Negotiator
Job description
About the role
The team orchestrates audio media commitments for assigned clients. The Negotiator leads execution and stewardship of all audio placements. Market knowledge guides decisions that secure optimal pricing and delivery.
Every role in this field shares a few habits: clear communication, structured thinking, and steady follow through. Teams hold regular meetings, review progress, and adjust plans. Success usually depends on how well you work with others, not just how hard you try. Successful professionals in any field share a few habits: they take notes, keep commitments, and communicate in writing. Teams value people who make their work easy to review and build on.
Key facts
What you'll do
Market conditions are analyzed to secure the lowest possible costs for audio investments.
Schedules are executed to satisfy all client goals and objectives on time.
Paperwork such as cost requests, competitive reports, added value documentation, posts, POVs, and projects is prepared accurately.
Clients and planning teams receive timely market condition updates and proposed solutions to media problems early in the negotiation process.
The ordering and confirmation process of schedules is overseen to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Schedule performance and campaign deliverables are tracked and stewarded effectively to meet commitments.
Billing discrepancies are managed, with support from assistants where needed, and deadlines are enforced.
Vendor relationships are built and maintained to support audio media objectives.
Requirements
Four or more years of related experience in media planning or negotiation.
A bachelor's degree in advertising, marketing, business administration, and communications; or equivalent professional experience is required.
Written, verbal, and listening communication skills are strong and effective.
The ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines under pressure is demonstrated.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are applied to media challenges.
Delivering accurate documentation and reports is performed reliably.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is required.
Familiarity with internal systems like MediaOcean and Prisma is necessary.
Practical notes
The role is based in Los Angeles, United States and requires on-site presence as defined by team norms. Travel may be required to support client and vendor interactions. Success depends on embracing WPP and WPP Media shared core values. Typical interview steps
Hiring processes usually combine a screening conversation with one or more interview rounds. Candidates can expect questions about their experience, a scenario or case, and a chance to ask their own questions. Preparation and specific examples from past work carry the most weight. Whatever the role, preparation is visible. Reviewing the company's product, the job description, and your own past work before the conversation is the strongest step.
Good to know
Audio media negotiation relies on deep market insight to achieve cost efficiency. Collaboration with planning groups and vendors ensures integrated delivery. Mastery of media operating platforms and intelligence tools supports accurate execution. Stewardship of schedules and billing requires disciplined tracking and clear communication. The role operates within a data-driven media environment powered by Open Intelligence.
Questions to ask
Useful questions for the interview: what a typical week looks like, how work is assigned, what tools the team uses, and how feedback works. Asking how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when joining is also reasonable. Questions about the manager's priorities are especially valued.
Career growth
Careers in this field grow through a mix of experience, responsibility, and demonstrated results. Early years build skills; later years build ownership. Many professionals switch focus areas or companies to keep growing. Growth in any career comes from scope, results, and reputation. Take on work that is slightly uncomfortable, and make sure others can see the outcomes.