SVP, Data Science Lead, CoE - Global Clients

The Senior Vice President (SVP) is a critical, impactful leader within WPP Media, demanding deep expertise and strong leadership. They will relentlessly optimise 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, optimisation, attribution, propensity modelling and experimentation; Lead, mentor and develop the Data Science team, with emphasis on technical coaching and craft excellence; Establish and champion best practices for code, model validation, documentation, QA, version control and model governance; 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 teams to identify and develop new Data Science solutions; Provide senior technical review and challenge on complex projects from problem framing through 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, and support solution scoping, resourcing and commercialisation; Build a Data Science craft community across the CoE, Global Client Teams and partner global hubs, and stay current with developments in the field

Requirements

Significant experience leading Data Science teams, with a track record of building technical capability, developing senior talent and setting a technical vision in a complex, matrixed organisation; Expert-level understanding of statistical modelling, machine learning, AI and predictive analytics, with the depth to review, challenge and mentor technical work; Strong experience across marketing and media modelling methods such as econometrics/MMM, attribution, propensity and classification models, forecasting, optimisation, experimentation, model validation and scenario planning; Strong proficiency in Python, R and/or SQL, with practical understanding of reproducible analytical workflows, data pipelines, APIs, cloud data environments, version control, model QA and deployment; Demonstrated ability to turn technical methodologies into repeatable products or services, manage a solution portfolio, establish technical standards and prioritise a roadmap; Evidence of applying new techniques to real business problems while maintaining governance, transparency and responsible AI practices; Strong understanding of how data science supports media planning, buying, measurement and optimisation; Ability to act as a trusted technical partner to senior business, client and DTA stakeholders; Experience overseeing a portfolio of complex analytical projects, including scoping, resourcing, quality, risk and stakeholder expectations

Nice to have

Experience in the media advanced analytics space

Benefits

Competitive medical insurance; group retirement plans; vision and dental insurance; significant paid time off; preferential partner discounts; employee mental health awareness days; access to the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks; in-office events and employee resource groups