Invention Solutions Manager London, England

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. 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.

About Mindshare: A Leading WPP Media Brand

Mindshare delivers Good Growth for its clients. As “Growth Architects," we drive growth that benefits all stakeholders — better for people, planet, and business — by using media with intention. This approach creates more meaningful connections with consumers, increases consumer trust in the brand, and delivers better outcomes for all stakeholders.

Role Summary and Impact

The Worldwide Invention team at Mindshare drives creativity & innovation in and beyond media by excelling in culture, community, and innovation. Through a balance of deep expertise and creative thinking we guide our clients to think outside of the box, using channels and mechanics that drive growth beyond their existing realms of focus (e.g. partnership, sponsorship, branded or social content, influencer, emerging technologies, sport, gaming, etc.). We aim to elevate creativity in media by designing media-agnostic ideas; develop thoroughly researched and inspirational thought leadership; deliver culture & creative programs; and be deep experts in areas of specialisms. These are primarily: cultural strategy, partnership, sponsorship; community strategy, influencers, creators, social content; innovation strategy, creative tech & emerging technologies. Our knowledge spans across various areas of culture, with specific focus on gaming, sport, film and entertainment.

We are looking for an Invention Solutions Manager, who will help solve Mindshare’s clients’ business challenges in new ways through media. Specifically, their responsibilities are to support the Director(s) and wider Strategy and Innovation teams, on embedding culturally-led services and solutions as part of Mindshare and Unilever’s relevant tools and processes. You’ll also be expected to support in developing end-to-end best in class culturally-led solutions and ideas, infusing global media strategies across our key Invention pillars Culture (i.e. partnership, branded content, sponsorship), Community (social-first and influencer) and Media Futures (emerging and immersive technologies and channel innovation) and supporting the team on local implementation. The role is based in London, with some travel.

Responsibilities

• Support on the end-to-end planning and activation of Invention projects/campaigns
• Develop & present communications recommendations and solutions to clients.
• Support on the management of Invention programs (e.g. long term sponsorship, innovation frameworks, etc.)
• Strong collaboration across core disciplines with an understanding of the connection between planning, strategy & activation.
• Work with creative strategists and wider invention team to develop ideas for media and brand clients alike
• Stay up to date on key cultural opportunities and trends across a range of categories and markets, driving the knowledge of the Invention, Strategy, Client and wider Mindshare team
• Work on the organisation and management of invention-led experiences (e.g. culture partner day, innovation workshops etc)
• Regularly meet new partners, both WPP and external, to drive increased innovative thinking and cultural network
• Coordinate and manage projects with Invention, Content and Innovation champions across markets
• Coordinate and manage projects with Unilever central, and market teams and stakeholders
• General research and support to develop Invention vision
• Day to day support to Invention Director(s) and Planning Director(s)

Skills and Experience

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values: Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity. Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust. Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise.

Proven experience in an Innovation and/or Cultural Strategy focussed agency or specialist shop. A proactive self-starter with a problem-solving attitude and the ability to meet deadlines. Creatively minded with the ability to turn insight to idea. Ability to learn new tools and systems from across WPP/Group M (audience, insight etc). Hands-on approach to service client relationships and confident managing multiple stakeholder relationships. Strong presentation skills and attention to detail. Strong organisational skills and the ability to multi-task and handle multiple projects at one time. An understanding of the media environment and industry and of key partners and publishers. An understanding of the role of partnership, sponsorship and emerging technologies to solve business and brand challenges. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Suite (PowerPoint and Excel).

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

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

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