At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative media solutions and drive growth for top brands using cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join WPP Media, a leader in AI-driven media solutions and creative personalisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, extensive benefits, and a supportive hybrid work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity, collaboration, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the media landscape while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in martech delivery and strong leadership in product management.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ 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.
Role Summary and Impact
The VP, Media Solutions - Development is a critical, high-impact leader within WPP Media Solutions: one who combines deep expertise with the leadership ability to translate ambitious strategy into high-quality deliverables, leveraging the best of global and local technology. They will lead a large multiple discipline solutions owner and engineering team, owning and managing the UK technology stack for WPP Media solutions UK. This highly experienced leader will establish agile product and engineering best practices and run a highly effective team, building micro services that enable innovation at scale.
We are looking for a delivery focused Solutions development leader who can evolve and enforce high-quality development and delivery practices to own and deliver the backbone of Media solutions and define and own the delivery roadmap for key business initiatives. This role will be a key delivery focused leader with Mar Tech, agentic product and engineering leadership.
What will you do
- Translate the vision and strategy for Media Solutions in the UK into a set of deliverables in the UK roadmap, ensuring it reflects innovative media planning practices and drives real growth for clients.
- Translate the wider MM+D commercial strategy into actionable plans for the Solutions function, maintaining a clear line between organisational strategy and day-to-day delivery.
- Set the standards for product development and platform operations to manage the health and quality of the technology stack across product, engineering, QA and release management processes for the UK, leveraging global practices and technology where appropriate.
- Own, upskill and inform the product management function for solutions in leading the design of the future facing technology stack, ensure clear agile ways of working and implement and manage scrum.
- Develop a strong, informed point of view on how WPP's technology needs to evolve to deliver business outcomes, and design the Solutions architecture to reflect the needs of the UK.
- Ensure clear change management, quality assurance and deliverables from all development partners, internal and external are meeting requirements against project and roadmap goals and objectives.
Technology & Delivery
- Lead the Development function to manage priorities, deliverables and quality standards for solutions development: with a focus on scaled, quality delivery.
- Ensure Solutions development leverages the best of WPP's global and local technology: building in line with Open Intelligence, Open Media Studio and the broader WPP Open ecosystem.
- Own the relationship with WPP's Data & Tech roadmap, maximizing the capabilities for the UK with clear communication, commitment to quality delivery and setting the software development standards.
- Create measurable quality benchmarks across the solutions owners and engineers to deliver against the roadmap.
- Ensure high quality collaboration between key stakeholders both across Solutions design and development, Open and global Media solutions teams.
Leadership & People
- Build strong stakeholder relationships across WPP Media, with structured processes to communicate the team's output, roadmap and impact.
- Fully embed the Solutions function into the wider WPP Media organisation, ensuring it is seen as a strategic partner rather than a separate capability.
- Set the technology strategy in collaboration with the SVP of Design and development, own the roadmap and backlog, prioritise ruthlessly, delivery quality technology on a stable and robust technology stack.
- Establish investment cases and requirements gathering across the team is a high quality standard for external and internal development teams.
Behaviours
- Creates clarity from complexity. Translates competing priorities and strategic ambiguity into a clear direction the team can act on.
- Builds momentum. Moves things forward at pace, makes decisions without waiting for perfect information, and gives others the confidence to do the same.
- Makes hard calls. Willing to make decisions that are difficult or unpopular when they are the right ones.
- Accountable for outcomes. Develops leaders, not just individuals. Genuinely invested in the growth of the people beneath them.
- Holds the long view. Balances short-term delivery pressure with building something sustainable.
- Operates at the intersection of vision and pragmatism. Knows when to push for better and when good enough is right.
- Influences at pace. Builds credibility and trust with senior stakeholders through quality of thinking and commercial insight.
- Drives global to local. Adopts a most global, most local approach: evangelising the best of global technology and driving the behavioural change needed to maximise competitive advantage in the UK market.
- Builds collaborative, high-performing teams. Formulates and manages a highly collaborative team with clear ways of working, roles and responsibilities to deliver meaningful output to clients.
Skills and Experience
- Experience in a martech technology delivery with proven track record of developing and delivering commercially driven data and technology solutions.
- Proven technical and user product management leadership, focus on the end user experience and stable, robust platform development.
- Leading the end to end software development cycle across large, complex and multi – discipline media ecosystems for commercial benefit.
- Experience leaning into agentic capabilities, best in class technology leader that sets the bar in quality, agile development.
- A track record of translating high-level strategy into operational plans and delivering against them at scale.
- Experience leading large, cross-functional departments and developing senior leaders.
- Strategic understanding of the media planning and technology landscape: including programmatic, addressable, and data-driven media.
- Familiarity with the WPP Open platform ecosystem is an advantage, though not a requirement.
Life at WPP Media & Benefits
Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.
WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
VP, Media Solutions - Development, UK in London employer: WPP Media
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a commitment to inclusivity and a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive medical and retirement plans, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while enjoying a supportive environment. The opportunity to work with high-profile clients globally and leverage cutting-edge AI-driven solutions makes this role not only rewarding but also pivotal for personal and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP, Media Solutions - Development, UK in London
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for WPP Media and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like WPP Media are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with WPP Media on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at WPP Media. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace VP, Media Solutions - Development, UK in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit WPP Media. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of WPP Media:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about WPP Media’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WPP Media
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at WPP Media will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At WPP Media, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
