially viable and operationally sound People Leadership: ● Lead and mentor the strategy team, building a collaborative, high-performance environment ● Develop junior talent through coaching on social strategy, storytelling and presentation craft ● Act as a thought leader through POVs, talks and internal training on social and creator trends Role Requirements ● Significant experience in social strategy, influencer content and creative leadership within influencer marketing or social-first environments ● Deep knowledge of the influencer ecosystem and how platform mechanics shape performance ● Strong pitching skills with a demonstrable record of winning and expanding client partnerships ● The ability to distil complex insights into clear frameworks and sellable recommendations ● A collaborative leadership style with experience mentoring high-performing teams ● Exceptional communication skills, written and verbal, with strong attention to detail ● Commercial awareness to ensure strategies are profitable, practical and aligned with client objectives 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. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including 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 characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. 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.  Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country. Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide. While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  #LI-Promoted Please read our Privacy Notice for more information on how we process the information you provide.