Director, Global Commercial

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.

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.

About Media Futures Group: A Leading WPP Media Brand

Media Futures Group (MFG) is a bespoke agency solution for Google. As a global team powered by WPP Media and EssenceMediacom, we deliver strategic, creative and data-driven media to drive brand and business outcomes. The MFG team is made up of the best-in-class integrated data and media experts from around the world. This convergence of expertise and excellence makes MFG the most progressive and exciting team in advertising and media.

Role Summary and Impact

Our integrated work with Content Production and Creative is expanding, and we require additional commercial support in this area. This role as a part of the Global Commercial team would also work across Global commercial workstreams.

Skills and Experience

This role requires someone who thinks big, thrives under ambiguity, and has a strong sense of ownership. The role requires excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to be a trusted partner with our finance and client services teams at all levels. This role has daily interaction with leaders within MFG and across our Creative partner agencies within WPP. Skills needed include:

• Exhibit excellent judgment and use data to inform your decision-making.
• Create and communicate a bold direction that inspires results.
• Benchmark yourself and your teams against the best.
• Stay connected to the details. No task is beneath you.

Responsibilities

• Work within a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment to provide commercial and financial rigor.
• Main contact for Marketing Ops and Creative Procurement clients and MFG/WPP Production leadership.
• Own top line forecasting across WPP for our Creative opportunities.
• Understand commercial model and ensure compliance across the region and identify the most influential business drivers to optimize revenue.
• Lead/support with global team client negotiations for remuneration model, rate cards, incentives, SOWs, etc.
• Work collaboratively with Resource Management/Talent to manage staff plans.
• Work closely with CS, Media Teams, Billing & AR Managers to ensure contract compliance and healthy net-working capital.
• Develop a deep understanding of Clients' contract structure to answer regional questions.
• Provide regular and Ad Hoc reporting/analysis to Client Services teams, Client Finance teams, and Regional Finance teams.
• Support Global team to field ad-hoc requests by Executive Leadership and Senior Client Services team related to Google.
• Oversee Client Finance Analyst(s) and ensure that team goals and objectives are being met consistently.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• Experience, with most experience in Advertising and Media.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and their practical application.
• Strong analytical orientation. Skills in financial analysis, including review of financial statements and analysis of key business metrics.
• Prior experience in the use of financial and accounting systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to interact professionally with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work independently and simultaneously balance multiple projects and processes.
• Functions well under pressure; consistently pay attention to accuracy and quality of work.
• Experience with Google Product Suite software applications preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; demonstrated skill with Microsoft Excel performing complex data analysis including Pivot Tables and Macros.
• Experience working within a matrix environment supporting multiple business partners.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships and be inclusive of ideas.
• Takes initiative to add value beyond initial requests by anticipating future questions/follow-up requests and proactively resolving them.

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 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. Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location. While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please read our Privacy Notice for more information on how we process the information you provide.