Head of Industry Partnerships and Employer Brand

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ABOUT WPP

WPP is undergoing its most significant structural transformation in decades. Through Elevate28, we are moving from a holding company model to a single integrated operating company. The EVP WPP is building for the Elevate28 era is anchored on five dimensions – one of which is Inclusion & Belonging. This role ensures WPP shows up in the industry as one company and as a recognised leader in inclusive practice.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Head of Industry Partnerships & Engagement decides where and how WPP shows up across the industry for inclusion: which partners we work with, which events we sponsor, and which inclusion and people awards we enter. Historically, these decisions were made agency by agency. This role brings them together under One WPP, with one clear strategy and one voice.

It is a strategic and visible role. You will set the criteria, recommend how a dedicated sponsorship budget is invested, and represent WPP at key industry moments, engaging partners, clients, and talent. The role is about positioning WPP as an inclusive industry leader through where we sponsor, where we recruit, and the recognition we earn.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Partnership & Sponsorship Strategy (40%)
   One clear, criteria-led approach to who WPP partners with and where we invest.

• Partnership Strategy: Set the global framework for identifying, assessing, and prioritising external inclusion partners and industry bodies, aligned to the I&I strategy and employee programmes.
• Sponsorship Decisions: Build and run a clear process for deciding which industry events and platforms WPP sponsors, replacing ad-hoc, agency-level requests with one enterprise approach.
• Investment Recommendations: Recommend how the dedicated sponsorship budget is allocated, based on strategic fit, audience, and expected impact. Spend tracking and vendor administration sit with P&C Operations and GBS.
• Portfolio Direction: Approve partner selections and renewals, guiding the Inclusion Partnerships & Client Engagement Lead, who manages partners day to day.

Key KPIs & Objectives:

• Established Partnership & Sponsorship Framework, with tiering, selection criteria, and an intake process for event and sponsorship requests.
• Set an Annual Sponsorship Investment Plan recommended and approved within the allocated budget.
• Consolidate Legacy agency-level sponsorships into the One WPP model.

1. Industry Presence & Engagement (35%)
   Positioning WPP as a global growth partner centered on inclusion

• Event Activation: Lead WPP’s inclusion presence at priority industry moments (e.g., Cannes Lions, Advertising Week, CES, Campaign, Adobe Summit), so inclusion is visible in how WPP shows up.
• Frontline Ambassador: Serve as a representative, building relationships with partners, clients, and industry leaders across a range of settings and audiences.
• Talent Showcase: With Regional Inclusion Directors and HRBPs, build a roster of employee speakers and ambassadors, including ERG leaders, for panels, keynotes, and industry moments.
• Client Moments: Create joint on-stage and on-site opportunities with client partners, working with the Inclusion Partnerships & Client Engagement Lead.
• Talent Pipeline: Partner with Talent Acquisition so sponsorships and partnerships open routes to diverse, early-career, and experienced talent.

Key KPIs & Objectives:

• Launch Industry Event Activation Plan, naming priority global events and WPP’s presence at each.
• Co-create WPP Speaker & Ambassador Roster.
• Curate relationships with partners and clients to support business growth and inclusion client opportunities for ongoing engagement.

1. Awards, Recognition & Impact (25%)
   Earning recognition for WPP’s inclusive practices and showing the return on where we invest.

• Awards Strategy: Identify priority global inclusion and people awards, and agree regional priorities with Regional Inclusion Directors, based on WPP’s strategy and programmes.
• Submission Process: Run a shared awards process with Regional Inclusion Directors, GBS team, and the Global Head of Inclusion & Impact.
• Industry Positioning: Supply partnership, sponsorship, and award proof points to Talent Acquisition and Marketing & Communications to strengthen WPP’s reputation as an inclusive leader.
• Impact Reporting: In partnership with the Enterprise Director, Inclusion, Brand, and Client Impact, own the End-of-Year Partnership Impact & ROI Report, using partner and client data provided by the Inclusion Partnerships & Client Engagement Lead.

Key KPIs & Objectives:

• Global Awards Calendar and submission process in place with Regional Inclusion Directors and GBS.
• End-of-Year Partnership Impact & ROI Report delivered.
• Submissions made and recognition earned across priority inclusion and people awards.
• Effectively communicate reach, engagement, and talent outcomes linked to sponsorship and partnership investment.

EXPERIENCE & PROFILE

• Senior Experience: Significant senior experience in communications, marketing, external partnerships, and/or inclusion, at a level comparable to a regional or enterprise director.
• Partnership & Sponsorship: Track record shaping partnership or sponsorship strategy and recommending where budget should go.
• Industry Fluency: Familiarity with major industry moments such as Cannes Lions, Advertising Week, CES, and Campaign events. Agency, advertising, media, or marketing industry experience is a plus, not a requirement.
• Confident Ambassador: Comfortable representing an organisation in person, from partner meetings and client dinners to large events, and adapting to different audiences and settings.
• Strategic & Structured: Brings clarity to competing requests, sets criteria, and makes clear recommendations to senior leaders.
• Collaborative Leader: Builds strong relationships across regions and functions and develops a direct report.

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, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You're optimistic : We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to 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 provide extraordinary every day.

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We aim to create a culture in which people can do extraordinary work

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?

#LI-Hybrid

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.

WPP 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.

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