At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic operations and drive critical projects for a leading media company.
- Company: Join WPP Media, a dynamic and innovative leader in AI-driven media solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, extensive benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Embrace a hybrid work culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming business strategies into actionable results.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in project management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ 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. For more information, visit wppmedia.com.
Role Summary and Impact
We are seeking an exceptionally seasoned and dynamic Director, Strategic Operations, UK to lead the project management, execution, tracking, and delivery of our business-critical "One Company" project portfolio. Reporting directly to the VP, Strategic Operations, UK and working alongside the COO, you will take the EXCO "Plan on a Page" and turn it into clear, connected actions across the business-making progress visible, setting rigorous PM frameworks, holding workstream owners to account, and keeping projects moving forward. This role requires a heavy-hitting portfolio/programme/project management expert who thrives in a high-visibility environment. You are not just a manager of timelines-you are a strategic driver-an operational leader who knows how to align complex teams to deliver exceptional results.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Delivery & Portfolio Execution
- Drive "One Company" Projects: Drive the end-to-end execution of company-wide, critical operational projects from business case / inception through delivery, ensuring alignment with executive business goals.
- Work Breakdown & Task Management: Translate high-level priorities into clear, practical deliverables-defining detailed Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), timelines, key milestones, dependencies, and precise task ownership.
- Portfolio & Resource Optimisation: Oversee the master project portfolio across business streams (e.g., people, finance, data, tech, operations). Optimise resource allocation, balance competing priorities, identify capacity constraints, and ensure high-value initiatives are delivered on time and within scope.
- Keep Things Moving: Work directly with business leads to solve problems, clear blockers, and ensure projects cross the finish line on time.
- Governance, Frameworks & Strict Accountability
- Set & Embed Frameworks: Assess existing delivery methodologies and establish best-in-class PM standard operating procedures, tools, and KPIs. Embed simple, practical project toolkits (e.g., Business Case Templates, Project Charters, Portfolio Reports, RACI matrices, RAID logs, and milestone plans) across all initiatives.
- Hold Teams Accountable: Drive a culture of accountability and precision. Establish clear ownership for every workstream, leading regular portfolio/project reviews and huddles to keep business leads strictly accountable for their deliverables and commitments.
- Light-Touch Governance: Run light but highly effective tracking. Cut out unnecessary paperwork and "admin for the sake of admin," focusing purely on actions, outputs, and operational efficiency.
- Transparent Reporting & Executive Visibility
- Single Source of Truth: Maintain and own the central executive plan, providing senior leadership with absolute transparency on progress, RAG status, RAID logs, percent-completes, and capacity.
- Stakeholder Alignment & Escalation: Serve as the key connective tissue between senior leadership, department heads, and execution teams. Communicate project health, risks, and strategic trade-offs effectively, maintaining a direct line of communication with the VP, Strategic Operations and COO to elevate risks early.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Capability
- Break Down Silos: Act as the connective tissue between central functions, capability teams, and agencies, ensuring teams are aligned and working toward shared outcomes rather than in isolation.
Skills & Experience
- Experience: Progressive portfolio/programme/project management experience, including significant experience leading and orchestrating large-scale, complex initiatives at a senior level (agency/media network experience preferred).
- Execution & Framework Mastery: Deep, expert-level mastery of project management frameworks (PMP / APM / PMI certifications required or heavily preferred; Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid). Deep knowledge of practical execution mechanics (Business Case Development, Benefits Realisation, WBS, RACI, RAID management, milestone planning, and critical path tracking).
- Leadership & Accountability: Proven track record of operating successfully at the Director level, directly influencing executive decision-making, holding cross-functional teams accountable without direct line authority, and turning troubled projects around.
- Executive Presence & Communication: Exceptional communication skills-able to synthesise complex project statuses across multiple workstreams into clear, transparent, visual updates for the C-suite, SLT, and VP.
- Pragmatic Problem Solving: A relentless focus on execution and practical problem-solving. Comfortable diving into project details to help workstream leads unravel issues, navigate dependencies, and unblock progress.
Bottom Line Objectives
- Turn EXCO priorities and "One Company" projects into tracked, delivered outputs using structured PM methodologies.
- Enforce clear frameworks and strict accountability across all workstreams.
- Maintain visual status reports for Executive Leadership.
- Drive clear ownership, transparent reporting, and zero superfluous admin.
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.
Director, Strategic Operations (6 month FTC) 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 Director, Strategic Operations (6 month FTC)
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Wppmedia. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Wppmedia.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Wppmedia.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Strategic Operations (6 month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Wppmedia and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wppmedia
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Wppmedia will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Wppmedia.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Wppmedia.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Wppmedia. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
