Media Client Partnerships Manager

At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers, the ones that enable our growth.  We are looking to hire a Media Client Partnerships Manager.

 

What you will be doing:

• Manage and develop a high performing sales and planning team ensuring they are meeting their sales, income and asset utilisation targets that meet the overall commercial objectives
• Support the sales and planning team with personal development through coaching and knowledge sharing and create a collaborative culture across my team where everyone feels valued and heard
• Oversee the sales strategy as part of the overall Retail Media strategy, work alongside the Commercial Transformation Manager and put this plan into practice
• Constantly think of new ideas, both campaigns and new media assets to further drive our retail media portfolio
• Work closely with suppliers to understand their campaign objectives and work with the team to develop campaigns that meet these
• Develop relationships beyond shopper marketing teams with brands to access incremental budgets including attending brand days and showcasing our retail media portfolio
• Understand the overall commercial income target and the media elements within this, clearly tracking JBP spend vs. incremental spend
• Work closely with the buying team on joint business plans, ensuring all media elements agreed are in line with portfolio rate cards
• Ensure all pre-agreed media monies is spent in an optimised way and quickly so we can tap into incremental budgets
• Oversee asset rate card optimisation and asset utilisation and discount targets to continuously improve our retail media activity
• Sign off all campaign bookings ensuring they meet our customer plan and there are no conflicts. Be the point of escalation to resolve over bookings

 

What we are looking for:

• Previous experience in leading a trade or media team
• Existing relationships with FMCG brands and/or retail media networks
• Experience in activating, pitching and negotiating with brands
• Excellent organisation and planning skills
• Excellent level of commercial acumen
• A strong communicator with an ability to influence all levels of the business
• A self-starter with the initiative to drive improvement and change without prompt
• A team player who can manage but is willing and able to support colleagues and share best practice
• Proven experience in prioritisation and managing ambiguity
• Proven experience in using Excel and PowerPoint

 

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
• 4pm Friday Finish
• Flexible Working
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Family Friendly Leave
• Company Pension scheme
• Sharesave Scheme
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Competitive Salary and Car Allowance
• Private Medical
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff Discount Card for railway stores (subject to policy) 

 

 

About us:

Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

Our business operates from two key locations. Our UK Travel and International office is based in a vibrant area of London, close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street Station, while the other is located at Swindon's International Business Park, just off the M4 with excellent transport links and over 100 on-site parking spaces.

Across both locations, we're an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration, and innovation. We foster an entrepreneurial culture where people are encouraged to take initiative, embrace new challenges, and help shape the future of our business.

At WHSmith we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.

We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!