Head of Programme, EPM

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Why we're hiring:

WPP is embarking on a major transformation to replace its legacy BFC platform and modernise enterprise performance management across the group. The programme will deliver a scalable, integrated capability for financial consolidation, planning, forecasting and management reporting. This change is critical to:

• Replace ageing and increasingly constrained consolidation technology
• Standardise and simplify group finance processes, data and controls
• Improve the speed, quality and transparency of close, planning, forecasting and reporting
• Create a scalable EPM foundation that supports future business and regulatory needs

A dedicated Head of Programme is needed to lead this complex, business-critical transformation across Finance and Enterprise Technology, align senior stakeholders, manage implementation partners and ensure the new EPM capability is delivered safely and adopted globally.

The Head of Programme is accountable for the overall success of the EPM Transformation Programme , replacing WPP’s legacy BFC platform and delivering a modern enterprise performance management capability for group consolidation, planning, forecasting and management reporting. The role provides leadership, governance and direction across finance, technology, data, process and change workstreams, ensuring the programme delivers controlled transition, measurable business outcomes and sustainable adoption. Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership : Define and maintain the EPM programme vision, target outcomes and integrated roadmap, aligned to Finance and Enterprise Technology strategy.
• Governance & Assurance : Establish robust governance, design authority, delivery controls and assurance across business, data, technology and implementation partners.
• Benefits Realisation : Deliver measurable improvements in close, consolidation, planning, forecasting, reporting, controls and user productivity.
• Stakeholder Engagement : Build strong relationships with Finance, Enterprise Technology, markets, agencies, sponsors and delivery partners to secure decisions and resolve issues.
• Resource & Financial Management : Oversee the programme budget, resources, commercial commitments and system integrator performance to optimise cost, quality and value.
• Change & Adoption : Ensure finance process readiness, data migration, training, deployment and adoption across a complex global organisation.

What you'll be doing:

• Define and maintain the vision, outcomes and integrated roadmap for the EPM Transformation Programme
• Build strong relationships with senior Finance, Enterprise Technology, market and agency leaders to drive alignment, decisions and ownership
• Lead the replacement of BFC and implementation of the selected EPM platform across consolidation, planning, forecasting and reporting
• Ensure business, process, data, technology and change deliverables are high quality, clearly scoped and linked to quantifiable benefits
• Be accountable for programme mobilisation, planning, orchestration, delivery and transition into service
• Own the integrated programme plan, budget, resources, governance, risks, issues, dependencies, quality, communications and change approach
• Coordinate dependencies with Finance transformation, ERP, data, integration, security, controls and other enterprise programmes
• Establish clear visibility across workstreams, markets, agencies and partners to resolve cross-functional delivery challenges
• Develop and maintain programme risk and assurance plans, including migration, cutover, financial control and business continuity risks
• Work closely with the PMO to provide accurate, decision-focused reporting and maintain delivery controls
• Run stage gates, design decisions and readiness reviews across the programme lifecycle
• Act as the principal liaison between sponsors, Finance leadership, governance forums, delivery teams and implementation partners
• Maintain the business case, benefits profile and investment position, ensuring decisions remain value-led
• Oversee process design, solution delivery, data migration, integration, testing, cutover, training and adoption
• Manage the EPM software vendor, system integrator and other third parties against contractual commitments, outcomes and performance measures
• Lead and develop programme and project management staff, setting clear expectations and providing coaching and feedback
• Ensure all workstreams use Strategy and Transformation delivery standards and tools, including the Transformation Delivery Framework and Wrike
• Identify and champion improvements that strengthen programme performance and delivery maturity
• Share lessons learned and reusable practices across the programme and project management community

What you'll need:

 Experience & Background

• Extensive experience leading large-scale finance or EPM transformation programmes in a global, multi-entity organisation.
• Proven track record implementing enterprise platforms for financial consolidation, planning, forecasting and management reporting.
• Strong understanding of group finance processes, close and consolidation, financial controls, data migration and business change.
• Demonstrated experience managing EPM vendors, system integrators and third-party delivery partners through selection, design, implementation and deployment.

Leadership & Strategic Capability

• Ability to define and articulate a clear programme vision, roadmap, and benefits case.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, including C‑suite, functional heads, and agency/market leaders.
• Experience leading matrixed teams and managing cross‑functional delivery across geographies.
• Demonstrated ability to set the right delivery culture, behaviours, and expectations.

Governance, Control & Delivery Excellence

• Deep understanding of programme governance, including stage gates, reporting, RAID management, and financial controls.
• Ability to establish and maintain robust delivery frameworks, quality standards, and assurance.
• Skilled in risk management, including identifying systemic risks, interdependency conflicts, and developing mitigation plans.
• Ability to ensure regulatory, security, and compliance alignment across programme component

Financial & Commercial Management

• Strong capability in budget ownership, forecasting, cost control, and benefits realisation.
• Experience conducting business cases, cost–benefit analysis, and ROI assessments.
• Ability to manage vendors against contractual commitments and performance

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Exceptional comms skills, able to simplify complex programme detail into exec‑level insight.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with senior sponsors, delivery teams, and external partners.
• Skilled in managing change impacts, driving adoption, and minimising business disruption.

Change, Adoption & Business Readiness

• Experience overseeing change management, including communications, training, and readiness.
• Ability to ensure new processes, technologies, and capabilities are embedded and sustained.
• Comfortable addressing change fatigue, capability gaps, and resistance points

Technical Competence

• Strong understanding of enterprise performance management platforms and their supporting finance, data, integration and reporting architecture.
• Practical knowledge of consolidation, planning, forecasting, master data, data migration, testing, cutover and service transition.
• Ability to balance finance requirements, technical and architectural constraints, control needs and delivery risk.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised, resilient, and comfortable operating in ambiguous or evolving environments.
• Strong problem‑solver with ability to make clear decisions under pressure.
• Inclusive, people‑centred leader who motivates high‑performing teams.

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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