At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery and management of WPP Media’s first-party systems, focusing on innovation and efficiency.
- Company: Join WPP Media, a leader in AI-driven media solutions for top global brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being.
- Why this job: Shape the future of media with cutting-edge technology and a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems delivery and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
About WPP Media
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.
WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.
The UK is the largest market within the WPP Media EMEA region, with over 4,500 people employed within the WPP Media ecosystem. Marquee UK key clients include Amazon, UK Government, BT, Tesco, Coca Cola, Bayer, Dell, Unilever, M&S, Ford, Nestle, Mazda, Danone and Colgate.
We are evolving our business operating model, our ways of working and placing data, technology and AI at the heart of everything we do for our people and our clients.
ONE WPP – Vision '30
Join us in shaping the future of our industry with Vision '30 – our ambitious strategy to lead in the AI era. We are revolutionizing our business to unlock limitless growth opportunities for our clients and ourselves, built on four core priorities:
- Collaboration: Foster unprecedented levels of data collaboration across WPP and partners through WPP Open.
- Data & Technology: Leverage our AI-powered Open Intelligence solution.
- Innovation: Drive true innovation by generating intelligence from trillions of privacy-by-default data points.
- People: Developing future-ready talent involves evolving our focus from traditional media planning to strategic business outcomes.
WPP Media is a single client centric company with a portfolio of go to market brands. Wavemaker, EssenceMediacom, Mindshare and T&P are our agency teams, these house multiple local and global clients.
About WPP Media Group Operations
WPP Media Group Operations is a central function within WPP, dedicated to driving operational excellence and efficiency across the business. The team is an enabling function for WPP Media, supporting our client facing teams to transform their capabilities and deliver a seamless service for their clients.
Role Summary
As the Business Director for First Party Systems, you will lead the delivery and operational management of WPP Media’s first-party systems domain, with a primary focus on WPP Open and Open Media Studio. Reporting to the VP, Systems, you will translate the agreed systems strategy into an executable delivery plan for the first-party portfolio and ensure its successful implementation across the business.
This senior leadership role is responsible for driving the adoption, rollout, and continuous improvement of the first-party ecosystem, including client workspace enablement, Open Media Studio systems transformation, and the migration from legacy systems into Campaign Management 2.0.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee delivery of the first-party systems portfolio.
- Translate the agreed systems strategy into an executable delivery plan.
- Manage the rollout, adoption, and continuous improvement of first-party systems initiatives.
- Lead the transition from legacy systems into Campaign Management 2.0.
- Ensure all milestones, dependencies, risks, and implementation activity are actively managed.
Stakeholder Management & Alignment
- Work closely with the VP, Systems to ensure priorities are clear.
- Serve as a day-to-day operational lead for first-party systems.
- Implement and manage programs that drive a user-centric approach.
Operational Excellence & Delivery
- Establish and maintain governance, reporting, and delivery controls.
- Support user training, adoption, and continuous improvement.
- Drive the optimisation of processes and ways of working.
Skills & Attributes
- Significant experience in systems delivery, enterprise technology, or a senior systems operational leadership role.
- Proven experience managing a portfolio of large-scale technology projects.
- Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets.
Measures of Success
- Within 6 Months: Establish a clear delivery plan for the WPP Media first-party systems portfolio.
- Within 12 Months: Help establish the first-party systems area as a clearly owned and well-controlled part of the operating model.
WPP Media Values: WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer. We view everyone as an individual and we understand that inclusion is more than just diversity – it's about belonging.
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.
Business Manager, Strategic Operations - Systems employer: WPP Media
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and collaboration in a dynamic, AI-driven environment. With a commitment to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion, employees benefit from competitive medical and retirement plans, significant paid time off, and opportunities for professional development through global networks. Located in London, WPP Media offers a vibrant workplace where innovative thinking thrives, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping the future of media.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Manager, Strategic Operations - Systems
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to explain who you are, what you do, and why you’d be a great fit for the role in under a minute. Keep it concise and engaging!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Manager, Strategic Operations - Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Business Director for First Party Systems. Highlight relevant experience in systems delivery and operational leadership, and don’t forget to showcase your understanding of first-party enterprise technology.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about WPP Media and how your skills align with our mission. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior role, we want to see your leadership style. Share examples of how you've led teams through complex projects or changes, especially in tech environments. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our collaborative culture.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at WPP Media
✨Know Your Systems
Familiarise yourself with WPP Open and Open Media Studio. Understand how these systems work and their role in the media landscape. This knowledge will help you articulate how you can contribute to their success during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your past leadership experiences, especially in managing complex delivery portfolios. Highlight how you've driven operational excellence and fostered team collaboration, as these are key attributes for the Business Director role.
✨Understand Stakeholder Management
Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships with senior stakeholders. Share specific instances where you've translated business needs into technical requirements, demonstrating your ability to bridge the gap between operations and technology.
✨Embrace Change and Innovation
WPP is focused on innovation and change. Prepare to discuss how you've championed new systems or processes in the past. Show your enthusiasm for AI-driven solutions and how you can help lead the transition from legacy systems to modern platforms.
