Director, Strategic Operations (6 month FTC)

We are seeking an exceptionally seasoned and dynamic Director, Strategic Operations, UK to lead the project management, execution, tracking, and delivery of our business-critical 'One Company' project portfolio. Reporting directly to the VP, Strategic Operations, UK and working alongside the COO, you will take the EXCO 'Plan on a Page' and turn it into clear, connected actions across the business - making progress visible, setting rigorous PM frameworks, holding workstream owners to account, and keeping projects moving forward. This role requires a heavy-hitting portfolio/programme/project management expert who thrives in a high-visibility environment.

Responsibilities

Drive the end-to-end execution of company-wide, critical operational projects from business case/inception through delivery; Translate high-level priorities into clear, practical deliverables defining WBS, timelines, key milestones, dependencies, and precise task ownership; Oversee the master project portfolio across business streams (people, finance, data, tech, operations) and optimise resource allocation; Work directly with business leads to solve problems, clear blockers, and ensure projects are delivered on time; Assess existing delivery methodologies and establish best-in-class PM standard operating procedures, tools, and KPIs; Hold teams accountable by establishing clear ownership and leading regular portfolio/project reviews; Run light but highly effective tracking focused on actions, outputs, and operational efficiency; Maintain the central executive plan providing senior leadership with transparency on progress, RAG status, RAID logs, percent-completes, and capacity; Serve as key connective tissue between senior leadership, department heads, and execution teams, escalating risks early; Break down silos between central functions, capability teams, and agencies

Requirements

Progressive portfolio/programme/project management experience, including significant experience leading and orchestrating large-scale, complex initiatives at a senior level; Deep, expert-level mastery of project management frameworks (PMP / APM / PMI certifications required or heavily preferred; Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid); Deep knowledge of practical execution mechanics (Business Case Development, Benefits Realisation, WBS, RACI, RAID management, milestone planning, and critical path tracking); Proven track record of operating successfully at the Director level, directly influencing executive decision-making, holding cross-functional teams accountable without direct line authority, and turning troubled projects around; Exceptional communication skills - able to synthesise complex project statuses across multiple workstreams into clear, transparent, visual updates for the C-suite, SLT, and VP; A relentless focus on execution and practical problem-solving, comfortable diving into project details to help workstream leads unravel issues, navigate dependencies, and unblock progress; Right to work in the UK

Nice to have

Agency/media network experience preferred

Benefits

Competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance; Significant paid time off; Preferential partner discounts; Employee mental health awareness days; Employee resource groups; Frequent in-office events