Senior Director, Social Commerce

About WPP Media WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.  WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working. For more information, visit wppmedia.com [wppmedia.com]. Role Summary and Impact  This role is within The Goat Agency, a leading brand within WPP Media, where you will be instrumental in helping global brands harness the power of social and creator-led content to deliver measurable impact. Recognised as a global leader in the space, we deliver award-winning campaigns in more than 70 countries. With over 650 social natives worldwide, we create ambitious influencer programmes from tactical activations to long-term partnerships, designed to drive awareness, engagement and conversions across the full marketing funnel.  SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  We’re looking for an Associate Director to own and grow Goat’s programmatic proposition, primarily across the UK and US, with the opportunity to support global projects.This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role at the heart of our Influence Everywhere vision. You will: * Be accountable for the quality and performance of programmatic campaigns delivered by the team * Run and execute campaigns yourself when needed – not just oversee others * Act as the go‑to expert for programmatic strategy and technology * Help shape and broaden our offering, including influencer‑led programmatic solutions and integrated responses to brief * Lead and develop the programmatic team (e.g. Senior Programmatic Manager / Programmatic Manager), acting as the escalation point for complex work * Drive integration and utilisation of programmatic across the wider business KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership & Integration * Own the vision, roadmap and day‑to‑day leadership of programmatic at Goat. * Take responsibility for the output of the team, ensuring high standards, strategic alignment and commercial impact. * Line manage and/or coach senior and junior programmatic team members as the team evolves. * Champion programmatic within Goat, building strong relationships with client services, strategy, influencer, paid social and creative teams to deliver truly integrated Influence Everywhere solutions. Strategy, Delivery & Innovation * Lead programmatic strategy for key clients and new business, including proposal and pitch work. * Personally plan, build and optimise campaigns where needed, from briefing through to reporting. * Integrate programmatic with influencer and social activity to extend reach, frequency and performance beyond organic and paid social. * Identify opportunities to evolve our programmatic product, including influencer‑driven programmatic, new formats, data partnerships and measurement approaches. Campaign Management & Platforms * Oversee (and where required, directly manage) end‑to‑end campaigns across formats and platforms, including: * Display and video (including YouTube) * CTV and online video * Amazon / retail media * Digital OOH and other emerging programmatic channels * Use DSPs such as The Trade Desk, DV360 (and others as relevant) for campaign setup, optimisation and reporting. * Optimise towards agreed KPIs, managing budgets, pacing, bidding and audience strategies. * Ensure brand safety, viewability and fraud prevention standards are consistently met. Insights, Reporting & Global Collaboration * Produce clear, actionable performance reports and post‑campaign analyses. * Present insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders and clients in a way that is commercially meaningful. * Use historic data and platform insights to inform planning, forecasting and future proposals. * Share best practice with other markets and support global or multi‑market clients where required. ROLE REQUIREMENTS * Strong experience planning, executing and optimising programmatic campaigns, ideally in an agency or digital media environment. * Hands‑on proficiency with key DSPs (e.g. The Trade Desk, DV360) and audience/data tools. * Experience leading or overseeing programmatic specialists (formal line management or clear senior escalation responsibility). * Solid understanding of programmatic fundamentals: targeting, bidding, inventory buying, optimisation and measurement. * Comfortable working across multiple formats and environments (e.g. display, video, YouTube, CTV, Amazon/retail media, digital OOH). * Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn data into clear, practical recommendations. * Proven ability to manage budgets and deliver against performance and ROI targets. * Confident communicator, able to educate and influence internal teams and clients on programmatic best practice. * Willingness to work on cross‑market projects, with the bulk of work focused on the UK and US. Life at WPP Media & Benefits  Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.   We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.   WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.  Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.  Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location  Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) [https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy] for more information on how we process the information you provide.    While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.     #LI-Promoted Please read our Privacy Notice [https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy#:~:text=WPP%20Media%20Privacy%20Notice%20for%20Recruitment] for more information on how we process the information you provide.

