Client Managing Partner in London

We are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world-class human craft with next generation technology to originate, design, and deliver multi-channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today's always on, AI driven marketing world.

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth.

A Hybrid working model: We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. 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.

What does a Global Client Managing Partner do at WPP Production?

The role: By understanding WPP Production’s full breadth of services, our Global Client Managing Partner (GCMP) brings ideas and smart solutions to clients, helping them transform their business. You are a hunter and team builder who drives client business, as well as grows WPP Production’s opportunities and revenue. You add value by building and growing client relationships and partnering with confidence across the WPP network. You possess Exec level gravitas and are valued by our most senior clients for your partnership and strategic guidance. You are a driver of growth, identifying new business opportunities and leading new business pitches at a global level and/or across the WPP network to grow your portfolio of business. A storyteller who can lead business with the ability to write and present decks with flare and precision. An exceptional leader of clients, complex teams and individuals, you epitomise our brand values, are passionate about the business and inspire others to continually push to be better.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Growth and account planning: Drive agency revenue growth by identifying new opportunities while also constantly hunting for organic new business growth. Lead opportunities to drive/extend global client business and partnership. Lead new business pitches, working alongside the growth and cross functional teams. Build client business development plans, comms and contact strategies (per client) identify specific opportunities and actions needed. Focus on cross selling our capabilities and services to extend our offering to clients. Monitor and communicate POV on current marketing and industry issues leveraging your strong knowledge of the client’s business, strategic direction and competitive landscape. Demonstrate a good understanding of the sectors within which your clients’ operate. Understand client challenges and present potential opportunities to WPP Production’s global production teams and WPP Production.io to help identify innovative, cutting‑edge solutions.
• Relationship management: Establish and grow Exec level client relationships based on a plan referred to above. Seen as a trusted advisor to clients on WPP Production’s Global capabilities and provides guidance and counsel to Exec level clients to help them achieve growth. Ultimately responsible for overall client engagement and relationship health. Monitor client satisfaction metrics and associated performance measures. Ensure negative feedback is addressed directly with clients and corrective action plans are implemented. In-depth understanding of contractual obligations and commercial arrangements across assigned accounts and ensure details are briefed to the broader team. Provide regular strategic insights to clients focused on high-level strategy within WPP Production’s areas of expertise. Partner with Client Operations Director to drive account governance including Quarterly and Annual Business reviews and ensure flawless delivery.
• Collaboration: Know WPP Production inside and out – know the right people to talk to, the right people to bring in at the right time and take ownership of opportunities driving the business. Gain a high level of trust and respect among department heads in Creative, Production, Operations, Technology, Finance and SMEs. Effectively navigate teams when there are conflicting priorities. Develop and maintain WPP interagency and OpCo relationships with a focus on media partnerships and data, to push our strategic vision. Work with WPP Production Global ExCo and WPP Production Marketing Team to tell the story of WPP Production by delivering compelling case studies and content sound bites.
• Leadership: Create a culture of fresh-thinking, collaboration, respect, equality, diversity and inclusion, with a focus on learning, development and growth. Contribute to WPP Production Worldwide culture by exhibiting ownership, professionalism, passion and leading by example. Regardless of reporting lines and disciplines, inspire the wider portfolio team to deliver their best. Empower the team to take ownership and find solutions, support them by removing any barriers to success. In partnership with GCL and BD hire and retain the best talent. Understand how data and the use of data can change how we approach content creation and elevate the types of conversations and recommendations we have with clients. Have an active interest in sustainability and help drive change within WPP Production and our clients to think and act more sustainably. Plan and oversee a robust induction for new members to the team.
• Financials: Accountable for P&L budgets and forecasting and achieving the agreed contribution margin. Strong oversight of SOW, construction of fees, pricing, account reviews and profitability analysis. Knowledge of profit levers and use them to drive profitability across your account portfolio.

Requirements:

• Demonstrable experience in senior client services roles within a production, marketing, digital, creative, or consultancy environment, with responsibility for building and growing key client relationships.
• Expert Exec client relationship skills – multi stakeholder environment, matrix reporting, industry POV.
• Strong growth mindset with a motivation to meet specific financial targets.
• Demonstrated ability to grow revenue through organic growth, strategic growth and new business.
• Strong business and financial acumen.
• Ability to write clear, cohesive and focused client comms including strategic presentations with strong storytelling skills. Also mentoring BDs and Sr ADs to further develop these skills.
• Ability to build partnerships across disciplines, networks and teams.
• Authentically passionate about great work, teams and business.
• Curiosity and insatiable need for continual learning that is infectious.
• Aligned to our values.

Why work here: At WPP Production, you’ll help shape the future of content production at a truly global scale. We bring together world-class talent, cutting-edge studios, and advanced technology to solve some of the most complex creative and production challenges in the industry. You’ll work in a collaborative, borderless environment where craft excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged, and AI and next-generation tools are used to amplify not replace human creativity. With access to diverse projects, global career opportunities, and the backing of WPP’s unmatched network, this is a place where you can grow your skills, make real impact, and create work that performs for every audience, across every channel, at every moment.

Inclusion and Impact: WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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.