Director, Data Science

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 .

1211 - Director, Data Science - DTA

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

About Choreograph: A Leading WPP Media Brand

Choreograph is WPP’s global data products and technology company. We’re on a mission to transform marketing by building the fastest, most connected data platform that bridges marketing strategy to scaled activation.

We work with agencies and clients to transform the value of data by bringing together technology, data and analytics capabilities. We deliver this through the Open Media Studio, an AI-enabled media and data platform for the next era of advertising.

We’re endlessly curious. Our team of thinkers, builders, creators and problem solvers are over 1,000 strong, across 20 markets around the world.

Role Summary and Impact

The Data Science Director, plays a critical leadership role as part of a broader team in the deployment and development of predictive models for our customers. You will lead and mentor a team, working collaboratively with senior Google Cloud and Google Marketing experts to apply advanced modeling techniques to enhance our customers' media/marketing solutions. As Team Lead you will be responsible for guiding the team in building out industry-relevant predictive models that can be applied to optimize our customers' media investments.

The role focuses on leading the application of analytical solutions based on machine learning & statistical predictive algorithms on top of the Google technology stack and agent development for our customers. We are looking for a Team Lead with significant experience in algorithmic data analysis, proven scientific research skills, and a track record of leading successful data science initiatives.

Skills and Experience

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 Mobilize the Enterprise .

This is an excellent opportunity for a Team Lead, to join the Data and Technology Consulting Team. You will be instrumental in strategising how to tackle and take apart large and messy datasets of structured and unstructured data, oversee the building and implementation of models and algorithms, agents and design and run experiments to optimise clients customer insights, analytics and customer experience. The ideal candidate will have a love of getting their hands dirty, while also empowering and developing their team to do the same.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the team in the creation, management, and continuous improvement of AI/ML and models and agents used to measure, optimize, and activate business transformation, including creative, media campaigns and broader marketing objectives.
• Drive the development and deployment of industry-relevant strategies and solutions.
• Ensure comprehensive documentation of data science projects, establishing best practices for replicable and scalable analytical processes across clients.
• Guide the team in building out compelling content for presentations to demonstrate the performance and value of statistical and predictive models.
• Oversee the delivery of robust mathematical analysis, ensuring accuracy and strategic relevance.
• Accountable for the team's production of high-standard campaign reports, studies, presentations, and proposals.
• Achieve continuous improvement by proactively assessing Choreograph's working relationships, practices, and methods, and implementing enhancements.
• Lead the establishment and optimization of MLOps processes leveraging the GCP toolset.
• Drive and demonstrate measurable success and impact for clients and the team.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Hands-on experience with building out machine learning models with Python, in a leadership or senior mentorship role.
• Advanced education and background in machine learning, computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or statistics.
• Expert-level hands-on experience in developing complex query structures with SQL and/or NoSQL query languages, and experience guiding others.
• Expert-level hands-on experience working with GCP’s AI Capabilities, including leveraging BigQuery ML, Vertex AI, and other relevant services.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a broad range of machine learning techniques using (TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, XGBoost, Pandas, NLTK, Spark MLib).
• Deep experience and understanding of deep learning techniques (TensorFlow, Theano, MXNet).
• Proven understanding and experience in software engineering best practices, DevOps, and MLOps, with a track record of implementing or leading these initiatives.
• Solid grounding in applied mathematics, especially optimization and graph theory, and advanced statistics.
• Significant commercial or academic experience in leading the development and deployment of complex ML & AI solutions using Python/R.
• In-depth knowledge of machine learning algorithms and their practical applications.
• Advantageous to have extensive experience in Google Marketing Platform and the use of Ads Data Hub.
• Exceptional capabilities in the areas of data engineering, data modeling, and complex big data analysis, with experience leading teams in these domains.
• Strong business analysis skills and deep understanding of analytics, with the ability to translate complex data into strategic business value.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Passionate about working in an extremely fast-paced, demanding, and fluid environment, with a desire to build and lead a high-performing team and contribute significantly to a growing company.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. 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.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. 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.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. 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 this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location

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