Corporate Strategy Manager (9-12 month FTC)

Why we are hiring.

Due to an internal promotion into one of our agencies, WPP's Corporate Strategy team is seeking a Corporate Strategy Manager to join them in a 9–12-month FTC. The role is based at WPP’s head office in London: Sea Containers House and may involve some international travel.

About us:

Mark Read was appointed as WPP’s Chief Executive Officer in September 2018 and took decisive action to strengthen what had become a complex organisation in a dynamic industry facing structural change. WPP’s new strategy was presented to the market in Jan 2024’s Capital Markets Day and focuses on four areas:

1. Lead through AI, data and technology
2. Unlock the full potential of creative transformation to drive growth
3. Build world-class, market-leading brands
4. Execute efficiently to drive strong financial returns

The Role:

Reporting into the EVP Corporate Strategy, you will work closely with the CEO office to deliver the new strategy across the business, with a particular focus on the delivery of the AI strategic pillar. Responsibilities of the full strategy team will include:

• Reviewing, refining and communicating the strategy to key stakeholders
• WPP Board of Directors
• 400+ internal leadership team
• Coordinating a systematic and sophisticated CEO office
• Presence at international / industry events like Cannes, CES, Davos
• Support for large client development efforts
• CEO briefing documents
• Building smooth internal leadership processes with the Executive Committee and WPP C-suite
• Support operating company strategies and annual planning process
• Delivering new WPP-level initiatives to drive growth
• AI strategy including WPP Open
• Accelerated partnerships with entertainment, media, technology companies
• New mechanisms for collaboration across operating companies
• Other ideas to be generated by the strategy team

You will support the overall team on key projects above. Exact responsibilities are likely to include defining and developing structures to progress key initiatives, building agendas and content for and managing Executive Committee meetings, as well as acting as point of contact for CEO briefing ahead of key presentations, media appearances and client sessions.

This role will serve as an excellent opportunity to develop deep experience in AI and technology in Marketing, build strong relationships with senior leadership across WPP centre and deliver impact within the operating companies.

What you'll need:

• Organised, proactive approach
• A proven foundation of business or strategic training
• Detailed approach to drive quality
• Excellent professional communication skills
• Highly motivated and flexible working style
• Confident using own initiative
• Strategic or business experience, either in a consulting firm or similar equivalent desirable