Global Business Strategy Implementation Lead (FTC Maternity Cover)

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

This role sits in the Global WPP Media Solutions Team within the Commercial Strategy & Solutions Enablement pillar and covers the following core areas:

• Responsible for commercial evaluation – developing and implementing business and commercial strategies that enable the objectives of the Media Solutions organisation to be met (including ongoing 3‑year implementation and evolution).
• Enablement of strategic initiatives through platform support, governance, and key enhancements to solution functionality.
• Leadership of the work to evolve and implement required compliance guidelines including governance around ongoing market acceleration and expansion strategies.
• Focus on yield, pricing and margin management strategies, with ownership of commercial model creation/evolution, in line with new solution development.
• Key conduit into the wider WPP Ecosystem, including WPP Data and Tech, and integral to cross‑functional alignment across Global Media Management and Delivery team.

The Global Business Strategy Implementation Lead (maternity cover) provides WPP Media Solutions global teams with the support and processes needed to successfully drive business initiatives aligned to WPP Media (Solutions) strategic objectives, by actively driving focus, collaboration & accountability. This role requires a strong focus on process excellence, continuous improvement, compliance, business operations, change management, adoption & governance, business partnering and influence.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure Global Compliance & Governance: Translate and cascade global policy requirements (e.g., Investment Income Policy) into clear guidance, assessing market compliance levels and audit readiness. (~30% of role, 2 hours daily; expected to continue until at least Q3 2026).
• Ensure changes to the investment policy and/or Flex addendum are operationalised, working with key global, regional and local stakeholders as well as legal and investment teams (expected H2 2026).
• Drive the transformation of WMS process management within the DPAM framework, collaborating with multiple teams cross‑functionally to ensure seamless integration of WMS workflows into the future‑state operating model.
• Lead and oversee any required auditing processes such as the live global user access management process for identified platforms, coordinating workflow improvement, issue resolution, training and user reviews (≈5 hours monthly).
• Drive the enhancement and global market adoption of commerce reporting process, coordinating quarterly number collection globally, streamlining existing processes and exploring automation opportunities (≈1–2 hours per week).
• Lead Global Strategic Initiatives: Design, implement and optimise strategic business processes across WMS globally to ensure alignment with organisational goals and operational efficiencies.
• Champion Process Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Own and elevate global process excellence, fostering continuous improvement and innovation across WMS solutions, platforms and ways of working.
• Senior Stakeholder Management & Influence: Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior leaders across WPP, agencies and global functions to ensure alignment, buy‑in and successful adoption of key initiatives.
• Drive Global Change & Adoption: Lead complex change management initiatives, facilitating seamless adoption of new processes, technologies and operating models across diverse global markets.
• Oversee Critical Program Implementation: Provide senior leadership for high‑impact WMS projects, including business system transformations, reporting frameworks and cross‑channel readiness.

Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience in business strategy implementation, large‑scale process optimisation and complex change management within a global organisation.
• Proven track record of driving significant operational efficiencies and strategic transformations, ideally in a media, advertising or technology‑driven environment.
• Exceptional programme and project management skills, capable of leading multiple high‑impact initiatives simultaneously across diverse functional teams.
• Highly proficient in data‑driven strategic planning, leveraging insights to inform process design and drive business outcomes.
• Strong ability to influence, negotiate and build consensus with stakeholders at any level (particularly at senior and executive level) across different cultures and business units.
• Desirable: Deep understanding of the (programmatic) media and marketing ecosystem, with experience navigating global agency network structures.
• Desirable: Expertise in designing and implementing continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Agile).

Personal Attributes

• Strategic Visionary: Connects detailed process improvements to WPP’s broader strategic objectives, anticipating future needs and challenges.
• Results‑Oriented Leader: Drives accountability and delivers tangible outcomes in dynamic global settings.
• Collaborative Influencer: Builds strong, trust‑based relationships with senior leaders and diverse teams, fostering cross‑functional synergy and alignment.
• Change Catalyst: Champions transformation, inspiring adaptation and resilience.
• Innovative & Adaptable: Possesses a curious mindset, embraces new technologies (including AI) and seeks creative solutions to complex global challenges.
• Client‑Centric Mindset: Understands and prioritises how operational excellence directly contributes to superior client outcomes and WPP’s market leadership.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to be extraordinary and invest in our employees. We have a culture built on trust and respect, offering opportunities to progress, with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, group retirement plans, vision, dental insurance, paid time off, partner discounts and mental health support.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We foster creativity, collaboration and connection in this inclusive and supportive environment.