At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead critical operational projects and ensure alignment with executive goals.
- Company: Join WPP Media, a leader in AI-driven media solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on accountability and operational efficiency.
- Why this job: Be a strategic driver in a high-visibility role that makes a real impact.
- Qualifications: Extensive project management experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
London, United Kingdom
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.
Role Summary and Impact
We are seeking an exceptionally seasoned and dynamic Director, Strategic Operations, UK to lead the project management, execution, tracking, and delivery of our business-critical "One Company" project portfolio. Reporting directly to the VP, Strategic Operations, UK and working alongside the COO, you will take the EXCO "Plan on a Page" and turn it into clear, connected actions across the business – making progress visible, setting rigorous PM frameworks, holding workstream owners to account, and keeping projects moving forward. This role requires a heavy-hitting portfolio/programme/project management expert who thrives in a high-visibility environment. You are not just a manager of timelines – you are a strategic driver – an operational leader who knows how to align complex teams to deliver exceptional results.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive "One Company" Projects: Drive the end-to-end execution of company-wide, critical operational projects from business case / inception through delivery, ensuring alignment with executive business goals.
- Work Breakdown & Task Management: Translate high-level priorities into clear, practical deliverables – defining detailed Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), timelines, key milestones, dependencies, and precise task ownership.
- Portfolio & Resource Optimisation: Oversee the master project portfolio across business streams (e.g., people, finance, data, tech, operations). Optimise resource allocation, balance competing priorities, identify capacity constraints, and ensure high-value initiatives are delivered on time and within scope.
- Keep Things Moving: Work directly with business leads to solve problems, clear blockers, and ensure projects cross the finish line on time.
Governance, Frameworks & Strict Accountability
- Set & Embed Frameworks: Assess existing delivery methodologies and establish best-in-class PM standard operating procedures, tools, and KPIs. Embed simple, practical project toolkits (e.g., Business Case Templates, Project Charters, Portfolio Reports, RACI matrices, RAID logs, and milestone plans) across all initiatives.
- Hold Teams Accountable: Drive a culture of accountability and precision. Establish clear ownership for every workstream, leading regular portfolio/project reviews and huddles to keep business leads strictly accountable for their deliverables and commitments.
- Light-Touch Governance: Run light but highly effective tracking. Cut out unnecessary paperwork and "admin for the sake of admin," focusing purely on actions, outputs, and operational efficiency.
Director, Strategic Operations (6 month FTC) employer: WPP Media
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of Greater London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer competitive benefits and a hybrid work model that encourages creativity and flexibility, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the media landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Strategic Operations (6 month FTC)
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like WPP Media. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at WPP Media.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at WPP Media.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Strategic Operations (6 month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at WPP Media and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at WPP Media
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like WPP Media will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to WPP Media.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at WPP Media.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at WPP Media. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
