Associate Director, Data Science and Solutions, UK

About WPP Media

About our Data, Tech and Analytics Division

Role Overview

Skills and Experience

• Technical Expertise & Data Science Acumen: Advanced Data Science & Machine Learning: Proven expertise in a wide range of data science methodologies, including statistical modelling, machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, time series analysis). Modelling Specialisation: Demonstrable hands-on experience in specific techniques relevant to media and marketing, such as propensity modelling, attribution modelling, creative analytics, and test & learn methodologies. Technical Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in Python. Experience with SQL for data extraction and manipulation is essential. Familiarity with Git, GCP, Docker, Plumber, FastAPI, Shiny, and Django is highly desirable. Data Engineering & Architecture Understanding: Solid understanding of data warehousing concepts, ETL processes, and cloud platforms (e.g., GCP, AWS, Azure) and their data services. Tool & Product Development: Hands-on experience in developing and maintaining analytical tools, dashboards, and automated solutions. Familiarity with MLOps principles and practices for productising data science models. AI & Generative AI: Proven ability to identify and implement AI-driven solutions to enhance analytical capabilities and efficiency. Data Visualisation & UI: Proven ability to visualise data in a user-friendly manner and understand the needs.
• Advanced Data Science & Machine Learning: Proven expertise in a wide range of data science methodologies, including statistical modelling, machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, time series analysis).
• Modelling Specialisation: Demonstrable hands-on experience in specific techniques relevant to media and marketing, such as propensity modelling, attribution modelling, creative analytics, and test & learn methodologies.
• Technical Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in Python. Experience with SQL for data extraction and manipulation is essential. Familiarity with Git, GCP, Docker, Plumber, FastAPI, Shiny, and Django is highly desirable.
• Data Engineering & Architecture Understanding: Solid understanding of data warehousing concepts, ETL processes, and cloud platforms (e.g., GCP, AWS, Azure) and their data services.
• Tool & Product Development: Hands-on experience in developing and maintaining analytical tools, dashboards, and automated solutions. Familiarity with MLOps principles and practices for productising data science models.
• AI & Generative AI: Proven ability to identify and implement AI-driven solutions to enhance analytical capabilities and efficiency.
• Data Visualisation & UI: Proven ability to visualise data in a user-friendly manner and understand the needs.
• Leadership & Management Capabilities: Substantial experience in data science roles, ideally within the media industry, with proven experience in technical leadership and project management Proven ability to manage complex data science projects from conception to delivery, ensuring adherence to timelines and budget. Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, translate business requirements into technical specifications, and manage expectations effectively.
• Substantial experience in data science roles, ideally within the media industry, with proven experience in technical leadership and project management
• Proven ability to manage complex data science projects from conception to delivery, ensuring adherence to timelines and budget.
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, translate business requirements into technical specifications, and manage expectations effectively.
• Domain Knowledge & Business Acumen: Deep understanding of the media landscape, advertising ecosystems, and key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to media effectiveness, measurement, and optimisation. Awareness of the commercial implications of analytical work and a track record of contributing to value through data science initiatives. Familiarity with data governance, privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR), and ethical considerations relevant to public sector data usage in the UK.
• Deep understanding of the media landscape, advertising ecosystems, and key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to media effectiveness, measurement, and optimisation.
• Awareness of the commercial implications of analytical work and a track record of contributing to value through data science initiatives.
• Familiarity with data governance, privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR), and ethical considerations relevant to public sector data usage in the UK.
• Personal Attributes: A highly curious and innovative mindset, constantly seeking new technologies and methodologies to solve complex problems. Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a methodical approach to tackling challenges. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and persuasively. Strong collaborative spirit, capable of working effectively with cross-functional teams and across the wider organisation.
• A highly curious and innovative mindset, constantly seeking new technologies and methodologies to solve complex problems.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a methodical approach to tackling challenges.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and persuasively.
• Strong collaborative spirit, capable of working effectively with cross-functional teams and across the wider organisation.

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
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• While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
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