Role Overview

The Associate Director, Media Operations will lead the design, implementation, and adoption of operational improvements across a large piece of business. This role serves as the strategic bridge between Media teams, Data Operations, and the AI Automation & Architecture organization—working in close partnership with the Associate Director of AI Automation & Architecture to translate business challenges into scalable operating model improvements and AI-enabled ways of working.

This leader will identify opportunities to simplify workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, standardize processes, and improve collaboration across Media. The role will drive transformation initiatives from concept through implementation, ensuring new processes, tools, and automation solutions generate measurable business impact while improving the experience of teams across the organization

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and drive the Media Transformation roadmap in support of business priorities.
• Partner closely with the AI Automation & Architecture team to identify opportunities where automation and AI can improve operational performance.
• Evaluate current operating models and recommend improvements that enhance speed, efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Identify cross-functional opportunities to optimize workflows and reduce manual effort across Media.

Process Transformation & Operational Excellence

• Assess and redesign workflows across planning, activation, reporting, measurement, financial operations, and governance functions.
• Establish standardized processes, documentation, and best practices across teams and Lines of Business.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve operational efficiency and employee productivity.
• Implement operational frameworks that support sustainable growth and scale.

Change Management & Adoption

• Lead implementation of new processes, tools, and ways of working across Media teams.
• Develop change management strategies that drive stakeholder engagement and adoption.
• Create communication, training, and enablement plans supporting transformation initiatives.
• Monitor adoption and identify opportunities to improve utilization and effectiveness.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a strategic advisor to Media leadership on operational transformation opportunities.
• Facilitate alignment across Media, Operations, Data, Analytics, Technology, and Client teams.
• Translate business needs into actionable requirements for AI and automation initiatives.
• Influence stakeholders across multiple teams and functions without direct authority.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading operational transformation, process improvement, or organizational change initiatives.
• Strong understanding of media agency workflows, operating models, and delivery processes.
• Experience managing complex cross-functional programs and stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and change leadership skills.
• Experience working alongside technology, data, automation, or AI-focused teams.