About WPP Media
WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com.
WPP Media is WPP's global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com
At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It's what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role, it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media's shared core values:
- Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.
- Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust.
- Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilise the Enterprise.
About Mindshare: A Leading WPP Media Brand
Mindshare delivers Good Growth for its clients. As "Growth Architects," we drive growth that benefits all stakeholders — better for people, planet, and business — by using media with intention. This approach creates more meaningful connections with consumers, increases consumer trust in the brand, and delivers better outcomes for all stakeholders.
Role Summary and Impact
We are seeking an exceptional Business Director to lead and transform our Insights division. This is a pivotal leadership role that combines commercial acumen, technical vision, and strategic innovation to position Mindshare as the market leader in data-driven insights solutions.
As Business Director, Head of Insights, you will be responsible for driving significant revenue growth through the sale and development of cutting-edge insights solutions. You will lead a diverse team spanning both commercial and technical disciplines, including Account Directors, Insights Managers, Solutions Architects, BI Specialists, and Backend Developers across our London and offshore operations.
This role demands a visionary leader who can bridge the gap between complex technical capabilities and compelling business solutions, while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of how brands understand and engage with consumers through data-driven insights.
Your Mindset
Strategic Visionary & Innovator: You possess the ability to identify market opportunities and translate them into innovative insights products and solutions that differentiate Mindshare in the marketplace.
Commercial Excellence: You are a natural business developer with a proven track record of driving P&L growth, winning new business, and expanding existing client relationships at the C-suite level.
Inspirational Leader: You excel at building, motivating, and developing high-performing teams across diverse disciplines and geographies, creating an environment where both technical and commercial talent can thrive.
Technical Fluency: While not necessarily hands-on technical, you possess strong conceptual understanding of data architecture, AI/ML applications, and modern analytics platforms, enabling you to guide technical strategy and engage credibly with technical teams.
Client Champion: You are passionate about delivering exceptional client experiences and can articulate complex insights solutions in ways that demonstrate clear business value and ROI.
Collaborative Orchestrator: You thrive in matrix organizations, building strong relationships across departments and ensuring seamless collaboration between insights, media planning, client services, and technical teams.
Skills and Experience
Essential Criteria
- Proven senior leadership experience (8+ years) in insights, analytics, or data-driven marketing roles, with demonstrated P&L responsibility of £5M+
- Track record of successfully selling and delivering complex insights solutions to enterprise clients, with deal sizes exceeding £500K
- Experience leading and developing diverse teams of 7+ people, including both commercial and technical professionals
- Deep understanding of the media and marketing ecosystem, including programmatic, social, search, and emerging channels
- Demonstrated ability to develop and launch new products or services that have generated significant revenue growth
- Strong executive presence with experience presenting to and influencing C-suite stakeholders
- Expertise in modern data and analytics technologies, including cloud platforms (particularly GCP), BI tools, and AI/ML applications
- Proven ability to work effectively with offshore/distributed teams
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Data Science, or related field; MBA preferred
Preferred Criteria
- Experience in media agencies or marketing technology companies
- Track record of digital transformation initiatives
- Knowledge of consumer behaviour modelling and market trend analysis
- Experience with agile methodologies and product development
- Published thought leadership or speaking experience at industry events
- Professional certifications in relevant technologies or methodologies
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Innovation
- Define and execute the strategic vision for the Insights division, aligning with Mindshare's Good Growth ambition
- Identify market opportunities and develop innovative insights products and solutions that drive competitive advantage
- Lead the development of proprietary methodologies and tools that differentiate our insights capabilities
- Champion the integration of AI and emerging technologies into our insights offerings
- Contribute to agency-wide strategic initiatives and new business pitches
Commercial & Business Development
- Own and drive the P&L for the Insights division, ensuring profitable growth
- Lead new business development, personally managing strategic pursuits and closing major deals
- Develop and maintain relationships with C-suite clients across key accounts
- Create compelling value propositions and pricing strategies for insights solutions
- Partner with other department heads to identify cross-sell and upsell opportunities
- Represent Mindshare at industry events and conferences as a thought leader
Team Leadership & Development
- Build, lead, and inspire a world-class insights team across multiple locations
- Manage and develop direct reports including Account Directors, Technical Leads, and Insights Managers
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning
- Implement talent development programs and succession planning
- Ensure effective collaboration between London-based commercial teams and offshore technical teams
- Drive team engagement and maintain high retention rates among top performers
Operational Excellence
- Ensure exceptional delivery standards across all insights projects and client engagements
- Implement robust quality assurance processes and governance frameworks
- Optimize resource allocation and capacity planning across the team
- Develop and monitor KPIs to track team performance and client satisfaction
- Drive operational efficiencies through process improvement and automation
- Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and industry best practices
Client Partnership & Satisfaction
- Serve as executive sponsor for strategic client relationships
- Ensure delivery of insights solutions that exceed client expectations and drive measurable business impact
- Lead quarterly business reviews with key clients to identify growth opportunities
- Act as escalation point for complex client challenges
- Drive Net Promoter Score (NPS) improvements and client retention
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Media Planning, Strategy, and Client Leadership teams to ensure integrated solutions
- Collaborate with GroupM and WPP teams to leverage enterprise capabilities
- Work with Finance, HR, and Operations to ensure smooth business operations
- Contribute to agency management team decisions and strategic planning
What We Can Offer You
At Mindshare Worldwide, we offer a highly competitive senior executive package including:
- Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus structure
- Executive benefits package including enhanced pension and private healthcare
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Leadership development programs and executive coaching
- Access to global WPP and GroupM networks and resources
- Opportunity to shape the future of data-driven marketing
- Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
Our Commitment
We want you to have the best opportunity to show us your skills and talents. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make the application/interview process work for you. Should you require any adjustments or if you require this document in another format, please contact the People Team (peopleteam@mindshareworld.com).
WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV along with a cover letter outlining your vision for how insights can transform client businesses and drive growth in the evolving media landscape.
While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide.
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Job code 392
