Data Strategy Manager

Who We Are

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

About the team you will be joining

You'll be joining a dynamic and award-winning data planning team within a fast-paced agency environment. Reporting into the Senior Data Planning Director, the team is part of the wider EMEA Data team. This has a mix of consultants, analysts, data scientists and insight and effectiveness experts as well a team of technical enablement specialists.

Who we’re looking for

We're seeking a highly collaborative and enthusiastic Data Planning Manager (Experienced Senior Data Planner) to join our team to work on a large automotive account. You will be a key data evangelist, working with clients and internal teams to develop and deliver data-driven strategies focused on CRM targeting, personalisation, measurement, and optimization across multiple digital channels. As well as supporting and mentoring more junior team members.

What You Will Be Doing:

As a Data Planning Manager, you will be a crucial link between data analysis and broader marketing strategy, developing connected, data-inspired CRM programs. This involves:

• Building strong relationships with client stakeholders and internal VML teams to promote, develop, and manage data and analysis deliverables.

• Leading data discovery and analysis projects to unify consumer data and develop actionable insights.

• Developing data strategies and roadmaps to guide client marketing activities.

• Defining frameworks to measure marketing effectiveness, setting KPIs, benchmarks, targets, and forecasts.

• Defining and setting up reporting and analysis processes that meet client objectives.

• Developing campaign targeting plans and briefs for internal or 3rd party campaign delivery teams.

• Measuring, evaluating, and optimizing marketing activity using best practice testing methodologies.

• Acting as a trusted advisor to clients on all data-related matters, enabling data-driven decision-making.

• Presenting regularly to clients and attending client meetings.

• Driving strategy across all channels and touchpoints, from email, push, and SMS to a connected communications plan encompassing digital media, including social, mobile, and website.

• Contributing to the development of junior team members by sharing knowledge and fostering a learning culture.

• Working closely with analysts, strategists, account and campaign delivery teams, and multiple client stakeholders.

What Skills Will Help You Be Successful:

• 6+ years of experience in a data function, preferably within an agency environment or a similar role with transferable skills.

• Strong understanding of CRM principles and digital marketing landscape

• Proven ability to manage projects and work effectively within cross-functional teams.

• Excellent communication, organization, proposal writing, and presentation skills.

• Ability to explain complex technical data concepts in a clear and concise manner to non-technical audiences.

• Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with a high level of numeracy.

• Proficiency in Excel and other data analysis tools.

• Familiarity with marketing automation platforms, CDPs, and ESPs, especially Salesforce Marketing Cloud.

• Experience with website analytics and personalisation/testing tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics & Target).

• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is beneficial.

• A proactive, curious, and collaborative approach, with a willingness to learn and push boundaries.

• A passion for data and its potential to drive business impact.

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 an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to 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.

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit  www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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