Data Strategy & Client Analytics Specialist

Wpp; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

WPP Media in Johannesburg seeks a Data Strategy and Client Analytics Specialist to lead data strategy, governance, and advanced analytics for key clients. You will partner with global teams to design data-driven marketing solutions, ensuring privacy compliance and data integrity.

The role requires 6–8+ years in client analytics with experience across global accounts and modern martech/adtech stacks, translating insights into strategic recommendations that drive client growth.

Qualifications

• 6–8+ years of experience in client analytics and data-driven roles.
• Strong experience working with global clients and cross-functional teams in matrixed environments.
• Proven ability to develop and implement data strategies aligned to business and marketing goals.
• Solid understanding of Data Strategy and Client Analytics.
• Demonstrated success in delivering analytics-led insights that drive measurable business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and operationalise client-specific data strategies that leverage data as a core asset for marketing and business growth.
• Advise identified clients on data strategy, defining roadmaps and technology use to solve complex marketing challenges working with the global team and local Client President.
• Lead the client analytics function, delivering high-impact advanced analytics and insights to influence revenue growth in the top client portfolio.
• Translate complex data analyses into clear, actionable strategic recommendations aligned with client business goals within the media ecosystem.
• Develop and operationalise differentiated analytics offerings that support premium pricing and expand strategic client engagement.

Skills

Data Strategy

Client Analytics

Data Governance

Martech/Adtech

Google Analytics

Tools

Google Analytics

Job description

Johannesburg, South Africa

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 ourpioneeringagentic 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.

The Data Strategy and Client Analytics Specialist partners closely with the WPP Media Client President, Client Teams, WPP Open and Data Teams and clients to develop and implement comprehensive data strategies that maximize the value of data as a strategic asset. This role blends strategic data planning, governance, and advanced analytics to empower clients in optimising marketing performance, driving business growth, and ensuring data compliance. You will lead both data strategy and client analytics functions to deliver actionable insights and technology-enabled solutions that differentiate our offerings and create measurable client impact.

Key Focus Areas

• Data Strategy: Lead the crafting and execution of tailored data strategies that align with client objectives and marketing goals, optimising the use of data and technology assets.
• Client Analytics: Lead the delivery of advanced analytics solutions and actionable insights that drive strategic client decisions and business outcomes and solutions.
• Data Governance & Compliance: Ensure adherence to data governance, privacy, and security standards, maintaining data integrity and client trust.
• Team training and collaboration: Collaborate closely with the global team to provide expert technology consulting locally. Lead training initiatives and develop the internal team’s capabilities to ensure consistent adoption of best practices, innovative solutions, and a strong data-driven culture across the organisation.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and operationalise client-specific data strategies that leverage data as a core asset for marketing and business growth.
• Advise identified clients on data strategy, defining roadmaps and technology use to solve complex marketing challenges working with the global team and local Client President.
• Lead the client analytics function, delivering high-impact advanced analytics and insights to influence at least 20% of revenue growth in the top client portfolio.
• Translate complex data analyses into clear, actionable strategic recommendations aligned with client business goals within the media ecosystem.
• Develop and operationalise differentiated analytics offerings that support premium pricing and expand strategic client engagement.

Data Governance and Compliance:

• Ensure all client data strategies comply with governance frameworks, data privacy regulations, and security policies to safeguard data integrity.

Team training and collaboration:

• Collaborate with the global team to localise expert technology and data strategy consulting.
• Lead training initiatives to upskill internal teams on analytics, data tools, and emerging technologies.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and best practice sharing across teams.
• Build a strong data-driven culture through ongoing team development and knowledge transfer.

Experience & Skills

• 6–8+ years of experience in client analytics and data-driven roles.
• Strong experience working with global clients and cross-functional teams in matrixed environments.
• Proven ability to develop and implement data strategies aligned to business and marketing goals.
• Solid understanding of Data Strategy and Client Analytics.
• Demonstrated success in delivering analytics-led insights that drive measurable business outcomes.
• Good knowledge of data governance, privacy regulations (e.g. GDPR/POPIA), and compliance frameworks.
• Experience using modern martech/adtech stacks and platforms such as Google Analytics.
• Skilled in data storytelling and translating analytical findings into strategic client recommendations.
• Experience leading consulting engagements, managing and teaching all stakeholders, and influencing global strategy.

Attributes

• Strategic & Commercial Thinker – Able to connect data strategy with business impact and growth.
• Collaborative Leader – Excels at working across global and local teams, fostering a learning culture.
• Client-Centric Mindset – Deeply understands client needs and adapts strategies accordingly.
• Strong Communicator – Able to simplify complex data topics for non-technical stakeholders.
• Results-Driven – Focused on delivering value through measurable client and business outcomes.
• Innovative & Curious – Always exploring new data methodologies, technologies, and applications.

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