Data Governance Director

Who Are We?

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build a better future for our people, planet, clients, and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com.

WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a media-rich world, we bring together the best platform, the best talent, and the best partners to develop the most innovative solutions, delivering unparalleled growth for our clients. For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It is through this synergy that we create truly exceptional experiences, both for our clients and for our internal teams. To succeed in this role, it is fundamental to embody the core values that unite WPP and WPP Media:

• Be Extraordinary: Fostering collective leadership that inspires truly transformational creativity.
• Create an Open Environment: Striking the perfect balance between employee fulfillment and client satisfaction, all built on mutual trust.
• Lead with Optimism: Actively driving growth and development to energize our entire organization.

Missions & Responsibilities

The Data Governance Director enforces global data standards, taxonomy integrity, and compliance across all luxury Maisons and markets, while ensuring data directly serves business and media performance objectives. Moving beyond purely operational data checks, this role bridges data control and strategic activation. The Director is responsible for transitioning data operations into an automated Prevention–Monitoring–Correction framework, challenging and simplifying existing processes, and leading/up-skilling the Data & Tech team to ensure data is structured, trusted, and actionable for global reporting, Optimus dashboards, and WPP Open integrations.

As the Data Governance Director, you will enforce global data standards, taxonomy integrity, and compliance across all luxury Maisons and markets. You will bridge data control and strategic activation by transitioning data operations from manual checks to an automated Prevention–Monitoring–Correction framework. You will lead and elevate the Data & Tech team to guarantee clean, structured, and actionable data for global reporting, Optimus dashboards, and WPP Open integrations.

1. Data Governance & Strategy

• Strategic Alignment: Align data collection directly with business and media objectives, ensuring data is consistent, structured, and actionable across all activation and analytics teams.
• Critical Thinking & Process Simplification: Actively challenge existing processes, taxonomies, and naming conventions to eliminate complexity and propose simpler, more scalable, and effective approaches.
• Framework & Model Ownership: Build, own, and execute the end-to-end Prevention–Monitoring–Correction data model.
• Annual Taxonomy Review: Lead the yearly cycle for global taxonomy review, cleanup, and integration of new data dimensions across all Maisons.
• Naming Conventions: Enforce standardized naming conventions globally, including unique Campaign IDs to enable automated campaign record aggregation via Accutics or internal systems.

2. Team Leadership & Structuring

• Team Elevation & Upskilling: Lead, structure, and elevate the Data & Tech team, developing their understanding of the broader digital, tech, and media ecosystem.
• Workflow Framing: Frame and guide team workflows to break down operational silos, standardizing execution across Maisons and aligning daily tasks with strategic priorities and best practices.
• Talent Guidance: Direct and advise Data Operations Executives and Associate Directors on best practices for automated data validation beyond basic string checking.

3. Operations & Compliance Management

• Data Accuracy Enforcer: Drive global data compliance from current baselines up to a strict 95% accuracy target across all channels, Maisons, and markets.
• Input Data Readiness: Ensure clean, trusted input data flows into Optimus dashboards (and ultimately WPP Open), eliminating fragmented taxonomies and reporting discrepancies.

Qualifications & Profile

• Experience: 8–10+ years of proven experience in Digital Data Governance, Taxonomy Management, or Media Data Operations.
• Background: Strong AdOps background with hands-on experience in digital tracking, ad serving, and multi-market data compliance.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of taxonomy architecture, dynamic UTM/naming structures, Accutics, Google Analytics 4 (GA4), server-side tracking, and campaign management workflows.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven track record of enforcing governance standards across multi-brand, multi-agency, and international team environments.
• Key Soft Skills: Great autonomy, strong organizational skills, and a strategic mindset. High level of diplomacy, active listening, and the ability to communicate technical data governance standards clearly to both executive stakeholders and operational teams.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our commitment to shaping the future of media is reflected in active support for the professional development of our talent, helping them reach their full potential. This approach goes hand-in-hand with a responsible vision in our media investment strategies, reflecting our dual priority: valuing our people while adopting sustainable practices across our industry.

WPP Media employees have privileged access to WPP Media and WPP global networks, enabling them to expand their professional network and stay at the forefront of marketing and advertising innovation. We foster an inclusive work culture where team accomplishments and expertise are regularly celebrated through engaging internal events.

Our Benefits Include:

• Hybrid Working Model: Up to 2 work-from-home days per week, plus 2 full weeks of remote work per year.
• Additional Time Off: 2 extra days off offered annually, plus additional leave tiers based on seniority.
• Inclusive Policies & Well-being: Dedicated health leave programs (including up to 5 WFH days/month for employees suffering from endometriosis), specific support programs, and paid leave allowances for employees with recognized disability status (RQTH).
• Social Impact: Opportunities to participate in community and solidarity missions via our "We care and we act" program.

Recruitment Process

1. Recruiter Interview: An initial phone or video interview with a member of our Talent Acquisition team to discuss your experience, expectations, and answer your questions about the role and company.
2. Operational Interview: An in-depth interview with key operational leadership to evaluate your technical background, leadership style, and cultural fit.
3. Case Study / Technical Assessment: A case study presentation to demonstrate your practical skills in data governance architecture, taxonomy framework design, and stakeholder management.

We are committed to making this process as fast, transparent, and collaborative as possible.

WPP Media guarantees equal opportunity and considers all applicants without discrimination. We are committed to cultivating a respectful environment where everyone belongs and has equal access to professional growth.