Global Commercial Manager

Wunderman Thompson; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global marketing agency in London seeks a Global Commercial Manager to manage financial data and engage with clients. This role requires expertise in financial analysis, BI dashboards, and client relationship management. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in financial data analysis, technology tools, and effective communication. The agency promotes a hybrid working approach to foster collaboration and creativity.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to analyze complex financial data and identify trends.
• Experience in developing BI dashboards and data governance frameworks.
• Strong aptitude for managing and optimizing scope management tools.

Responsibilities

• Prepare analysis of agency client information across the network.
• Governance of BuMP and ensure adherence to pricing and asset guidelines.
• Support annual scope, resourcing and fee negotiations with clients.

Skills

Advanced Data Analysis

Financial Acumen

Business Intelligence (BI)

Data Governance

Technology Proficiency

Client Engagement

Cross-functional Collaboration

Strategic Thinking

Tools

BuMP

Coupa

Job description

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

The Role

TheGlobal Commercial Manager reports to the WPP Global Commercial Director, supported by the Senior Commercial Manager and with a dotted line to the SVP Global Commercial and Operations Director.

The role involves managing and analyzing financial data across various WPP agencies, including working capital, revenue, pricing, scopes, and client savings. Key responsibilities include producing clear, actionable reports for senior management, promoting commercial best practices across agencies, supporting horizontal WPP commercial models, and engaging with client procurement teams when required.

Key Responsibilities:

Governance/ Analysis

• Preparing analysis of agency client information across the network
• Detailed understanding and Management of the Scope Management Tool (BuMP)
• Governance of BuMP and ensuring WPP agencies are following the correct WOW – Rate cards, Asset pricing blocks, FTE Hrs.
• Deep understanding of client rebate and bonus mechanism, and advising towards the markets globally
• Development of BI-Dashboard reporting and working closely with the Snr global manager on integrating data/ information into visualization tools
• Implementation of tech – BuMP 2.0 (SMT), Integration of Coupa and consistently evaluating how we can improve WOW by using technology
• Driving WPP insourcing - WPP-Production within the network
• Data types: revenue, margin, scopes, pricing and client value/savings
• Providing commentary on trends or movements both Cartesis and BuMP management tool – Understanding of pricing variance across the regions and markets
• Liaising with agencies to investigate anomalies
• Making suggestions on areas for improvement
• Developing ideas on how to improve net working capital and profitability

Client Engagement

• Move the remuneration discussion away from cost to pricing of our service whilst understanding and respecting the historic agency remuneration models.
• Supporting and partnering Client central team working and assisting on the transition of the new MSA and implementation across the markets
• Support with annual scope, resourcing and fee negotiations. Understanding client requirements and motivations for engaging with WPP and assisting this relationship
• Understanding how the client works with a portfolio of WPP agencies
• Internally implementing, educating and coordination for any significant client changes or requests
• Preparing relevant analysis to be shared with the client

Teamwork

• A key member of the WPP Global Client Commercial team and client central operations team
• Work closely with the wider WPP central client teams on two accounts
• Working collaboratively both within WPP group and with the agencies
• Developing a connection with the agencies so that they value your guidance and input
• Share learning amongst and between the networks leveraging our knowledge and experience.
• A good communicator who works well both independently and as part of a team

Key skills required:

• Advanced Data Analysis & Financial Acumen:Proven ability to analyze complex financial data (revenue, margin, scopes, pricing), identify trends, provide insightful commentary, and develop strategies for profitability and net working capital improvement.
• Business Intelligence (BI) & Data Governance:Experience in developing BI dashboards, integrating data into visualization tools, and establishing/enforcing data governance frameworks (e.g., rate cards, asset pricing).
• Technology & Systems Proficiency:Strong aptitude for managing and optimizing scope management tools (e.g., BuMP/SMT), evaluating new technologies (e.g., Coupa), and driving process improvements through tech implementation.
• Commercial & Client Engagement:Ability to support annual scope, resourcing, and fee negotiations, shift remuneration discussions to value-based pricing, and understand/support complex client relationships and MSAs.
• Cross-functional Collaboration & Communication:Excellent teamwork, influencing, and communication skills to work effectively with global teams, agencies, and clients, providing guidance and sharing knowledge.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving:Proactive in investigating anomalies, identifying areas for improvement, and contributing ideas for strategic initiatives like WPP insourcing.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn,and X .

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