At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth initiatives and craft compelling narratives for high-value business opportunities.
- Company: Join WPP Production, a global leader in creative content production and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, diverse projects, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to fostering a culture of respect and belonging.
- Why this job: Shape the future of content production while collaborating with top talent and cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in new business and strategic roles, with strong storytelling and commercial skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This job is with WPP Production, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
About WPP Production: 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.
About WPP: 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.
The role: The New Business Director plays a pivotal role in shaping and driving growth for WPP Production, defining how we win high-value, complex opportunities and shaping the strategic direction of our UK growth function. You will lead the strategic direction and narrative for priority new business opportunities, designing integrated solutions and clear go-to-market propositions. You will ensure that every response (whether formal RFP or informal approach) is clearly positioned, commercially compelling and aligned to client needs. You will be accountable for the quality and consistency of our narrative and strategic output across all UK pitches, setting the standard for how we articulate our value.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Define and lead the strategic direction for priority, high-value opportunities, ensuring a clear and differentiated approach to winning.
- Accountable for the narrative quality and strategic standard across all pitches, setting the benchmark for how we articulate our value.
- Design end-to-end client solutions and commercial models, including operating models, pricing approach and value proposition.
- Lead the development of go-to-market propositions, continuously evolving how WPP Production positions itself in market.
- Work with the Global Chief Growth Officer to define and drive the global growth strategy for WPP Production, identifying priority markets, opportunity types and areas of focus.
- Define and influence where we focus our growth efforts, ensuring time and resource are prioritised on the highest value opportunities.
- Analyse pipeline, performance and market trends to identify where growth is coming from — and where it should come from next.
- Partner with senior leadership to shape growth priorities, targets and investment decisions.
- Drive improved conversion, efficiency and revenue impact across the new business pipeline through stronger strategic positioning and approach.
- Build and scale a repeatable growth engine, embedding frameworks, playbooks, tools and best practice that enable teams globally to win consistently without central dependency.
- Act as a “pitch doctor”, stepping into critical opportunities to strengthen narrative, structure and overall response quality.
- Present and represent WPP Production in senior client meetings & pitch meetings.
- Drive cross-WPP integration, ensuring seamless collaboration across Media, Creative and Production.
- Identify and embed new ways of working, improving how we approach, structure and deliver pitches.
- Lead on innovation in growth, including exploring the use of AI and new technologies to enhance team capability and efficiency.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across WPP and key client organisations.
- Develop and scale team capability, through coaching, mentoring and training.
What good looks like:
- Significant experience in new business, client leadership, growth or strategy roles within a creative, production or agency environment.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, with a proven ability to define how complex opportunities are approached and won.
- Outstanding writing and storytelling ability, with experience leading narrative development for high-value, multi-disciplinary pitches.
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience designing and influencing commercial models, pricing strategies and value propositions.
- Able to use and apply AI tools to the new business process.
- Proven experience leading large, complex and high-value pitch processes, often involving multiple stakeholders and disciplines.
- Confident and credible communicator, with experience presenting to senior clients and influencing at leadership level.
- Comfortable operating at pace and under pressure, managing multiple high-stakes opportunities simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of integrated marketing ecosystems, including the intersection of media, creative and production.
- Able to influence and align senior stakeholders, often with competing priorities, to a single direction.
- Experience shaping or evolving go-to-market propositions and strategic positioning.
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments, bringing structure and clarity to complex challenges.
- A proactive and solutions-driven mindset, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Experience developing and mentoring team members, with a focus on building capability and scaling impact.
- Curious and forward-thinking, with an interest in innovation, AI and the future of content and production.
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK New Business Director
✨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 Production 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 Production 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 Production 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 Production. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace UK New Business Director
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 Production. 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 Production:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about WPP Production’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 Production
✨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 Production 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 Production, 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.
