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, extensive benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming media operations with cutting-edge technology and data insights.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems delivery and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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 have a bold ambition: to make WPP Media UK the undisputed leader in our industry. 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.
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, turning every channel into a smarter opportunity.
- Data & Technology: Leverage our AI-powered Open Intelligence solution, connecting vast data to uncover unique insights, deliver predictive performance and superior brand experiences through our globally consistent DPAM process.
- Innovation: Drive true innovation by generating intelligence from trillions of privacy-by-default data points, focusing on the 'why' behind customer behaviour to create unparalleled competitive advantages.
- People: Developing future-ready talent involves evolving our focus from traditional media planning to strategic business outcomes, advanced technology and real-time measurable results, as AI increasingly automates media investment by 2030.
We empower ambitious experts to deliver extraordinary work by challenging ordinary thinking. If you are passionate about an AI-driven future, thrive in a collaborative and data-centric environment, and are driven to deliver unparalleled growth, we invite you to be part of our transformative journey.
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. In addition, we have several dedicated client brands, such as OpenDoor (Amazon), MFG (Google), OpenMind (Nestle), OpenConnect (BT/EE) and Media Futures Group (Google). All of these teams are supported by consistent capabilities, enterprise level tools and systems and our market leading OPEN platform.
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. Committed to providing best-in-class services and solutions to our clients, enabling them to achieve their business objectives through innovative and effective media strategies. We foster a collaborative and dynamic environment where individuals can thrive and contribute to the success of the organization.
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.
You will lead the day-to-day execution of the first-party systems workstream, manage specialist resource within the domain, and partner closely with senior stakeholders across operations, tech, and business teams to ensure the platform architecture is effectively embedded and used. Your mission is to ensure the WPP Media first-party systems domain runs with precision, delivering the stability, efficiency, and capability required by the operating model.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee delivery of the first-party systems portfolio, with a primary focus on WPP Open and Open Media Studio.
- Translate the agreed systems strategy into an executable delivery plan for the first-party domain.
- 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 across the workstream.
Skills & Attributes
- Significant experience in systems delivery, enterprise technology, or a senior systems operational leadership role within a large, complex organization.
- Proven experience managing a portfolio of large-scale technology projects, including platform migrations, systems adoption and integrations, or process improvement programmes.
- Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and building business cases for technology investments.
Measures of Success
- Within 6 Months: Establish a clear delivery plan for the WPP Media first-party systems portfolio, with governance, reporting, and ownership in place.
- Within 12 Months: Help establish the first-party systems area as a clearly owned and well-controlled part of the operating model.
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. We celebrate the fact that everyone is unique and that's what makes us so good at what we do.
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.
Business Manager, Strategic Operations - Systems in London employer: WPP Media
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and innovative work culture, empowering employees to thrive in an AI-driven environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, WPP Media offers extensive resources for professional development, competitive benefits, and a vibrant community that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Located in the UK, a key market for WPP Media, employees benefit from working with leading global brands while enjoying a hybrid work model that fosters creativity and connection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Manager, Strategic Operations - Systems in London
✨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 their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role. Keep it concise but impactful – you want to leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Manager, Strategic Operations - Systems in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Manager role. Highlight your experience with first-party systems and operational excellence, as these are key to what we're looking for at WPP Media.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've led teams and managed complex projects in the past. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive change and foster collaboration, as this aligns with our values.
Be Data-Driven:Since we're all about data and technology, include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your previous roles. This will show us how you leverage data to achieve results, which is crucial for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at WPP Media
✨Know Your Systems
Familiarise yourself with WPP's first-party systems, especially WPP Open and Open Media Studio. Understand their functionalities and how they integrate into the broader media landscape. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in managing complex delivery portfolios and driving user adoption. WPP values strong leadership, so demonstrating your ability to mentor and coordinate a team will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
WPP Media thrives on collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams. Share specific instances where you partnered with stakeholders to achieve common goals, as this aligns with their focus on fostering a collaborative environment.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since WPP is heavily focused on data and AI, come prepared with insights on how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Discuss any experience you have with data governance or analytics, as this will resonate well with their mission to leverage data for growth.
