Global Business Strategy Implementation Lead (FTC Maternity Cover)

9686 - Global Business Strategy Implementation Lead (Maternity Cover)

About WPP Media

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com.

WPP Media is WPP's global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com

About WPP Media Solutions

WPP Media Solutions sits at the heart of WPP's media, data, technology, and performance ecosystem, bringing together best-in-class planning, activation, data, and commerce capabilities to solve complex client growth challenges. Working across WPP's agency brands and specialist units, Media Solutions is designed to deliver integrated, future-proofed media strategies that are people-first, privacy-safe, and outcomes-driven.

In 2026, WPP Media Solutions continues to lead the industry in applying AI-enabled planning, advanced measurement, and cross-channel innovation to help brands connect with audiences in meaningful, measurable ways.

Role Summary and Impact

This role sits in the Global WPP Media Solutions Team, within the Commercial Strategy & Solutions Enablement pillar who cover the below core areas;

• Responsible for commercial evaluation - developing and implementing business and commercial strategies that enable the objectives of the Media Solutions org to be met (including ongoing 3 YP implementation and evolution).
• Enablement of strategic initiatives through platform support, governance, and key enhancements to solution functionality. ​
• Leadership of the work to evolve and implement required compliance guidelines including governance around ongoing market acceleration and expansion strategies.
• In addition, this team focuses on yield, pricing and margin management strategies, with ownership of commercial model creation/evolution, in line with new solution development. ​
• This team is not only a key conduit into the wider WPP Ecosystem including WPP Data and Tech, as well as integral to cross functional alignment across Global Media Management and Delivery team. ​

The Global Business Strategy Implementation Lead for whom we are seeking maternity cover currently provides WPP Media Solutions global teams with the support and processes needed to successfully drive business initiatives aligned to WPP Media (Solutions) strategic objectives, by actively driving focus, collaboration & accountability.

This role will require a strong focus on process excellence, continuous improvement, compliance, business operations, change management, adoption & governance, business partnering and influence.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure Global Compliance & Governance: Translate and cascade global policy requirements (e.g., Investment Income Policy) into clear guidance, assessing market compliance levels and audit readiness, ensuring we are 100% compliant in line with our investment and contractual obligations. (currently ~30% of role with an average of ~2 hours daily; involves working with local, regional and global stakeholders from across the business; expected to continue as is until at least Q3 2026)
• As and when required, ensure that any changes to our investment policy and/or Flex addendum are operationalised working with key global, regional and local stakeholders as well as legal and investment (expected H2 2026).
• Drive the transformation of WMS process management within the DPAM framework, collaborating with multiple teams cross-functionally to ensure seamless integration of WMS workflows into the future-state operating model.
• Lead and oversee any required auditing processes such as the live global user access management process for identified platforms, coordinating workflow improvement, issue resolution, training and user reviews when required. (~5 hours monthly; expect a one-off peak of ~10-15 hours for 1 month around mid-year for user review)
• Drive the enhancement and global market adoption of commerce reporting process, e.g. coordinating quarterly number collection globally, streamlining existing process whilst exploring automation opportunities. (~1-2 hours per week on avg.)
• Lead Global Strategic Initiatives: Drive the design, implementation, and optimization of strategic business processes across WMS globally, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and significant operational efficiencies. (An example initiative is the WMS Solution governance, with its key objective being driving consistency in our narrative, naming conventions, financial reporting, etc. This requires coordinating with multiple stakeholders to ensure correct adoption, systems updates, people training, consistent reporting, etc.)
• Champion Process Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Own and elevate global process excellence, fostering continuous improvement and innovation across WMS solutions, platforms, and ways of working.
• Senior Stakeholder Management & Influence: Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior leaders across WPP, agencies, and global functions to ensure alignment, buy-in, and successful adoption of key initiatives and critical business objectives.
• Drive Global Change & Adoption: Lead complex change management initiatives, facilitating seamless adoption of new processes, technologies, and operating models across diverse global markets. (This is particularly critical in an ever-changing ecosystem where e.g. new org-wide operating models, systems and ways of working are being designed and rolled out globally).
• Oversee Critical Program Implementation: Provide senior leadership for high-impact WMS projects, including business system transformations, reporting frameworks, and cross-channel readiness, ensuring robust design and successful delivery.

Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience in business strategy implementation, large-scale process optimization, and complex change management within a global organization.
• Proven track record of driving significant operational efficiencies and strategic transformations, ideally in a media, advertising, or technology-driven environment.
• Exceptional program and project management skills, capable of leading multiple high-impact initiatives simultaneously across diverse functional teams.
• Highly proficient in data-driven strategic planning, leveraging insights to inform process design and drive business outcomes.
• Strong ability to influence, negotiate, and build consensus with stakeholders at any level (particularly at senior and executive level) across different cultures and business units.
• Desirable: Deep understanding of the (programmatic) media and marketing ecosystem, with experience navigating global agency network structures.
• Desirable: Expertise in designing and implementing continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Agile)

Personal Attributes

• Strategic Visionary: Connects detailed process improvements to WPP's broader strategic objectives, anticipating future needs and challenges.

• Results-Oriented Leader: Drives accountability and delivers tangible outcomes in dynamic global settings.

• Collaborative Influencer: Builds strong, trust-based relationships with senior leaders and diverse teams, fostering cross-functional synergy and alignment.
• Change Catalyst: Champions transformation, inspiring adaptation and resilience.
• Innovative & Adaptable: Possesses a curious mindset, embraces new technologies (including AI), and seeks creative solutions to complex global challenges.
• Client-Centric Mindset: Understands and prioritizes how operational excellence directly contributes to superior client outcomes and WPP's market leadership

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. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days. 

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. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.  Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location

Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

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