VP, Advancement (Strategic Operations)

2424 - VP, Advancement (Strategic Operations)

About WPP Media

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

The UK is the largest market within the WPP Media EMEA region, with over 4,500 people employed within the WPP Media ecosystem. Marquee UK key clients include the likes of Amazon, UK Government, BT, Tesco, Coca Cola, Bayer, Dell, Unilever, MCS, Ford, Nestle, Mazda, Danone and Colgate. We have a bold ambition: to make WPP Media UK the undisputed leader in our industry. We are evolving our business operating model, our ways of working and placing data, technology and AI at the heart of everything we do for our people and our clients.

ONE WPP – Vision '30

Join us in shaping the future of our industry with Vision '30 – our ambitious strategy to lead in the AI era. We are revolutionizing our business to unlock limitless growth opportunities for our clients and ourselves, built on four core priorities:

1. Collaboration: Foster unprecedented levels of data collaboration across WPP and partners through WPP Open, turning every channel into a smarter
2. Data Technology: Leverage our AI-powered Open Intelligence solution, connecting vast data to uncover unique insights, deliver predictive performance and superior brand experiences through our globally consistent DPAM
3. Innovation: Drive true innovation by generating intelligence from trillions of privacy-by-default data points, focusing on the 'why' behind customer behaviour to create unparalleled competitive
4. People: Developing future-ready talent involves evolving our focus from traditional media planning to strategic business outcomes, advanced technology and real-time measurable results, as AI increasingly automates media investment by 2030

We empower ambitious experts to deliver extraordinary work by challenging ordinary thinking. If you are passionate about an AI-driven future, thrive in a collaborative and data-centric environment, and are driven to deliver unparalleled growth, we invite you to be part of our transformative journey.

WPP Media is a single client centric company with a portfolio of go to market brands. Wavemaker, EssenceMediacom, Mindshare and TCP are our agency teams, these house multiple local and global clients. In addition, we have several dedicated client brands, such as OpenDoor (Amazon), MFG (Google), OpenMind (Nestle), OpenConnect (BT/EE) and Media Futures Group (Google). All of these teams are supported by consistent capabilities, enterprise level tools and systems and our market leading OPEN platform.

About WPP Media Group Operations: WPP Media Group Operations is a central function within WPP, dedicated to driving operational excellence and efficiency across the business. The team is an enabling function for WPP Media, supporting our client facing teams to transform their capabilities and deliver a seamless service for their clients. Committed to providing best-in-class services and solutions to our clients, enabling them to achieve their business

objectives through innovative and effective media strategies. We foster a collaborative and dynamic environment where individuals can thrive and contribute to the success of the organization.

Role Summary

The Lead, Advancement is a senior leadership role responsible for designing the future of our operations. This leader will act as the primary innovation engine for the Strategic Operations team, charged with defining and proving the value of next-generation operating models, technologies, and processes. As a champion for change, this role will explore everything from AI to new global delivery models, building the business case for transformation and ensuring WPP Media remains the undisputed leader in an AI-driven industry. This is a high-impact role requiring a strategic, innovative thinker with a passion for designing the future of work.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Innovation s Future Operating Models:

• Develop and maintain the long-term roadmap for operational transformation, identifying and prioritizing opportunities for step-change improvements in efficiency and
• Design and lead a strategic AI program to unlock new capabilities and embed intelligent automation across the business.
• Identify, design, and build the business case for new global delivery models (e.g., offshoring, nearshoring) to create a more scalable and flexible
• Continuously scan the market for emerging technologies and process innovations, acting as the organization's expert on "what's "

Stakeholder Management s Alignment:

• Act as the strategic partner to Data C Technology, translating business opportunities into technical pilot programs and ensuring new technologies are fit for
• Collaborate with the People team to map the impact of future operating models, co-creating the roles of the future and defining new skill
• Present compelling business cases and innovation roadmaps to senior leadership to secure investment and buy-in for transformational

Process & Capability Development:

• Lead the strategic re-engineering of core business processes to embed new technologies and ways of
• Create scalable frameworks to support the operationalization of new products and services, ensuring they can be delivered efficiently at

Skills & Experience

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operational strategy and innovation, with a proven ability to turn future-focused ideas into tangible business cases and successful pilot programs. They will be a creative and strategic thinker, comfortable with ambiguity and passionate about designing the future of work.

• Experience in operational excellence, innovation, or a technology/business strategy
• Proven track record of leading large-scale, technology-driven change, with specific experience in AI/automation being highly
• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing global operating models, including offshoring and other distributed workforce
• Excellent knowledge of process improvement methodologies combined with strong analytical, problem-solving skills and financial
• Exceptional ability to build compelling narratives and business cases to influence and align senior executive

Life at WPP Media

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media C WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include 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 are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. 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 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.

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