Senior Director, Programme Managment

WPP; Greater London; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

WPP is seeking a Senior Director, Programme Management to join our Strategic Programmes team in London. You will lead cross-functional programmes, aligning teams across Product, Engineering, Operations, Data and Finance to deliver strategic outcomes.

You’ll enjoy shaping delivery, managing dependencies and guiding senior stakeholders through complex transitions. You will thrive in a role that blends strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, mentoring others and driving meaningful change across

Qualifications

• This role requires experience leading complex programmes with multiple stakeholders.
• Proven ability to drive delivery with governance and structured delivery practices.
• Experience coaching or mentoring others and guiding cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead programmes from planning through delivery, translating priorities into plans and milestones.
• Coordinate delivery across Product, Engineering, Operations, Commercial, Data, Finance and more.
• Build trusted stakeholder relationships across DTS and the wider business.
• Provide clear updates on progress, risks, decisions and outcomes.
• Facilitate decision-making and maintain momentum across workstreams.
• Support adoption of new products, platforms and ways of working.
• Manage dependencies, risks and issues to keep programmes on track.
• Capture lessons learned and drive continuous delivery improvements.
• Take ownership of smaller projects when hands-on delivery is needed.
• Contribute to planning and prioritisation across the Strategic Programmes portfolio.
• Coach, mentor or support the development of Programme/Project Managers.

Skills

Programme leadership

Stakeholder management

Governance

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Job description

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands.

We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth.
We work with the world's most valuable brands and have global reach across 100+ markets, with deep local expertise.
Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow.
For more information, visit WPP.com.

Location: London
Reporting to: Global Senior Director, Strategic Programmes

Why We Are Hiring:

WPP’s Data & Technology Solutions (DTS) is WPP’s global data products and technology team. We partner with our agencies and clients to create data-driven solutions and technology products that power marketing transformation.

At the heart of this is WPP Open , our AI-powered marketing platform that brings together people, data, tools and AI to help deliver better outcomes for clients.

We're looking for a Senior Director, Programme Management to join our Strategic Programmes team and help deliver some of DTS's most important initiatives.

This is an opportunity to work across a wide range of programmes, bringing together teams, stakeholders and capabilities from across the business to deliver meaningful change. You'll play a key role in turning priorities into action, helping teams stay aligned, navigate challenges and deliver successful outcomes.

You'll enjoy building relationships and bringing clarity to complex situations. You'll be comfortable moving between strategic discussions and hands-on delivery, adapting your approach to whatever the programme needs.

What You Will Do:

Strategic Programmes Delivery

• Lead programmes and projects from planning through to delivery.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear plans, milestones and outcomes.
• Coordinate delivery across Product, Engineering, Operations, Commercial, Data, Finance and other business teams.
• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders across DTS and the wider business.
• Provide clear updates on progress, risks, decisions and outcomes.
• Facilitate decision-making and help maintain momentum across multiple workstreams.
• Support the delivery and adoption of new products, platforms, technologies and ways of working.
• Manage dependencies, risks and issues to help programmes stay on track.
• Capture lessons learned and use insight to continuously improve delivery.
• Take ownership of smaller projects where hands-on delivery is needed.
• Contribute to planning and prioritisation across the Strategic Programmes portfolio.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Support and mentor Programme and Project Managers, helping them develop their skills.
• Share knowledge, best practice and practical guidance across the team.
• Contribute to the continued development of delivery standards, tools and ways of working.
• Work closely with the Global Senior Director, Strategic Programmes on team priorities and resource planning.

What You Will Need:

• Experience leading complex programmes and projects involving multiple stakeholders and teams.
• Experience delivering technology, operational or organisational change initiatives.
• A practical understanding of programme and project management approaches and governance.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, risks, dependencies and delivery challenges.
• Confidence working with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• The ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
• Experience coaching, mentoring or supporting the development of others.
• A collaborative mindset and a focus on delivering meaningful outcomes.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to join a collaborative team working on programmes that help shape the future of DTS.

If you enjoy bringing people together, solving complex challenges and delivering meaningful change, we'd love to hear from you.

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 around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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.

Voluntary Equal Opportunities Questions (UK)

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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.

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