Manager Operations

1495 - Manager, Media Operations, UK - Manchester

Role Summary and Impact

Deliver the day-to-day operation of key Media Operations processes across WPP 650, ensuring Implementational Planning, Activation and Specialist Activation teams have the operational processes, controls, tools and guidance required to work effectively and consistently.

Approximately 80% of the role will focus on Media Operations and 20% on Open Operations. Each Manager will own defined areas of operational delivery, working with the VP, Media Operations and flexing across the wider Operations team where priorities and demand require.

CRAFT & CAPABILITY – TRAINING & UP-SKILLING

Do our people know how to do it?

Maintain the operational guidance and practical support required for teams to consistently apply agreed processes and ways of working.

• Operational Training & Guidance – Own the maintenance and coordination of Media Operations training materials, process guidance and supporting documentation across relevant Activation tools and processes, including Wrike, GRASP, Campaign Governance, MAP and Campaign Performance. Ensure approved process changes are reflected and communicated to teams.
• Operational Support – Provide practical guidance to Implementational Planning, Activation and Specialist teams on agreed operational processes and ways of working, resolving day-to-day queries and escalating recurring issues or capability gaps to the VP, Media Operations.
• Ways of Working – Coordinate the implementation of agreed ways of working and hand-offs across Implementational Planning, Activation and Specialist teams, identifying operational gaps and escalating those requiring wider intervention.
• Open Adoption – Help embed agreed Open workflows across Implementational Planning and Activation, identifying practical adoption issues and feeding these into Media Operations and Open Operations.

TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION & TRANSFORMATION

Are we continually making the way we do it better?

Implement agreed operational improvements and ensure changes are translated into effective day-to-day processes, tools and guidance.

• Process Improvements – Coordinate the implementation and tracking of agreed Media Operations improvements, maintaining actions and ensuring approved changes are reflected in relevant processes, documentation and training.
• Operational Tools – Own and maintain allocated Media Operations tools, trackers, templates and operational documentation, ensuring they remain accurate, current and effective.
• Operational Insight – Identify recurring issues and inefficiencies through day-to-day operational activity and provide insight to the VP, Media Operations to inform continuous improvement priorities.
• Testing & Implementation – Coordinate or support the testing and implementation of agreed changes to operational tools, automation and Open workflows affecting Implementational Planning and Activation.

OPERATIONAL COMPLIANCE & COMMERCIAL DELIVERY

Are we actually doing it correctly, consistently and in accordance with our commitments?

Own the day-to-day operation and monitoring of allocated Media Operations controls and processes, following up exceptions and escalating risks or recurring issues.

• Campaign Governance – Own the day-to-day operation and monitoring of Campaign Governance, ensuring required information is maintained, monitoring agreed governance and health measures, following up exceptions with teams and escalating recurring or material issues.
• Operational Controls & Evidence – Maintain agreed operational records and evidence required to demonstrate adherence to Government, WPP, contractual and audit requirements.
• Risks, Issues & Actions – Maintain Media Operations risk, issue and action logs, following up actions with owners through to closure and escalating overdue, recurring or material issues.
• MAP – Monitor adherence to agreed MAP operational requirements, including plan formats, required information and version management, following up exceptions with relevant teams.
• Financial Process Tracking – Own the operational tracking and follow-up of agreed Activation financial processes, including Level 1 reconciliations, PO closure and Media Queries, escalating overdue or recurring issues. Delivery and financial accountability remain with the relevant teams and Channel Leads.
• Crisis Readiness – Maintain agreed activation-side crisis preparedness materials and coordinate the practical elements of testing the process
• Third Parties – Coordinate agreed operational activity with third-party agencies where required, including operational hand-offs, documentation and Open ways of working.
• New Clients & Agencies – Coordinate the practical Media Operations onboarding requirements for new clients, contracts and agencies once the required operating approach has been agreed.

OPEN OPERATIONS – 20% OF ROLE

How do we maintain effective Open Operations and resilience?

Own allocated Open BAU activities and maintain sufficient knowledge of core Open Operations to provide resilience and holiday/absence cover.

• Defined Open Ownership – Own allocated recurring Open operational processes. These may include user administration, workspace administration, user support, adoption reporting, training administration or testing activity. Allocation may flex across the three Account Managers according to operational priorities.
• Open BAU – Deliver allocated Open activities to agreed standards and timelines, maintaining appropriate records and escalating exceptions or issues to the Associate Director, Open Operations.
• Open Support – Resolve agreed day-to-day Open queries within the role’s remit, escalating technical, product or significant platform issues through the agreed route.
• Changes & Testing – Support the testing and implementation of agreed Open functionality, workflow changes and improvements where required.
• Operational Cover – Maintain sufficient knowledge of core Open processes, current priorities and escalation routes to provide effective holiday and absence cover and maintain continuity of Open Operations.

WHAT THIS ROLE DOES NOT COVER

• Media Operations Strategy & Leadership – The VP, Media Operations owns the Media Operations plan, standards, governance, capability and continuous improvement agenda. The Account Manager owns allocated day-to-day operational processes that support its delivery.
• Activation Delivery – Implementational Planning, Activation and Specialist teams remain responsible for delivering campaign activity and meeting their operational and financial requirements.
• Operational Standards & Control Design – The VP, Media Operations determines the required standards, controls and interventions. The Account Manager operates and monitors allocated processes, identifying exceptions and opportunities for improvement.
• Specialist Skills Training – Specialist craft and channel training remains the responsibility of the relevant Activation, Channel and Specialist Leads.
• Open Operations Leadership – The Associate Director, Open Operations owns Open governance, platform operations, roadmap and development. Account Managers own allocated Open BAU activities and provide operational resilience and cover.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment toBe Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We alsoLead Optimistically, firmly believing in andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor 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.

WeCreate an Open environmentbuilt 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

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

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