At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative strategies for impactful public sector campaigns and drive creative experimentation.
- Company: Join WPP Media, a leader in AI-driven media solutions and transformative growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with constant learning and the chance to influence diverse communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in government communications and shape lives through innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategy development, digital media, and emerging technologies required.
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
Join an award-winning team at the heart of UK government, where your work will genuinely shape lives. As part of WPP 650 you'll be part of a supportive, collaborative environment that values curiosity, kindness, and growth. Together, we use behaviour change principles to design smarter services, influence better decisions, and help millions of people across the country.
Named WPP 650, after the 650 UK constituencies, the name is a reminder that our work must reflect the full breadth of the country, every community, every audience. No two days are the same. The challenges are complex, the problems worth solving, and the learning constant. You'll tackle issues that matter, alongside talented colleagues who care deeply about what they do. It's demanding - but always rewarding. This is meaningful work with real-world impact - the kind you can point to with pride.
The advertising industry is in the midst of the biggest multi-generational communications shift in history. CMOs and public sector leaders are mastering two critical transformations: delivering a data, technology & AI-powered future, and moving beyond paid advertising. Organizations must shift from interrupting people with ads to engaging people with highly relevant, trust-building experiences.
WPP Media is establishing The Experience Capability, a transformational offering that sits at the heart of integrated ESOP (Earned, Shared, Owned, Paid) strategies. This capability creates and integrates experiences across Platforms, Applied Innovation, DCO, Creators, and Creative Excellence to unlock growth for our clients' most pressing business challenges.
Business Director (BD), Innovation
We are seeking a Business Director (BD), Innovation to serve as the key strategic and operational driver for our flagship UK Government account (WPP 650). Reporting directly to the VP, Innovation, this role is instrumental in developing breakthrough innovation strategies, designing cutting-edge thought-leadership frameworks, and translating complex technology/media trends into actionable public-sector campaigns.
You will work closely with multi-disciplinary planners and strategists across the entire WPP 650 team. Crucially, you will act as a key collaborative bridge-partnering with Citizen Consultancy and Behavioural Science specialists to ground creative technology in deep audience understanding, integrating DE&I frameworks to ensure innovations are accessible and representative, operationalising the implementation of innovation with Activation, Data, Tech & Analysis teams, and coordinating with dedicated Hub teams to turn strategies into high-impact public service campaigns.
A core component of this leadership role is the direct line management, mentorship, and development of 1 Account Manager, while driving a culture of creative, evidence-based experimentation across our client-facing teams.
Skills and Experience
This leader will possess a potent mix of strategic sharpness, creative curiosity, and operational discipline. They will be highly skilled at taking abstract emerging technology trends and framing them into practical, highly structured briefs that solve immediate government communication challenges.
The role demands exceptional interpersonal skills, high EQ, and organizational agility. You will navigate a complex, multi-department government landscape, building trusted relationships with senior civil servants, GCS (Government Communication Service) leads, and diverse internal agency capabilities. You must be comfortable presenting in client boardrooms and skilled at simplifying complex concepts into clear, persuasive, inclusive, and award-worthy narratives.
Key Requirements
- Strategy, creative, or technology-driven planning experience within a leading media agency, digital shop, or innovation consultancy.
- Strong strategic and analytical thinker with a deep understanding of digital media, experience design (CX), and emerging technologies (such as Applied AI, conversational interfaces, and immersive formats).
- Proven track record in strategy development - specifically in turning cultural insights and technological trends into multi-channel communication strategies.
- Collaborative mindset with experience working alongside specialized divisions.
Business Director, Innovation (Media Advertising) employer: Wppmedia
WPP Media is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, offering employees the flexibility of a hybrid working model in the vibrant setting of Greater London. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, we provide ample opportunities for skill development and career advancement, ensuring that our team members are equipped to deliver outstanding client solutions. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Director, Innovation (Media Advertising)
✨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 Wppmedia 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 Wppmedia 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 Wppmedia 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 Wppmedia. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Director, Innovation (Media Advertising)
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 Wppmedia. 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 Wppmedia:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Wppmedia’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 Wppmedia
✨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 Wppmedia 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 Wppmedia, 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.
