Senior Manager, Global Commercial

9719 - Senior Manager, Global Commercial

Role Summary and Impact 

Drive the commercial success of multi-million-dollar international contracts for some of the world's most recognisable brands. As a Senior Manager in the Global Commercial team, you will take broad day to day ownership of client relationships within your portfolio, contribute towards complex negotiations with the support of your Associate Director or Director and play a key role in new business pitches. This role offers an exciting opportunity to take on broader commercial responsibilities - you will own at least one major client account and several smaller accounts, with AD support and take more of a lead role in commercial management, negotiations, proposals and pitch responses. You will also have the opportunity to manage and develop more junior members.

Key responsibilities:

Business Growth & Profitability

· Identify and propose opportunities for revenue growth, working with your AD/CD to develop and progress them.

· Develop and apply competitive pricing and remuneration models, drawing on your AD/CD as necessary, that maximise profitability for WPP Media while delivering value to our clients.

Commercial Management & Reporting 

· Manage the principal end-to-end commercial management of designated accounts within the portfolio, with AD/CD support on escalated or sensitive matters.

· Manage and oversee accurate and timely client and internal reporting, including revenue, profitability, contract compliance, AVBs, and unbilled media.

· Work with your AD/CD to analyse financial performance, identify opportunities for optimisation, and translate findings into clear recommendations and agreed actions.

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

· Act as the principal day to day commercial contact for designated clients within your portfolio, managing routine commercial discussions, escalating when necessary to the AD/CD, who hold the trusted advisor relationship across the portfolio.

· Lead client status calls, navigating most day-to-day commercial discussions independently and escalating only where sensitivity or seniority warrants.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders and their commercial counterparts, including procurement.

· Work with your AD/CD to provide commercial guidance to internal client teams and contribute to the commercial narrative in client-facing materials.

Contract Negotiation and Compliance

· Lead or support the AD/CD to manage client contract negotiations (with the support from the Legal Team), and work to ensure favourable terms while maintaining positive client relationships.

· Support the AD/CD on client contract compliance audits, collaborating with internal compliance team to provide necessary documentation where required.

· Conduct an initial commercial review and redline on contracts and supporting documentation.

· Ensure all appropriate contractual paperwork is in place, signed, and stored centrally, and remind markets of contractual obligations on a regular basis.

· Take the lead in the construction and negotiation of commercial pitch proposals, supporting the AD/CD in more complex pitch responses.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

· Support the AD/CD in building a collaborative and high performing team environment.

· Provide structured day to day guidance, coaching and feedback to Analysts and Managers working on shared accounts.

Skills and Experience

· Strong financial acumen including analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret complex commercial data and translate it into clear recommendations

· Good understanding of pricing models and the ability to recommend and implement changes to optimise financial outcomes.

· Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the confidence to engage with clients and stakeholders

· Experience of negotiating client contracts.

· Continuous improvement mindset and the ability to propose solutions, not just identify issues.

· Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritise and meet multiple deadlines.

· Ability to support the development of junior staff, including providing clear direction and constructive feedback.

· Experience leading or contributing to at least one news business pitch or client renewal.

· Demonstrated experience interpreting, applying, and negotiating contract terms in a client-facing role, preferably within the media or advertising industry.

· Proficiency in Excel, including experience with financial modelling and data analysis.

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.  

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