At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client onboarding and ensure smooth operational delivery for iconic brands.
- Company: Join IPG Mediabrands, a global leader in media and marketing solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexi-leave, free meals, early finishes, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while collaborating with top industry experts.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations or project management, with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Mediabrands manages approximately $40 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients and provides strategic services and solutions across its award‑winning, full‑service agency networks UM, Initiative and Mediahub and through its innovative marketing specialist companies Kinesso, Magna, Orion, Rapport and Mediabrands Content Studio. Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognisable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors. The company employs more than 13,000 marketing experts in more than 130 countries, representing the full diversity of humanity.
Role Description
The Operations Centre of Excellence (CoE) provides best‑in‑class operational leadership across all areas of client delivery, ensuring consistent onboarding, governance, and excellence in execution. The Client Operations Director will play a pivotal senior role in this team leading the seamless onboarding/transition of new clients, driving operational delivery standards through roll out of Client Lifecycle Management for clients from Day 1, and providing tactical project management support to UK client teams where required. This role will also partner closely with the Growth team to provide operational and project management input to RFPs and new business pitches. Please note: we have two 6‑month fixed‑term contracts available for this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end‑to‑end onboarding of new clients using the established Onboarding Framework and governance standards.
- Create and oversee onboarding project plans, ensuring cross‑craft alignment, risk management, and milestone delivery.
- Collaborate with Process & Governance and RSM teams to ensure all onboarding deliverables and documentation are accurate, compliant, and aligned with CLM and GCC processes.
- E2E/CLM Process within Transitions.
- Day‑to‑day delivery of CLM client adoption as part of all new client onboarding/transitions.
- Support of any areas of new client‑led CLM process nuance.
- Coordination of CLM training to new client teams.
- Capture of local market client and agency new CLM operational requirements through close proximity to front‑line teams.
- Provide tactical project management support for in‑flight clients, stepping in to stabilise or accelerate CLM delivery performance where required.
- Act as project lead for larger UK clients when additional operational oversight or coordination is needed.
- Work closely with Client Leadership and specialist functions to troubleshoot operational barriers and implement improvements.
- Partner with the Growth and Commercial teams to contribute operational expertise to client proposals, RFPs, and new business pitches.
- Develop and present delivery frameworks, operating and resourcing models, and all operational narratives for potential new clients.
- Create customised Transition plans as part of pitch/RFP responses.
- Partner closely with Process & Governance, Media Excellence, and RSM pillars to ensure a consistent operational approach across all clients.
- Act as an operational point of escalation for onboarding or client process issues, ensuring resolution through collaboration and governance.
- Support adoption and integration of Global Capability Centre (GCC) processes across onboarding and live clients.
- Track and report on onboarding progress, client satisfaction, and process adherence.
- Identify risk areas early and develop mitigation plans in partnership with operational and client teams.
- Feed learnings and data back into the broader Operations CoE to continuously refine frameworks and processes.
Desired Skills & Experience
- Solid experience in operations, client onboarding, or project delivery in a fast‑paced, multi‑stakeholder environment (agency or consulting experience advantageous).
- Proven ability to lead complex client transitions or onboarding programmes.
- Excellent project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong commercial acumen and understanding of operational risk management.
- Experience supporting new business processes, including contributing to proposals and operational design.
About You
Joining at a pivotal time of transformation within IPG Mediabrands and the wider industry, this role requires a hands‑on, senior operator who thrives at the intersection of delivery, governance, and client engagement. You’re an experienced client‑facing leader with strong stakeholder management skills and project management skills, able to bring structure and calm to complex client models for onboarding and delivery. Ideally you have recent experience with onboarding clients into complex organisations or have been very close to the process. You’ll combine operational discipline with commercial awareness, a person who understands how to translate strategy into clear, executable onboarding and delivery plans. You will be proactive, collaborative, and confident leading cross‑functional teams without formal line‑management authority. You’ll be as comfortable leading a room of senior stakeholders as you are unblocking day‑to‑day delivery challenges, with a natural ability to connect people, simplify process, and maintain focus on quality and efficiency.
Employee Transparency
At IPG Mediabrands, we celebrate differences and believe this makes us stronger. IPG Mediabrands is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to championing an inclusive culture that provides a sense of belonging for all our employees. We do not discriminate against any applicant based on age, disability, race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, belief, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Perks
- Flexi‑leave, with 25 days annual leave to be taken as minimum. In addition, the office usually closes between Christmas & New Year.
- Free breakfast and free lunch.
- Early finish Fridays.
- Core Hours (Mon‑Thu, flexible start/finish times).
- Electric vehicle salary‑sacrifice car scheme.
- Interest‑free season ticket loan.
- Paid time off for volunteering.
- Group income protection.
- Life assurance.
- Private medical insurance or health cash plan (dependent on level).
- Group personal pension plan with matched contributions from 3‑6%.
- Generous parental leave & pay.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Free eye tests.
- Flexible benefits including dental, travel insurance, cycle‑to‑work, gym discounts and many more!
Client Operations Director in England employer: IPG Mediabrands
Contact Detail:
IPG Mediabrands Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Client Operations Director in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at IPG Mediabrands or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about the role and even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s recent projects and successes. Knowing their clients and how they operate will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Client Operations Director role. Highlight your project management skills and any relevant operational experience to make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at IPG Mediabrands.
We think you need these skills to ace Client Operations Director in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Client Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in operations, client onboarding, and project management, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading complex client transitions, it's essential to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. We love seeing candidates who can bring structure and calm to challenging situations!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for the role. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at IPG Mediabrands
✨Know Your Onboarding Framework
Familiarise yourself with the established Onboarding Framework and governance standards that IPG Mediabrands uses. Be ready to discuss how you would lead the onboarding process for new clients, showcasing your understanding of risk management and milestone delivery.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex client transitions or onboarding programmes. Highlight your ability to create project plans and ensure cross-functional collaboration, as this will be crucial in the role.
✨Understand the Client Lifecycle Management (CLM)
Brush up on the Client Lifecycle Management processes and be prepared to discuss how you would support CLM adoption during onboarding. Demonstrating your knowledge of operational delivery standards will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can effectively engage with various stakeholders during the interview. Prepare to share strategies on how you would troubleshoot operational barriers and implement improvements, as strong stakeholder management is key for this role.