ABOUT BARINGA  Baringa is a global consulting firm that partners with leaders to drive change and create value. With deep industry expertise, and enabled by advanced technology, the firm helps clients to deliver with greater confidence and certainty. With over 2,000 people across the UK, Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, the firm combines global insight with local understanding. The firm works across energy and resources, financial services, government and public sector, consumer products and retail, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, manufacturing, and technology, media and telecoms, with capabilities spanning strategy, transformation and operational excellence – all powered by advanced technology, data, AI and digital innovation. Clients value Baringa’s collaborative approach and the way its teams integrate seamlessly – all working with a shared understanding of what matters most. The firm is known for its kind, curious experts who listen closely and care deeply about client success as they help clients transform energy markets, modernise financial platforms, expand telecoms and digital networks through advanced data analytics, enable digital services in government, and unlock growth in consumer sectors. Certified as a Great Place to Work around the world, Baringa has been recognised by the Financial Times in 22 categories of its UK Leading Management Consultants rankings, and by Forbes for four consecutive years as one of the World’s Best Management Consulting Firms. OUR GOVERNMENT PRACTICE ARE LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCED SENIOR MANAGERS/DIRECTORS TO JOIN THE TEAM.  Our Government practice is looking for experienced Senior Managers and Directors to join our growing AI team, working across government departments and public sector organisations – with Health as one of our core areas of focus. We are looking for a high-agency leader who champions practical, real-world AI adoption and can translate emerging AI capabilities into impactful client outcomes and sustainable business growth. You won't just talk about AI transformation in the abstract; you will help senior leaders develop and embed enterprise-scale AI strategies, shape new operating models, reimagine public services, and build lasting organisational capability. You will be a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, a leader within our Government practice, and a key contributor to the growth of Baringa's AI proposition. Acting as the bridge between what is technically possible and what delivers measurable value in complex public sector environments, you will combine strategic insight, commercial acumen and hands-on experience to make AI transformation tangible, responsible and impactful. WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING   * AI Transformation Leadership: Lead complex AI transformation programmes across government departments and public sector organisations, helping clients move from isolated experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption and sustainable transformation. * Strategic Client Advisory: Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders, acting as a strategic advisor on AI adoption, operating model transformation, governance and organisational change. * Proposition & Capability Leadership: Lead the evolution of Baringa's AI adoption proposition across Government, developing market-leading frameworks, playbooks, methodologies and reusable assets that support both client outcomes and business growth. * AI-Enabled Service Transformation: Work with senior leaders to reimagine services, processes and operating models in an AI-enabled world, helping organisations unlock new opportunities for effectiveness, productivity and citizen outcomes. * Executive-Level Engagement: Use compelling demonstrations, workshops and leadership discussions to translate AI opportunities into practical actions, creating confidence and momentum among executive stakeholders. * Business Development & Growth: Identify, shape and lead business development opportunities across Government, developing strong client relationships, creating compelling proposals and growing a sustainable pipeline of AI transformation work. * Market Leadership: Maintain a deep understanding of Government AI adoption trends, policy developments and emerging technologies, translating these insights into differentiated client offerings and commercial opportunities. * Cross-Government Perspective: Bring insight across health, local government, transport, environment and wider public sector organisations, identifying common adoption challenges and opportunities while sharing lessons across sectors. * Practice Leadership: Play an active role in growing Baringa's Government AI capability through recruitment, capability building, knowledge sharing, proposition development and internal AI transformation initiatives. * Coaching & People Development: Develop and mentor consultants, managers and senior managers, creating opportunities for growth while building practical expertise in AI adoption, delivery and responsible AI practices.   YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE   * Significant experience leading large-scale transformation, digital, data or AI-enabled change programmes within government, healthcare or wider public sector organisations. * Strong track record of developing trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, including Directors, Deputy Directors, Executives, Boards and Programme Leaders. * Deep understanding of government operating environments, including policy considerations, governance models, procurement, information governance, security and organisational constraints. * Demonstrable experience helping organisations move from AI experimentation to scaled, organisation-wide adoption, embedding sustainable governance, capability and operating models. * Experience identifying, shaping and winning consulting opportunities, including proposition development, sales, account growth and commercial leadership. * Strong understanding of leading AI ecosystems, including Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude and related technologies, with the ability to communicate both opportunities and limitations credibly to senior audiences. * Experience translating emerging technology and AI trends into practical client offerings, thought leadership and commercial opportunities. * Proven capability in building and leading high-performing teams, coaching others and creating an environment where people can maximise their impact and potential. * A recognised leader who combines commercial awareness, client intimacy and delivery excellence to create lasting impact for clients and drive growth for the practice.   