At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major transformation for our Google client, bridging strategy and implementation.
- Company: Join Ogilvy, a leading creative agency with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and health perks.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values respect and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment and drive change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational transformations and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
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
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ogilvy 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.
Accommodation Contact
If you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please contact us at accommodations@ogilvy.com.
Technical Operations Transformation Director employer: Ogilvy
Ogilvy is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, flexible working hours, and a commitment to professional growth through hands-on leadership roles. Join us to be part of a transformative journey that not only enhances your career but also contributes to meaningful operational change for our prestigious Google client.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Operations Transformation Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, focus on specific achievements that align with the job description. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Operations Transformation Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational transformations, especially in marketing or communications. We want to see how your skills align with our needs for the Technical Operations Transformation Director role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful projects you've led, particularly those that had measurable outcomes. We love seeing tangible results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ogilvy
✨Know Your Transformation Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's AI and technology transformation strategy. Understand how it aligns with their global goals and be ready to discuss how you can activate this strategy locally. This shows that you're not just familiar with the role but also genuinely interested in their vision.
✨Demonstrate Your Change Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led change in previous roles. Highlight your experience with stakeholder management and how you've built trust during transitions. This is crucial for a role that requires bridging plans with actual implementation.
✨Be Ready to Discuss KPIs
Since the role involves defining and tracking transformation KPIs, come prepared with insights on how you've measured success in past projects. Discuss the frameworks you've used for reporting and escalation, as this will demonstrate your structured approach to programme management.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Technical Operations Transformation Director, you'll need to lead and inspire teams. Be ready to share how you've designed team structures or closed talent gaps in the past. Emphasise your ability to integrate and build coalitions, as this will resonate well with their focus on people-led change.
