Director, Strategic Operations (6 month FTC)

<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>About WPP Media</strong></p> <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>For more information, visit <a href="wppmedia.com">wppmedia.com</a>.</p></div><p><strong>1637 - Director, Strategic Operations (6 month FTC) - UK</strong></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Role Summary and Impact</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">We are&nbsp;seeking&nbsp;an exceptionally seasoned and dynamic </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Director, Strategic Operations, UK</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> to&nbsp;lead the&nbsp;project management,&nbsp;execution, tracking, and delivery of our business-critical "One Company" project portfolio.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">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&nbsp;-&nbsp;making progress visible, setting&nbsp;rigorous PM&nbsp;frameworks, holding workstream owners to account, and keeping projects moving forward.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">This role requires a heavy-hitting&nbsp;portfolio/programme/project management expert who thrives in a high-visibility environment. You are not just a manager of timelines&nbsp;-&nbsp;you are a strategic driver&nbsp;-&nbsp;an operational leader who knows how to align complex teams to deliver exceptional results.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Key Responsibilities</span></strong> </p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Strategic Delivery &amp; Portfolio Execution</span></strong></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Drive "One Company" Projects:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Drive the end-to-end execution of company-wide, critical operational projects from&nbsp;business case /&nbsp;inception&nbsp;through delivery, ensuring alignment with executive business goals.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Work Breakdown &amp; Task Management:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Translate high-level priorities into clear, practical deliverables&nbsp;-&nbsp;defining detailed Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), timelines, key milestones, dependencies, and precise task ownership.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Portfolio &amp; Resource Optimisation:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Oversee the master project portfolio across business streams (e.g., people, finance, data, tech, operations). Optimise resource allocation, balance competing priorities,&nbsp;identify&nbsp;capacity constraints, and ensure high-value initiatives are delivered on time and within scope.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Keep Things Moving:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Work directly with business leads to solve problems, clear blockers, and ensure projects cross the finish line on time.</span> </li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Governance, Frameworks &amp; Strict Accountability</span></strong></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Set &amp; Embed Frameworks:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Assess existing delivery methodologies and&nbsp;establish&nbsp;best-in-class PM standard operating procedures, tools, and KPIs. Embed simple, practical project toolkits (e.g.,&nbsp;Business Case Templates,&nbsp;Project&nbsp;Charters, Portfolio Reports,&nbsp;RACI matrices,&nbsp;RAID&nbsp;logs, and milestone plans) across all initiatives.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Hold Teams Accountable:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Drive a culture of accountability and precision. Establish clear ownership for every workstream, leading regular&nbsp;portfolio/project&nbsp;reviews and huddles to keep business leads strictly accountable for their deliverables and commitments.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Light-Touch Governance:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> 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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Transparent Reporting &amp; Executive Visibility</span></strong></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="11" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Single Source of Truth:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Maintain&nbsp;and own the central executive plan, providing senior leadership with absolute transparency on progress, RAG status,&nbsp;RAID logs, percent-completes, and capacity.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="11" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Stakeholder Alignment &amp; Escalation:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Serve as the key connective tissue between senior leadership, department heads, and execution teams. Communicate project health, risks, and strategic trade-offs effectively,&nbsp;maintaining&nbsp;a direct line of communication with the VP, Strategic Operations and COO to escalate risks early.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Cross-Functional Collaboration &amp; Capability</span></strong></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Break Down Silos:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> 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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Skills &amp; Experience</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Experience:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> 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).</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Execution &amp; Framework Mastery:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Deep, expert-level mastery of project management frameworks (PMP /&nbsp;APM / PMI certifications&nbsp;required&nbsp;or heavily&nbsp;preferred;&nbsp;Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid). Deep knowledge of practical execution mechanics (Business Case Development, Benefits Realisation,&nbsp;WBS, RACI,&nbsp;RAID&nbsp;management, milestone planning, and critical path tracking).</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Leadership &amp; Accountability:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Proven&nbsp;track record&nbsp;of&nbsp;operating&nbsp;successfully at the Director level, directly influencing executive decision-making, holding cross-functional teams accountable without direct line authority, and turning troubled projects around.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Executive Presence &amp; Communication:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> Exceptional communication skills&nbsp;-&nbsp;able to synthesise complex project statuses across multiple workstreams into clear, transparent, visual updates for the C-suite, SLT, and VP.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Pragmatic Problem Solving:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> 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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Bottom Line Objectives</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Turn EXCO priorities and "One Company" projects into tracked, delivered outputs&nbsp;using structured PM methodologies.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Enforce clear frameworks and strict accountability across all workstreams.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Maintain&nbsp;visual&nbsp;status reports&nbsp;for Executive Leadership.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Drive clear ownership, transparent reporting, and zero superfluous admin.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Life at WPP Media &amp; Benefits</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">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 &amp; WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.</span><span data-contrast="none"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">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.</span><span data-contrast="none"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">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.</span><span data-contrast="none">  Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><em><span data-contrast="auto">Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location</span></em><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Please read our Privacy Notice (</span><a href="https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy</span></span><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">)</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;for more information on how we process the information you provide.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.</span><span data-contrast="none"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">#LI-Promoted</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p><div class="content-conclusion"><p></p> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW227196529 BCX8" lang="EN-CA" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW227196529 BCX8">Please read our <a href="https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy#:~:text=WPP%20Media%20Privacy%20Notice%20for%20Recruitment">Privacy Notice</a></span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW227196529 BCX8" lang="EN-CA" data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;<span class="NormalTextRun SCXW227196529 BCX8">for more information on how we process the information you provide.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW227196529 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p></div>

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