Head of Implementation - Wavemaker

Wavemaker, part of WPP, positively provokes growth for clients by reshaping consumer decision-making and experiences through media, content, and technology. Our name is both our mission and our method. We do our best work for brave brands and people who relish being challenged to go further and faster, together.

The Head of Implementation is a senior leadership role at the heart of Wavemaker Sydney's executive team, responsible for directing the strategy, quality, and execution of media planning and activation across all channels. Reporting into the Sydney leadership team and supported by dedicated Implementation and Activation teams, this person serves as the primary strategic advisor for clients navigating digital, data, and commerce transformation. The commercial and strategic impact is significant, spanning the full client portfolio from flawless biddable execution through to long-term media strategy and retail media capability building. Success in this position means leading a transformed Sydney I&A division recognized as the market benchmark for integrated performance, digital innovation, and commerce activation.

• Sits on Wavemaker Sydney's Senior Leadership Team, collaborating closely with the Executive Committee and MMAD leadership to shape the strategic direction of the agency and build solutions for both current and future client needs
• Leads and develops a diverse team of digital, cross-channel, and activation specialists across the full Sydney client portfolio, with direct accountability for team structure, performance, career development, and capability uplift
• Serves as the senior client advisor across the portfolio, operating at C-suite and Head of Media and Marketing level to build deep, consultative partnerships that position Wavemaker as an indispensable long-term business partner
• Holds end-to-end accountability for biddable and cross-channel media implementation quality, ensuring flawless execution, rigorous financial governance, and strict adherence to SLAs and SOX controls across all client investment
• Drives digital and data transformation for priority clients in partnership with Choreograph, translating complex Adtech, data collaboration, and platform challenges into clear strategic roadmaps and measurable outcomes
• Leads commerce and retail media enablement across the agency, partnering with WPP Commerce teams to design and deliver go-to-market strategies, capability training programs, and first-party data integration frameworks for clients and retailers
• Champions the adoption and integration of WPP Open Media Solutions and data platforms across the I&A function, ensuring teams can articulate and activate complex technology capabilities as tangible client value
• Contributes directly to Wavemaker Sydney's commercial performance, with accountability for Net Sales and Operating Margin objectives, organic growth identification, and active participation in new business pitches
• Maintains and grows senior media publisher relationships to secure exclusive insights, beta opportunities, and emerging retail media capabilities that differentiate Wavemaker's client offering in the Australian market
• Holds responsibility for client satisfaction outcomes measured via Vantage and TRR, targeting a sustained average score of 8 or above, underpinned by proactive landscape advisory and best-in-class activation standards
• Acts as a prominent external voice for Wavemaker and MMAD, contributing thought leadership across owned channels and industry forums, and submitting standout client work for industry recognition

What You'll Bring

• Proven leadership experience driving digital, data, and commerce transformation within a media agency or comparable environment, with a track record of operational excellence and modernized media buying structures
• Deep technical and strategic expertise across programmatic, paid social, search, and retail media networks, with demonstrated ability to deliver data-driven campaigns at scale
• Demonstrated capability to build, mentor, and restructure high-performing activation teams, fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture aligned to a future-fit agency model
• Strong senior stakeholder management skills, including building trusted advisory relationships with C-suite clients and navigating complex matrix organizations across agency and group structures
• Proven ability to lead adoption of data platforms and media technology, translating complex capabilities into clear and actionable client value
• Track record of contributing directly to commercial outcomes, including delivering on margin objectives, identifying organic growth opportunities, and supporting new business pitches
• Experience in financial governance including media audits, expenditure forecasting, and performance benchmarking against client KPIs

Bonus Points If You Have

• Hands-on experience with WPP Open Media Solutions or comparable enterprise-level data and media platforms
• Established relationships with senior media publishers and a track record of securing beta opportunities or exclusive inventory access
• Experience designing and delivering retail media or commerce capability uplift programs for agency teams
• Familiarity with WPP Commerce frameworks and first-party data integration for closed-loop measurement

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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.

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. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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