Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Operationalisation (~30%) Develop the UK Government Innovation Agenda: Partner with planners and strategists across the WPP 650 team to embed innovation strategies into the core of integrated communications planning.
• Design Solution Frameworks: Develop and scale proprietary strategic methodologies tailored to public-sector challenges, aligning them to WPP Media's core priority territories.
• Integrate Multidisciplinary Insights: Lead the strategic intersection between technology, media, and human insights by collaborating with Citizen Consultancy and Behavioural Science teams to ensure all innovation frameworks are rooted in public trust and verified behavioral change models.
• Embed DE&I into Experience Design: Champion inclusive innovation by ensuring emerging technology applications (e.g., conversational AI, gaming, and digital hubs) are designed with accessibility, representation, and digital inclusion at their core.
• Operationalize the Innovation Pipeline: Run the day-to-day workflows that take innovation concepts from initial brief to live campaign implementation, measurement, and post-campaign scaling.
• Coordinate with Data, Tech & Analytics (DTA): Partner directly with the DTA team to ensure all innovation pilots have established tracking, data clean room structures, and real-time dashboarding so that clients can clearly verify performance.
• Client Leadership & Consultative Impact (~40%) Partner with Department & Mission Hubs: Act as the primary innovation interface for dedicated Department & Mission Hubs, translating central innovation frameworks into highly localized, campaign-specific plans that meet distinct policy and operational goals.
• Consult on High-Stakes Briefs: Deliver bespoke strategic consultancy for key briefs across various UK Government departments, translating policy challenges into innovative, accessible citizen experiences.
• Lead Key Client Presentations & Workshops: Articulate the commercial, operational, and social impact of WPP Media's innovation solutions during strategic reviews, pitches, and senior-level briefing responses.
• Establish a Robust "Test & Learn" Culture: Formulate clear hypotheses and design rigorous measurement frameworks alongside behavioural scientists to validate the real-world impact (such as trust elevation or behavioral change) of innovative pilots.

Requirements

• Strategy, creative, or technology-driven planning experience within a leading media agency, digital shop, or innovation consultancy.
• Strong strategic and analytical thinker with a deep understanding of digital media, experience design (CX), and emerging technologies (such as Applied AI, conversational interfaces, and immersive formats).
• Proven track record in strategy development—specifically in turning cultural insights and technological trends into multi-channel communication strategies.
• Collaborative mindset with experience working alongside specialized divisions, such as behavioral scientists, qualitative research consultancies, and DE&I advisory specialists.
• Direct report management experience with a passionate approach to mentoring junior talent, fostering their skills in strategic thinking and creative application.
• Impeccable presentation and storytelling skills, with the ability to confidently pitch bold, evidence-based ideas and command rooms of diverse stakeholders.
• Strong operational and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects, keep delivery on track, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in creating thought-leadership content, such as trends whitepapers, capability-building workshops, and client-facing educational playbooks.
• An active problem-solver and self-starter who naturally challenges the status quo and seeks out novel ways to improve processes.

Benefits

• Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.