Data Scientist

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 Data Scientist role is a key role within the Marketing Science team. In this role, you will apply data-driven insights and advanced analytics to help optimise our clients’ advertising campaigns and media strategies. The Marketing Science team is responsible for accelerating our clients’ growth by integrating data and analytics into marketing decision making; applying scientific rigour to marketing theory to generate data driven insight, capabilities, and consultancy.

Specifically, the Data Science team are a team of data practitioners who are passionate about the applications of data science within the field of marketing to make advertising better for brands and consumers; driving effective outcomes in the most sustainable way possible. They bring data to life in scientific ways to provide insight, recommendations and innovations relating to client marketing strategies from planning, audience, optimisation and measurement.

Your primary objective will be to leverage data analytics and machine learning techniques to drive measurable improvements in our clients’ advertising campaigns. You will contribute to the development of data-driven solutions that optimise media spend, enhance audience targeting, and increase overall campaign effectiveness. Your work will directly impact our agencies ability to deliver superior results for our clients in the competitive digital advertising landscape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain media buying optimization algorithms through AI and ML to drive greater campaign outcomes against an array of KPIs.
• Create audience segmentation and addressability models to enhance targeting precision across multiple targeting keys.
• Generate actionable campaign insights from complex datasets to improve campaign planning through actionable insights.
• Implement yield management strategies to maximise supply utilisation across the addressable TV portfolio.
• Build and refine forecasting models for campaign performance for multiple channels.
• Design and analyse A/B tests to improve campaign effectiveness measurement.
• Assist in developing robust campaign measurement methodologies.

Skills & Experience

• Proficiency in Python or R for data analysis and modelling.
• Strong understanding of statistical concepts and machine learning algorithms.
• Experience with SQL and data manipulation techniques.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, PowerBI).
• Knowledge of digital advertising concepts and metrics.
• Knowledge of marketing analytics and attribution models (desired).
• Understanding of programmatic advertising ecosystems (desired).
• Working knowledge of econometrics modelling (MMM) to understand a client’s media plan performance against short and long term metrics (preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills to present findings to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Keen attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn new technologies and methodologies.

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.

We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in‑office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events.

Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days. 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.

Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country. Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location.