Strategy Lead

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. 

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.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

Role Summary and Impact: 

We are seeking a visionary and experienced Strategy Lead to spearhead the development of innovative and impactful media strategies for our prestigious automotive client account for UK and Overseas Markets (for clarity this role will oversee UK and global markets excluding the client’s biggest regions – NA, CN, MENA). This role is central to translating our client's modern luxury vision into actionable media plans that drive desire and deliver exceptional results. The Strategy Lead will be responsible for defining strategic frameworks, uncovering deep consumer insights and leveraging the full capabilities of WPP Open to create hyper-personalised, immersive brand experiences that connect with high-value audiences at every touchpoint. This individual will be a strategic partner to the client and internal WPP teams, ensuring all media efforts are aligned with our client’s brand objectives and business goals. The strategy lead with work the global strategy team to help shape the overall direction and closely with the planning team to ensure the transition of the strategic approach to planning and activations. This team will be at the forefront of WPP agency integration model working alongside creative, production and underpinned by data and technology in WPP Open. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Vision & Development: 

• Lead the development of localised media strategies for our client’s sub brands, translating complex business challenges into clear, actionable media solutions. 

• Identify key consumer insights, market trends and competitive landscapes to inform strategic recommendations, with a focus on the luxury automotive sector. 

• Champion innovative approaches to media planning, leveraging WPP Open capabilities (AI, data, technology) to drive hyper-personalisation and immersive experiences. 

Client Partnership & Thought Leadership: 

• Act as a trusted strategic advisor to senior client stakeholders, articulating complex strategies with clarity and conviction. 

• Facilitate strategic workshops and discussions, guiding clients and internal teams through the strategic planning process. 

• Present compelling strategic narratives and recommendations that inspire confidence and secure client buy-in. 

Integrated Planning & Collaboration: 

• Collaborate seamlessly with WPP's multi-agency teams (creative, data, technology, investment) to ensure integrated and holistic campaign planning. 

• Ensure strategic consistency across all media channels and touchpoints, from global brand campaigns to individual customer journeys by working hand in hand with the planning team. 

• Oversee the development of comprehensive communication plans that align with strategic objectives and target audience behaviours. 

Performance & Optimization: 

• Define clear strategic KPIs and measurement frameworks to evaluate the effectiveness of media strategies against our client's business goals. 

• Continuously monitor campaign performance, glean actionable insights and refine strategies to optimize results and drive continuous improvement. 

• Share best practices and foster a culture of data-driven strategic decision-making within the team. 

Team Leadership & Mentorship: 

• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to planning teams, elevating their capabilities and fostering professional growth. 

• Contribute to the overall intellectual capital of WPP Media's strategy function, sharing knowledge and developing new strategic tools and approaches. 

Skills and Experience: 

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values: 

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity. 

• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust. 

• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Significant, relevant and progressive experience in media strategy, communications planning, or brand strategy, preferably within a leading media agency or luxury brand environment. 

• Proven track record of developing and implementing highly effective media strategies for complex, high-profile clients, ideally in the automotive or luxury sector. 

• Deep understanding of the media landscape across PESO channels and emerging platforms and how they integrate into holistic strategies. 

• Expertise in leveraging data, analytics and consumer insights to drive strategic decision-making. 

• Familiarity with ad-tech and marketing-tech ecosystems, including an understanding of AI’s role in modern media strategy. 

• Exceptional leadership, presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to senior stakeholders. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset. 

• Ability to influence and negotiate with stakeholders at all levels, fostering strong collaborative relationships. 

• Highly organized, proactive and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic agency environment. 

Life at WPP Media & Benefits 

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 & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.  

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.  

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.  Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country. 

Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location 

Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide. 

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  

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