Activation Lead

dentsu
is a network designed for what's next, helping clients predict and plan for disruptive future opportunities and create new paths to growth in the sustainable economy through five global leadership brands; Carat, Dentsu Creative, dentsu X, iProspect and Merkle, each with deep specialisms.

Dentsu Creative operates in over [21] markets worldwide with more than [2,200] dedicated specialists. Bringing together our Japanese heritage in craft, data and technology, and our deep understanding of media and contemporary culture, Dentsu Creative is a new global creative agency. Born in Japan, raised in a digital world. We help transform brands and business through the power of Modern Creativity: which creates culture, changes society and invents the future and is accelerated by our deep specialist expertise in digital experience, earned attention and entertainment.

Operating in over 145 markets worldwide with more than 46,000 dedicated specialists and partnering with 95 of the top 100 global advertisers our collective vision is to be at the forefront of people-centred transformations that shape society.

What your typical day will look like:

We are looking for an experienced Activation Lead to drive the execution and operations of BTL and activation projects across existing and incoming clients. This role sits at the same level as the Operations Head and is ideal for someone with a strong background in BTL, activations, or experiential marketing, with the leadership skills to manage end-to-end execution, source third-party vendors, and eventually build a dedicated activation team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead activation campaigns from brief to execution, ensuring seamless delivery of client requirements across events, promos, on-ground campaigns, and other BTL executions.
• Partner with internal teams and external clients to scope activation needs and deliver effective, on-brand experiences. Act as the lead point of contact for BTL and activation projects.
• Source and manage third-party suppliers and partners as needed, with costs charged to the client. Negotiate with vendors, secure approvals, and oversee deliverables.
• Oversee timelines, budgets, staffing, and logistics to ensure smooth and cost-effective project execution. Ensure compliance with client and brand requirements.
• Provide strategic recommendations on activation approaches and formats. Serve as an Executive Producer-type lead for BTL campaigns—both strategic and hands-on.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Proven experience in BTL / activation / experiential marketing—ideally from an agency or production environment.
• Exposure to operations and project execution, with a producer mindset.
• Strong leadership and vendor management skills.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects with tight timelines.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across functions.
• Entrepreneurial and resourceful; comfortable starting from scratch and building a team.
• Highly accountable, organized, and solutions-driven.

Nice to Have:

• Existing network of BTL suppliers or freelancers.
• Familiarity with creative production or marketing studio environments.

Become a champion for meaningful progress:

Our diverse and inclusive culture enables our employees to bring their whole selves to work and be proud of doing so. For us, this is the foundation for great innovation which, in turn, generates better outcomes for our people, partners and communities. This is why we encourage applications from people with disabilities, and of all ages, nationalities, backgrounds and cultures.

If you want to belong to a one global network where opportunities are limitless – we look forward to welcoming you.

Next Steps

Sound exactly like the sort of role for you? Apply now