WPP is building a state-of-the-art operations and delivery hub in Wuxi, East China, to drive innovation and efficiency in marketing and commerce services. We are seeking a visionary and results-driven leader to spearhead this exciting initiative and shape the future of our operations in China.

As the Wuxi Hub Lead, you will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational execution, and financial performance of the hub. You will lead a diverse team of specialists across various disciplines, including media operations, creative production, technology, data & analytics, and project management.

 Overall Capability Strategy and Business Development:

• Strategic Roadmap & Vision: Develop and execute the hub’s strategic roadmap, aligned with WPP’s overall business objectives, focusing on developing unique capabilities that differentiate the hub.
• Capability Development & Innovation: Fostering innovation and developing cutting-edge solutions that leverage technology to transform marketing and commerce, building a strong portfolio of offerings.
• Positioning & Marketing: Position the Wuxi hub as a center of excellence within WPP’s global network, effectively marketing its capabilities to internal and external stakeholders.
• Integration & Synergy: Drive integration between the hub and WPP agencies, ensuring seamless collaboration and leveraging agency expertise to enhance the hub’s overall offering.

Staff Recruitment and Talent Management:

• Recruitment & Onboarding: Recruit and onboard core team members and continue to attract and retain top talent as the hub expands. This includes building a strong employer brand and attracting talent to Wuxi.
• Performance Management: Implement robust performance management systems and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure individual and team success, providing feedback and development opportunities.
• Team Building & Culture: Build and manage a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Create a positive and supportive work environment.
• Talent Development & Retention: Invest in training and development programs to enhance employee skills and ensure the hub retains its top talent. This includes career pathing and succession planning.

Operational Excellence:

• Operational Management & Execution: Oversee all aspects of hub operations, including resource allocation, workflow management, quality control, and financial performance. Ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day operations.
• Cost Optimization & Efficiency: Deliver against pre-defined cost-saving targets and achieve ambitious revenue and profitability targets. Focus on maximizing efficiency and minimizing operational costs.
• Process Implementation & Improvement: Implement key operational processes and continuously improve processes to enhance efficiency and productivity. Streamline workflows and optimize resource utilization.
• Financial Management & Reporting: Manage the hub’s budget and financial performance, providing regular reports to senior management. Ensure financial stability and sustainable growth.
• Technology & Infrastructure: Oversee the implementation and maintenance of necessary technology and infrastructure to support the hub’s operations. This includes hardware, software, and network systems.

What you’ll need

• Leadership Experience: Demonstrated ability to build and manage high-performing teams, preferably within a matrix organization. Experience leading a geographically dispersed team would be a significant advantage. Proven track record of building a large scale delivery center.
• Business Acumen: Strong business acumen and strategic thinking skills, with a proven track record of developing and executing successful business strategies. Experience with P&L management and budget oversight is essential.
• Operational Expertise: Previous experience in managing shared service centers or large service operations. Extensive experience in operational management, including resource allocation, workflow optimization, process improvement, and performance management. Experience in a shared services or hub environment would be highly beneficial.
• Service Delivery Management: Strong track record of managing service delivery, ensuring that service level agreements (SLAs) are met, and client expectations are exceeded. Experience implementing and managing service delivery frameworks, such as ITIL, is a plus.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Facilitating seamless collaboration between the hub and other departments or business units within the organization. This requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate complex matrix structures.
• Team Leadership: Building, motivating, and managing a high-performing team, often comprised of diverse skill sets and potentially across multiple locations. This includes performance management, coaching, and mentoring.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing relationships with key stakeholders across the organization, including senior management, client representatives, and other hub leaders. Strong communication and negotiation skills are crucial.
• Personal attributes: Articulate, tactful, and persuasive, inspiring confidence and trust in colleagues and clients alike. An open, optimistic, and extraordinary leader with the highest standards of personal ethics, the emotional intelligence to work collaboratively both within and outside of WPP and its agencies, and the edge to make tough decisions and owning them.

Who you are:

• You’re open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are open-minded: to new ideas, partnerships, and ways of working.
• You’re optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology, and talent to build better futures for our people, planet, clients, and communities. We approach all we do confidently: to try the new and seek the unexpected.
• You’re extraordinary: we are stronger together: through collaboration, we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we deliver extraordinary daily.

Note: Hirer is not accepting out of country applications.