WPP Media | Associate Account Director, Japan

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients, and communities.

Working at WPP means being part of a global network of more than 100,000 talented people dedicated to doing extraordinary work for our clients. We operate in over 100 countries, with corporate headquarters in New York, London and Singapore.

WPP is a world leader in marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent. Our clients include many of the biggest companies and advertisers in the world, including approximately 300 of the Fortune Global 500.

Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow. 

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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.

 

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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.

WPP 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.

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