Lead Data Architect

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients, and communities. Working at WPP means being part of a global network of more than 100,000 talented people dedicated to doing extraordinary work for our clients. We operate in over 100 countries, with corporate headquarters in New York, London and Singapore. WPP is a world leader in marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent. Our clients include many of the biggest companies and advertisers in the world, including approximately 300 of the Fortune Global 500.

This lead data architect role is a critical senior leadership position responsible for providing central strategic direction, governance and vision for data architecture across all of WPP Open. The role unifies data engineers and architects distributed across global workstreams to ensure a cohesive, scalable and secure data ecosystem that prevents data silos and enables the development of advanced, AI‑driven marketing solutions.

• 
  
• Develop and own the long‑term strategic roadmap for WPP Open’s enterprise data architecture, anticipating future challenges and opportunities.
  
• Directly lead a central team of senior data architects while providing strategic oversight and technical governance for all distributed data engineering and architecture talent across WPP Open.
  
• Harmonise data architecture practices and technology choices across disparate workstreams to ensure interoperability, reusability and efficiency.
  
• Establish and enforce enterprise‑wide data governance policies, data quality standards and best practices across all teams and projects to ensure data integrity and security.
  
• Drive process improvements and introduce new, innovative approaches to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of data management and consumption.
  
• Serve as the primary subject‑matter expert and final point of escalation on data architecture, providing thought leadership to resolve highly complex, cross‑functional issues.
  
• Manage the budget and resource allocation for the central data architecture function, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
  
• Partner with executive leadership and workstream leads globally to ensure the data architecture strategy supports and aligns with broader organisational goals.
  
• Act as the primary architectural liaison between various workstreams, fostering a community of practice and ensuring alignment with the central data vision across different time zones.
  
• Actively share best practices and foster a culture of data literacy and collaboration across the organisation.
  
• Ensure the team’s contributions and architectural decisions align with the commercial and operational models of WPP Open.
  

• 
  
• University Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience. A graduate‑level degree is preferred.
  
• Prior relevant experience in data architecture, data engineering or a similar field with a proven track record operating at a strategic level.
  
• Deep, mastery‑level knowledge of data architecture principles, data modelling and database design in complex, large‑scale environments.
  
• Proven ability to lead and influence effectively in a global, distributed, and multi‑time‑zone environment.
  
• Demonstrated experience leading and influencing in a complex, matrixed or federated organisational structure, driving consensus and enforcing standards across distributed teams.
  
• Extensive experience with cloud data platforms (e.g., Google Cloud, AWS, Azure) and modern data stack technologies (e.g., Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery).
  
• Strong conflict resolution, change management and senior stakeholder management skills.
  

Open-mindedness: we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views.

Optimism: we believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures for our people, clients and communities.

Extraordinary: we are stronger together through collaboration, achieving the amazing and pioneering new solutions daily.

• 
  
• Passionate, inspired people – a culture where people can do extraordinary work.
  
• Scale and opportunity – opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.
  
• Challenging and stimulating work – unique work and the chance to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?
  
• Hybrid approach – teams in the office around four days a week; flexibility can be discussed during the interview process.
  

Director

Full-time

Engineering and Information Technology

Advertising Services

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.

For more information on how we process the information you provide, please read our Privacy Notice.