WHAT A CAREER AT BARINGA WILL GIVE YOU  PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST. BARINGA IS A PEOPLE FIRST COMPANY AND WELLBEING IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF OUR CULTURE. WE RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND FLEXIBLE WORKING AND PROVIDE OUR STAFF AMAZING BENEFITS. SOME OF THESE BENEFITS INCLUDE:  * Generous Annual Leave Policy: We recognise everyone needs a well-deserved break. We provide our employees with 5 weeks of annual leave, fully available at the start of each year. In addition to this, we have introduced our 5-Year Recharge benefit which allows all employees an additional 2 weeks of paid leave after 5 years continuous service.  * Flexible Working: We know that the ‘ideal’ work-life balance will vary from person to person and change at different stages of our working lives. To accommodate this, we have implemented a hybrid working policy and introduced more flexibility around taking unpaid leave.  * Corporate Responsibility Days: Our world is important to us, so all our employees get 3 every year to help social and environmental causes and increase our impact on the communities that mean the most to us.  * Wellbeing Fund: We want to encourage all employees to take charge and prioritise their own wellbeing. We’ve introduced our annual People Fund to support this by offering every individual a fund to support and manage their wellbeing through an activity of their choice.  * Profit Share Scheme: All employees participate in the Baringa Group Profit Share Scheme so everyone has a stake in the company’s success.  DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that creating an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging is central to our culture and that diversity is paramount to driving creativity, innovation, and value for our clients and for our people.  AN AWARD-WINNING WORKPLACE You can be a part of our ‘Great Place to Work’ – with our commitment to women and well-being in the workplace for all. Click here [https://www.baringa.com/en/impact/awards/] to see some of our recent awards and how we’ve achieved this.  USING BUSINESS AS A FORCE FOR GOOD.  We maintain high standards of environmental performance and transparency, which can be seen through our commitment to Net Zero with our SBTI-verified Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reduction targets and our support of the Better Business Act. We report our progress publicly and ensure that we are also externally assessed and scored through organisations like CDP and EcoVadis - helping us to continually identify where we can improve.  We have a long legacy of supporting the communities in which we work, and offer a variety of ways to contribute, by putting people first and creating impact that lasts. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda is about giving back to the communities in which we live and work by sharing our skills, talent and time. In essence, we aim to empower and encourage everyone in the firm to contribute to the things we care about, and support registered charities and organisations with a clear social or environmental purpose to increase the positive impact they can have. JOIN US All applications received will be reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team. We never rely solely on automated screening or AI tools to make hiring decisions. Your application will be considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, age, faith or social background. We do not filter applications by university background and encourage those who have taken alternative educational and career paths to apply. We would like to actively encourage applications from those who identify with less represented and minority groups. We operate an inclusive recruitment process, ensuring reasonable adjustments where needed. Please contact a member of our Recruitment Team to discuss further.   BARINGA PRIVACY NOTICES For UK & EU Your personal data will be retained by Baringa for up to two years, in accordance with our UK Recruitment Privacy Notice / [https://www.baringa.com/globalassets/careers/dp-004-ukrpn---uk-recruitment-privacy-notice-pdf.pdf]EU Recruitment Privacy Notice [https://www.baringa.com/globalassets/careers/dp-005-eurpn---eu-recruitment-privacy-notice-pdf.pdf], to evaluate your application and meet our legal and reporting obligations. In line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to request access to, rectification, or erasure (subject to legal limitations) of your personal data. For more information, please contact us at privacy@baringa.com [privacy@baringa.com] For the USA Your personal data may be retained by Baringa for up to two years, as outlined in our Recruitment Privacy Notice (AMER & APAC) [https://www.baringa.com/globalassets/careers/dp-007-nerpn-amer--apac-recruitment-privacy-notice-word.pdf], to support the recruitment process and internal reporting requirements. Where applicable, and in accordance with relevant federal and state laws, you may have the right to request access to or correction of your personal information. For further details, please contact privacy@baringa.com [privacy@baringa.com] For Australia & Singapore Your personal data will be retained by Baringa for up to two years, in accordance with our Recruitment Privacy Notice (AMER & APAC) [https://www.baringa.com/globalassets/careers/dp-007-nerpn-amer--apac-recruitment-privacy-notice-word.pdf], to assess your application and meet applicable reporting and legal obligations. In line with the Australian Privacy Act and Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), you may have rights to access, correct, or request limited deletion of your personal data. For more information, please contact us at privacy@baringa.com [privacy@baringa.com]