Manager, Innovation

Join an award-winning team at the heart of UK government, where your work will genuinely shape lives. As part of WPP 650 you'll be part of a supportive, collaborative environment that values curiosity, kindness, and growth. Together, we use behaviour change principles to design smarter services, influence better decisions, and help millions of people across the country. Named WPP 650, after the 650 UK constituencies, the name is a reminder that our work must reflect the full breadth of the country, every community, every audience. No two days are the same. The challenges are complex, the problems worth solving, and the learning constant. You'll tackle issues that matter, alongside talented colleagues who care deeply about what they do. It's demanding - but always rewarding.

Responsibilities

Operationalize the Innovation Pipeline: run day-to-day project workflows, status meetings, and timeline tracking from initial brief to live campaign implementation, measurement, and post-campaign scaling; Coordinate with Data, Tech & Analytics (DTA) to ensure all active innovation pilots have tracking codes, data clean room structures, and real-time dashboarding; Embed best practices across Department & Mission Hubs by distributing standardized briefing templates, campaign checklists, and testing frameworks; Administrate the Test & Learn agenda by maintaining the central testing log; Maintain operational tools like WPP Open and InnovateIQ; Act as central project coordinator for active innovation projects; Coordinate with Citizen Consultancy and Behavioural Science teams; Support inclusive design workflows through DE&I accessibility checklist; Act as daily point of contact for external tech, platform, and creator partners; Support Media Futures Programme logistics and scheduling; Curate the WPP 650 case study database; Track cultural and tech trends and compile monthly summaries; Liaise with Creative Technologists; Maintain financial and administrative rigor for billing, invoicing, and resource tracking; Facilitate internal communications including weekly status calls and action items

Requirements

Strategy, Planning or innovation experience within a media, creative, or digital agency; Outstanding organizational, project management skills and attention to detail, with a proven track record of managing project timelines, status sheets, and delivery schedules; A strong interest in emerging media, digital platforms, and creative technology (e.g., AI applications, messaging apps, interactive formats); Experienced in daily client servicing and stakeholder management, with a professional and proactive communication style; Familiarity with campaign execution workflows, including basic tracking, media trafficking, and performance reporting; Strong collaborative spirit, with experience coordinating tasks across diverse internal departments (such as strategy, buying, and data teams); Highly proficient in project management tools (e.g., Teams, Planner, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable learning proprietary agency toolsets

Benefits

competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance; significant paid time off; preferential partner discounts; employee mental health awareness days