Director of Strategy & Transformation - PPS

*For internal WPP employees, we welcome applications from all regions*

Why we're hiring:

WPP is at the forefront of the marketing and advertising industry's largest transformation. Our Global CIO is leading a significant evolution of our Enterprise Technology capabilities, bringing together over 2,500 technology professionals into an integrated global team. This team will play a crucial role in enabling the ongoing transformation of our agencies and functions.

As Director of Strategy & Transformation – Production, PR and Specialist (PPS), you will be shaping the technology roadmap for WPP's Production, PR & Specialist agencies cluster. You will lead the development and execution of technology strategies that empower our agencies to achieve their business goals, ensuring they have the tools and solutions they need to thrive in a dynamic industry. Your leadership will be fundamental in driving innovation, implementing new technologies, and embedding new ways of working across the cluster.

What you'll be doing:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to define a compelling technology vision, objectives, and strategy for the PPS cluster, ensuring alignment with WPP's strategic priorities.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior stakeholders on technology solutions, innovation opportunities, and transformation initiatives.
• Oversee the development of business cases for new technology demands, ensuring cost-effectiveness and maximizing value creation.
• Manage technology demand forecasting, planning, and resource allocation, adhering to portfolio governance requirements.
• Cultivate strong relationships with key Agency and Enterprise Technology stakeholders, fostering open communication and collaborative partnerships.
• Partner closely with the Strategic Portfolio Management Office to ensure transparency and effective communication regarding portfolio initiatives.
• Collaborate with Finance to provide guidance on technology spend and manage the sub-portfolio budget.
• Build and lead a high-performing Transformation Squad, providing line management support, talent development, and guidance to deliver on strategic objectives.

What you'll need:

• A proven track record of developing and implementing technology strategies and transformation initiatives within complex organizations.
• Experience in the Communications, Advertising, or Media sector, with a strong understanding of industry challenges and opportunities.
• Proven leadership skills, including experience managing global teams and fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.
• A strong understanding of Digital and Technology functions, with the ability to translate business needs into effective technology solutions.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to convey complex information effectively.
• Strategic thinking and development skills, with the ability to anticipate future trends and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong project and program management skills, with a proven track record of delivering complex initiatives on time and within budget.
• Expertise in demand planning and management, business case development, and benefits tracking.
• Strong financial and budget management skills, with a focus on value realization and cost optimization.
• Experience leading and managing change initiatives, effectively navigating organizational complexities and driving adoption of new technologies.

Closing date 27th October

Who you are:

You're open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are accepting: of new ideas, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You're optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You're extraordinary: We are stronger together: through collaboration we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We promote a culture of people that do extraordinary work.

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?