MM&D Operations, VP (Parental Leave Cover) in London

Role Summary and Impact

The Vice President (VP), Practice Operations is a senior leadership role within Media Management & Delivery (MM & D), responsible for driving operational excellence and transformation across a defined portfolio of clients. Reporting to the SVP, the VP translates strategy into action—embedding consistent, scalable, high-performance ways of working across client teams. The role leads the delivery of operational transformation, improving quality, efficiency, and performance while unlocking greater value for clients and the business.

As a senior partner to client and agency stakeholders, the VP drives the adoption of new capabilities, delivery models, and technologies. The VP is central to embedding the Operational Excellence by Design vision—ensuring governance, accountability, and consistency are built into how we operate, not added as an afterthought.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Commercial Growth
  • Implement and manage practice value propositions and go‑to‑market strategies for the assigned client portfolio, ensuring alignment with the overall MM & D strategy.
  • Drive collaboration between Practices and Delivery teams to ensure seamless, high‑quality service and outcomes for clients.
  • Manage the adoption of the GOC/offshoring model within client teams, ensuring effective execution and maximizing the value of global talent.
• Operational Excellence & Transformation
  • Execute the operational and transformational plans set by the SVP within the client portfolio, driving efficiency and quality improvements.
  • Implement and oversee established frameworks for operational maturity, quality, goal setting (OKRs), and performance tracking (KPIs) for accounts.
  • Manage process excellence initiatives, including compliance, auditing, and client onboarding, for the portfolio.
• Craft & Capability Development
  • Work closely with Practice leads to ensure adoption of craft excellence and pioneering methods within client delivery teams.
  • Champion the use of innovative plans, tools, and strategic vision provided by the Practices function to drive superior client results.
• Technology & Innovation
  • Drive the adoption of key technologies and operational tools within teams and client accounts.
  • Act as a champion for WPP’s Open infrastructure, identifying use cases and supporting the cultural change required for effective implementation.
  • Surface operational challenges and opportunities for process improvement and automation within the portfolio.
• Leadership & People Management
  • Manage and mentor a team of operational professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Drive cross‑functional initiatives through effective project management and collaboration, ensuring focus and proactive problem‑solving.
• Client & Stakeholder Influence
  • Act as a key operational contact and trusted advisor for senior stakeholders on the client portfolio.
  • Partner with agency and client leads to drive the adoption of new operational capabilities and ways of working.
  • Ensure all operational efforts focus on delivering exceptional client outcomes and satisfaction.

Skills and Experience

• Team Leadership: Proven experience (typically 8+ years) in media operations, with a strong track record of managing, motivating, and developing high‑performing teams.
• Operational & Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of implementing value propositions and identifying commercial opportunities within a client portfolio. Experience with operational forecasting and resource management.
• Project & Change Management: Proven ability to manage large‑scale projects, process improvements, and transformation initiatives from planning through to execution.
• Craft & Domain Expertise: Broad understanding across multiple media practices (e.g., Search, Social, Programmatic) and how to apply operational best practices to drive performance.
• Client & Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated success in building strong relationships with senior client stakeholders and internal partners, acting as a trusted operational advisor.
• Collaboration & Influence: A highly collaborative leader adept at working within a matrixed organization, able to drive results through partnership and clear communication.
• Problem‑Solving: A creative and analytical problem‑solver who can connect strategic goals with detailed execution plans and measurable outcomes.

Measures of Success

• Within 6 Months: Develop deep understanding of the assigned client portfolio’s operational challenges and opportunities; establish strong relationships with key client and internal stakeholders; begin implementing initial improvements based on the MM & D operational roadmap.
• Within 12 Months: Demonstrate measurable improvements in operational efficiency, quality, and compliance across the client portfolio; receive positive feedback from clients and internal teams on impact; successfully manage the team to deliver against their OKRs and contribute to a culture of excellence.

Benefits

WPP Media offers a comprehensive benefits package reflecting the commitment to employee well‑being and growth, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance; significant paid time off; preferential partner discounts; and employee mental health awareness days.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Additional Information

This is a UK‑based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location. The role is hybrid, with teams in the office around four days a week. Employees can discuss accommodations or flexibility during the interview process. Benefits may vary by office/country.