Technical Operations Transformation Director in London
Technical Operations Transformation Director

Technical Operations Transformation Director in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Ogilvy

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead transformative operational changes for a major client, focusing on people, processes, and technology.
  • Company: Join Ogilvy, a top global agency known for creativity and impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, flexible working, healthcare, and wellness perks.
  • Other info: Be part of a collaborative team driving change across multiple capabilities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic environment with a focus on innovation.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operational transformations and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

About Ogilvy: Ogilvy, part of WPP, has been creating impact for brands through iconic, culture-changing, value-driving ideas since the company was founded by David Ogilvy 75 years ago. It builds on that rich legacy through Borderless Creativity – innovating at the intersections of its advertising, public relations, relationship design, consulting, and health capabilities with experts collaborating seamlessly across over 120 offices in nearly 90 countries.

Ogilvy currently ranks as the #1 global agency network for creative excellence and effectiveness by WARC, signifying its ability to deliver creative solutions that drive unreasonable impact for clients and communities.

About WPP: WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth.

The Role: We are embarking on a major step-change in how we operate for our Google client—a brand-new approach for our people, a re-engineered delivery process, and a new tech platform stack. This is an activation-focused, hands-on leadership role, not a consultancy position. We need a Technical Operations Transformation Director to own the critical job of translating our ambitious AI and technology transformation strategy into a tangible, operational reality. You will be the activation point, the one who bridges the plan with its actual implementation over an intensive 90-day mandate.

You will be responsible for driving change across the three core pillars of People, Process, and Platform, working at pace to quickly earn trust and build a new operational model that runs smoothly and sustainably long after your direct input. The ultimate success factor is the delivery of measurable operational outcomes that are live and running before the conclusion of your contract.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Global Strategy Alignment: Engage with the WPP Global GCL Team for Google to align on the WPP-level AI and technology strategy, ensuring the UK operation is a full and active contributor to that global programme.
  • Local Activation: Activate the AI and tech transformation within the UK Google operation, translating global strategy into local implementation with full synergy across WPP Google Media and UK operations.
  • Transition Management: Own the master transition plan from day one; build it, communicate it, and hold the agency accountable through weekly governance cadences with senior leadership.
  • Process Engineering: Operationalise the recent pitch methodology into documented, repeatable processes that teams can execute without reliance on individual institutional knowledge.
  • Client Leadership: Act as the client-facing lead on transformation where required, reassuring senior stakeholders that promised capabilities are on track and evidencing progress.
  • Organisational Design: Partner with the Project Management Lead and Managing Partner to redesign team structures, define new role profiles, and close talent gaps through strategic hiring or development plans.
  • Platform & Technology Adoption: Drive platform adoption, working alongside technology leads in WPP to onboard teams onto new tools, embed them into day-to-day workflow, and retire legacy systems cleanly.
  • Change Management: Build and run the change management engine; create stakeholder maps, communications plans, resistance tracking, and feedback loops to bring the entire team on the journey.
  • Performance & Reporting: Define and track transformation KPIs, reporting fortnightly to the C-suite with honest RAG assessments and clear escalation paths for blockers.
  • Sustainable Handover: Ensure that by the end of the 90-day period, the new operating model is fully embedded, documented, and capable of being sustained by the existing leadership team without ongoing transformation support.

90-Day Success Measures:

  • By Day 30: The master transformation plan is fully ratified, communicated, and has full leadership buy-in.
  • By Day 60: New, re-engineered processes are live and being actively used within the UK Operation.
  • By Day 90: The full new operating model (People, Process, Platform) is embedded, documented, and handed over to permanent leadership.
  • Days 90 - 180 (Post-Handover): Success is measured by the sustained performance and optimisation of the new model by the existing team.

Requirements (What You Must Bring):

  • A proven track record of leading complex operational transformations within a marketing, creative, or communications agency environment.
  • Deep, simultaneous experience across all three pillars: people-led change (org design, training), process re-engineering, and platform/technology transitions.
  • Demonstrable experience delivering successful 90-day (or similar short-term, high-intensity) activation programmes.
  • Strong executive stakeholder management skills, with confidence and credibility in client-facing situations at the CMO or C-suite level.
  • Structured programme management expertise, with fluency in governance, risk management, reporting, and escalation frameworks.
  • A reputation as a trusted integrator and coalition-builder who brings people along with change rather than imposing it.
  • Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
  • High levels of personal drive, resilience, and determination to deliver tangible outcomes under pressure.

Role Context & Working Style:

  • Reports to: Managing Partner, with a full mandate to execute the transformation.
  • Works with: All department heads, People Team, Technology, Client Leads, and external vendors.
  • Authority: Budget holder for transformation-related spend; has decision rights over process and tooling within the agreed-upon strategic parameters.

How we help you Thrive:

  • 25 days annual leave + 1 Volunteer Day
  • Bupa Healthcare
  • Enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Shared Parental Leave
  • Flexible Working Model with core working hours: 10am – 4pm
  • A 1.5:1 Matching Pension Structure
  • Wellbeing and Health: Up to £25.00 per month towards physical or online exercise class membership, Unmind membership, LifeWorks tool and annual eye tests.
  • Season Ticket Loan and Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Life Assurance

Technical Operations Transformation Director in London employer: Ogilvy

Ogilvy is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, empowering employees to drive impactful change for leading brands. With a commitment to employee growth, Ogilvy offers comprehensive benefits including flexible working arrangements, enhanced healthcare, and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and creativity. Located in London, the role of Technical Operations Transformation Director provides a unique opportunity to lead transformative initiatives within a globally recognised agency, ensuring that your contributions resonate across diverse teams and clients.
Ogilvy

Contact Detail:

Ogilvy Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Technical Operations Transformation Director in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the real interviewers.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Technical Operations Transformation Director in London

Operational Transformation
AI and Technology Strategy
Change Management
Stakeholder Management
Process Re-engineering
Organisational Design
Project Management
Client Leadership
Performance Tracking
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Leadership Skills
Resilience
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Technical Operations Transformation Director role. Highlight your experience in operational transformations and how it aligns with Ogilvy's vision of impactful creativity.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in leading complex transformations, especially in a marketing or creative environment.

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for driving change and how you can contribute to Ogilvy’s mission.

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining the Ogilvy team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ogilvy

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Ogilvy's recent projects and their approach to AI and technology transformation. Familiarise yourself with their Borderless Creativity concept and think about how your experience aligns with their vision. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Technical Operations Transformation Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead change effectively. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully managed complex transformations, especially in a marketing or creative environment. Highlight your stakeholder management skills and how you've built trust with clients.

✨Be Ready for Rapid-fire Questions

Given the fast-paced nature of this role, expect questions that assess your ability to think on your feet. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked how you'd handle specific challenges in the first 90 days, so have a plan ready to discuss your approach to transition management and process engineering.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about Ogilvy's culture, their expectations for the role, and how they measure success post-handover. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you as well.

Technical Operations Transformation Director in London
Ogilvy
Location: London

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