Head Of Global Operations

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About Ogilvy

Ogilvy has been creating impact for brands through iconic, culture-changing, value-driving ideas since the company was founded by David Ogilvy 75 years ago. It builds on that rich legacy through Borderless Creativity - innovating at the intersections of its advertising, public relations, relationship design, consulting, and health capabilities with experts collaborating seamlessly across over 120 offices in nearly 90 countries. Ogilvy currently ranks as the #1 global agency network for creative excellence and effectiveness by WARC, signifying its ability to deliver creative solutions that drive unreasonable impact for clients and communities. Ogilvy is a WPP company (NYSE: WPP). For more information, visit Ogilvy.com , and follow us on LinkedIn , X , Instagram , and Facebook.

Head of Global Operations

Department: Unilever

Location: London

Contact type: Permanent

Full Time/Part time: Full Time

Reporting into: Global Client Lead

About Ogilvy:

Our vision is to inspire brands and people to impact the world. To create big ideas that make a significant contribution to the planet, society, and the bottom line. We believe in today's world this is the best way for our clients to achieve sustainable growth. We achieve this by breaking down the barriers that restrict talent and ideas.

Which is why our teams work fluidly across 5 capabilities: Advertising, Consulting, Experience, PR & Influencer, and Health. This allows us to not only operate but innovate at the intersection of capabilities and talent. We believe impact and magic lies at this intersection. Ogilvy scales this by seamlessly connecting and accessing the deep cultural expertise of 132 offices in 83 countries.

The result is multifaceted ideas for our clients that drive impact and are born from the intersection of platform x culture x technology.

We call this Borderless Creativity.

Ogilvy was ranked the number one UK agency at D&AD and was the only UK agency to win a Glass Lions at Cannes. Ogilvy was also nominated network of the year in Cannes Lions, Campaign, Effie Awards EMEA, London International Awards, The One Show and WARC Rankings.

In 2022, Ogilvy was the most creatively awarded agency globally - including the most awarded agency at the Clio Awards, DMA Awards, Influencer Marketing Awards, London International Awards and The One Show.

Ogilvy UK's PR practice won large agency of the year at the PR Week awards. And our Consulting practice was in the Forbes 2022 list of best management consultancy firms.

The Role:

The Head of Operations is a critical leadership role responsible for the overall operational efficiency and effectiveness of the One Unilever team (Core Dove team, Hellmann's and the Beauty Collective). This role will oversee the development and implementation of operational strategies, processes, and systems to ensure seamless execution of business objectives. You will lead a team of functional experts in project Management and Resources, and work cross-functionally to optimize performance, drive growth, and deliver exceptional client service. As the Head of Operations will own the Overall day-to-day accountability for running the OUL business ensuring both internal and client facing operations are delivered to a high standard.

Speaking of Dove, this iconic brand has a rich history of ground-breaking communications. From its revolutionary 'beauty bar' in 1957 to the iconic 'Campaign for Real Beauty' initiated in 2004, Dove has always been at the forefront of redefining beauty standards. As the Head of Operations, you'll be part of our enduring partnership, driving real and lasting social change. Be prepared to challenge the status quo and develop innovative campaigns that make beauty a source of confidence, not anxiety, for women around the world.

In this fast-paced and ever-changing environment, you'll need to be resilient, adaptable, and capable of juggling multiple projects with finesse. Your proactive planning and foresight will be invaluable as you anticipate future needs and navigate through challenges. Your communication prowess, both verbal and written, will allow you to articulate your ideas effectively, negotiate with finesse, and deliver compelling presentations. Above all, your positive attitude, energy, and passion for the Personal Care category will make you an invaluable team player, driving us forward in our quest to maintain Dove's position as the world's most meaningful beauty brand.

The HOO will also partner very closely with the WPP Global Client Lead and the Finance Lead to:

• Drive the transformation of the 1UL team to a to a future proof model
• Drive the creation of Content Hubs and End to End delivery
• Lead creative commercial strategies for renumeration to ensure the creative excellence in combination with a healthy margin
• Lead the conversations with the Ogilvy / WPP Exco re. Overall team performance
• Lead the conversation with senior clients and the Unilever VPs across delivery / model topics

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Strategy & Execution: Work alongside the rest of the leadership team to develop the strategic vision for OUL business. Own delivery against this vision, ensuring a structured programme management approach to delivering and managing risks and issues. Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the overall business goals. Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient workflows, optimal resource allocation, and adherence to established processes.
• Leadership & Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Project Management and Resources team. Foster a collaborative and results-oriented culture. Focus on developing the capabilities of the Project Management team and helping them to become client-facing.
• Performance Management & Reporting: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and track progress against targets for each categories. Develop and maintain regular reporting mechanisms to monitor operational performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Process Optimization & Innovation: Continuously evaluate and improve operational processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation. Implement best practices and leverage technology to streamline workflows.
• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and internal stakeholders at WPP. Ensure operational excellence in client service delivery and address any operational challenges effectively.
• Budget Management: Oversee the operational budget and ensure cost-effective resource allocation.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate operational risks to ensure business continuity and minimize disruptions.
• Operational Excellence: Drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization.

Requirements:

• Proven experience leading operational teams at scale, ideally as an Operations Director, Head of Operations, or similar role. Experience in adjacent operational functional leadership is also highly relevant.
• Experience in retail or consumer-facing industries, with a deep understanding of operational challenges and strategic development.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement long-term business strategies.
• Track record of successful project delivery within large, complex organizations.
• Experience working in a start-up or high-growth environment, building teams and processes from scratch.
• Strong leadership skills, with a proven ability to hire, retain, develop, and motivate top-tier talent.
• Experience implementing strategic change and managing the impact of new initiatives on the business.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strategic thinking combined with a strong attention to detail.
• High levels of personal drive and determination

How we help you Thrive:

• 25 days annual leave + 1 Volunteer Day
• Bupa Healthcare
• Enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Shared Parental Leave
• We have a Flexible Working Model with core working hours: 10am - 4pm
• A 1.5:1 Matching Pension Structure
• Wellbeing and Health: Up to £25.00 per month towards physical or online exercise class membership, Unmind membership, LifeWorks tool and annual eye tests and development budgets and Wellbeing incentives and activities throughout the year
• Season Ticket Loan and Cycle to Work Scheme
• Life Assurance

At Ogilvy, our people are at the heart of what we do: a creative agency that sparks game-changing ideas across culture and business through collaboration, integrity, and a celebration of self-expression.

We believe in building powerful teams with purpose. This means hiring and nurturing talent across all races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, sexual orientation, and gender identities - and we relentlessly curate transformative initiatives that make our commitment to fairness, and equity a reality.

Our ultimate mission is to leave a positive impact on the world, creating a better future for all, while supporting and uplifting the global communities we serve. This is central to our mantra of Borderless Creativity.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Ogilvy considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Applicants from the United States can learn more about their rights by viewing the federal "Know Your Rights" and Pay Transparency posters by clicking here .

If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity, or if you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please contact us at accommodations@ogilvy.com. Please note that this contact is only for candidates who are requesting accommodation. Emails for other purposes, including application status requests, will not receive a response.