Director, Strategic Operations (6 month FTC)

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships - all united by ourpioneeringagentic marketing platform, WPP Open - we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

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1637 - Director, Strategic Operations (6 month FTC) - UKRole Summary and Impact

We areseekingan exceptionally seasoned and dynamicDirector, Strategic Operations, UKtolead theproject management,execution, tracking, and delivery of our business-critical "One Company" project portfolio.

Reporting directly to theVP, Strategic Operations, UKand working alongside theCOO, you will take the EXCO "Plan on a Page" and turn it into clear, connected actions across the business-making progress visible, settingrigorous PMframeworks, holding workstream owners to account, and keeping projects moving forward.

This role requires a heavy-hittingportfolio/programme/project management expert who thrives in a high-visibility environment. You are not just a manager of timelines-you are a strategic driver-an operational leader who knows how to align complex teams to deliver exceptional results.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Delivery & Portfolio Execution

• Drive "One Company" Projects:Drive the end-to-end execution of company-wide, critical operational projects frombusiness case /inceptionthrough delivery, ensuring alignment with executive business goals.

• Work Breakdown & Task Management:Translate high-level priorities into clear, practical deliverables-defining detailed Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), timelines, key milestones, dependencies, and precise task ownership.

• Portfolio & Resource Optimisation:Oversee the master project portfolio across business streams (e.g., people, finance, data, tech, operations). Optimise resource allocation, balance competing priorities,identifycapacity constraints, and ensure high-value initiatives are delivered on time and within scope.

• Keep Things Moving:Work directly with business leads to solve problems, clear blockers, and ensure projects cross the finish line on time.

Governance, Frameworks & Strict Accountability

• Set & Embed Frameworks:Assess existing delivery methodologies andestablishbest-in-class PM standard operating procedures, tools, and KPIs. Embed simple, practical project toolkits (e.g.,Business Case Templates,ProjectCharters, Portfolio Reports,RACI matrices,RAIDlogs, and milestone plans) across all initiatives.

• Hold Teams Accountable:Drive a culture of accountability and precision. Establish clear ownership for every workstream, leading regularportfolio/projectreviews and huddles to keep business leads strictly accountable for their deliverables and commitments.

• Light-Touch Governance:Run light but highly effective tracking. Cut out unnecessary paperwork and "admin for the sake of admin," focusing purely on actions, outputs, and operational efficiency.

Transparent Reporting & Executive Visibility

• Single Source of Truth:Maintainand own the central executive plan,providing senior leadership with absolute transparency on progress, RAG status,RAID logs, percent-completes, and capacity.

• Stakeholder Alignment & Escalation:Serve as the key connective tissue between senior leadership, department heads, and execution teams. Communicate project health, risks, and strategic trade-offs effectively,maintaininga direct line of communication with the VP, Strategic Operations and COO to escalateg risks early.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Capability

• Break Down Silos:Act as the connective tissue between central functions, capability teams, and agencies, ensuring teams are aligned and working toward shared outcomes rather than in isolation.

Skills & Experience

• Experience:Progressive portfolio/programme/project management experience, including significant experience leading and orchestrating large-scale, complex initiatives at a senior level (agency/media network experience preferred).

• Execution & Framework Mastery:Deep, expert-level mastery of project management frameworks (PMP /APM / PMI certificationsrequiredor heavilypreferred;Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid). Deep knowledge of practical execution mechanics (Business Case Development, Benefits Realisation,WBS, RACI,RAIDmanagement, milestone planning, and critical path tracking).

• Leadership & Accountability:Proventrack recordofoperatingsuccessfully at the Director level, directly influencing executive decision-making, holding cross-functional teams accountable without direct line authority, and turning troubled projects around.

• Executive Presence & Communication:Exceptional communication skills-able to synthesise complex project statuses across multiple workstreams into clear, transparent, visual updates for the C-suite, SLT, and VP.

• Pragmatic Problem Solving:A relentless focus on execution and practical problem-solving. Comfortable diving into project details to help workstream leads unravel issues, navigate dependencies, and unblock progress.

Bottom Line Objectives

• Turn EXCO priorities and "One Company" projects into tracked, delivered outputsusing structured PM methodologies.

• Enforce clear frameworks and strict accountability across all workstreams.

• Maintainvisualstatus reportsfor Executive Leadership.

• Drive clear ownership, transparent reporting, and zero superfluous admin.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment toBe Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We alsoLead Optimistically,firmly believingin andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees toleveragethe extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at thecutting edgeof marketing and advertising.

WeCreate an Open environmentbuilt 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 eventsshowcasingteam 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 whenwe'retogether, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment.That'swhywe'veadopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If yourequireaccommodations 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

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