SVP, Data Science Lead, CoE - Global Clients

About the Position

SVP, Data Science Lead, CoE - Global Clients

London, United Kingdom

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 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 personalization 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

The Senior Vice President (SVP) is a critical, impactful leader within WPP Media, demanding deep expertise and strong leadership. They will relentlessly optimize and innovate, translating high-level strategy into actionable plans, ensuring operational excellence and robust performance. This role involves leading a large department, executing strategic initiatives whilst tackling complex problems within defined strategic boundaries. Ultimately, their strong performance and impactful decisions directly contribute to critical functional goals, supporting our objectives and competitive advantage.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert oversight across statistical modelling, econometrics, machine learning, AI, forecasting, optimization, attribution, propensity modelling and experimentation, ensuring methodologies are robust, explainable, reproducible and appropriate to the business problem.
• Lead, mentor and develop the Data Science team, with particular emphasis on technical coaching and craft excellence.
• Own the technical stewardship and ongoing evolution of the Data Science CoE/Hub portfolio within the Analytics & Data Science Menu of Services.
• Partner with the Head of CoE, DTA leaders and adjacent product, data, technology and consulting teams to identify high-value opportunities for new Data Science solutions.
• Provide senior technical review and challenge on complex projects, from problem framing and data requirements through modelling, validation, deployment and interpretation.
• Act as the senior Data Science partner across the wider DTA organisation.
• Serve as a senior technical advisor on priority client engagements and pitches.
• Build a strong Data Science craft community across the CoE, Global Client Teams & partner global hubs.

Requirements

• Senior Data Science Leadership: Significant experience leading Data Science teams, with a track record of building strong technical capability, developing senior talent and setting a clear technical vision in a complex, matrixed organisation. Experience in the media advanced analytics space desirable.
• Deep Technical Expertise: Expert-level understanding of statistical modelling, machine learning, AI and predictive analytics.
• Modelling & Measurement Breadth: Strong experience across a range of methods relevant to marketing and media.
• Programming & Data Fluency: Strong proficiency in Python, R and/or SQL.
• Product & Solution Leadership: Demonstrated ability to turn technical methodologies into repeatable products or services.
• Innovation Mindset: Evidence of identifying and applying new techniques to real business problems.
• Media & Marketing Acumen: Strong understanding of how data science supports media planning, buying, measurement and optimisation.
• Stakeholder & Communication Skills: Ability to act as a trusted technical partner to senior business, client and DTA stakeholders.
• Delivery & Commercial Acumen: Experience overseeing a portfolio of complex analytical projects.

We Offer

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.

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