Sustainability Programme Manager

About the Role

The Sustainability Programme Manager plays a pivotal role in driving WPP's sustainability transformation journey. Reporting to the Chief Sustainability Officer, you will be responsible for the overarching governance and delivery of key sustainability programmes and initiatives, including our ambitious Net Zero commitment. This is a high-impact role requiring exceptional project management, leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

About Us

WPP champions sustainability, pioneering first-in-sector carbon emission reduction targets encompassing media and advertising production. We source 88% of electricity from renewable sources (targeting 100% by 2025) and recently launched a global sustainability-focused Future Readiness Academy to train our people. We have a strong track record on DEI leadership: over 53% of senior management and 41% of executives are female. To learn more about WPPs Sustainability strategy, please see here.

Your Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Governance:

• Support our central Sustainability team and key stakeholders across WPP agencies and functions to evolve and deliver WPP's global sustainability strategy.
• Develop and implement governance frameworks, policies, and procedures for sustainability transformation programmes, ensuring alignment with broader WPP programmes and relevant regulatory standards.
• Oversee the implementation of a comprehensive Net Zero roadmap, including target setting, action planning, and progress / benefits tracking.

Programme Management & Delivery:

• Support the management and implementation of the portfolio of sustainability transformation programmes across WPP agencies and functions, including the Net Zero Transition Plan and Sustainability Academy.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight to cross-functional project teams, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
• Identify and manage risks and dependencies across the portfolio of sustainability programmes.
• Develop and maintain a centralized repository of sustainability resources, tools, and best practices for use across WPP.

Reporting & Communication:

• Develop and deliver regular progress reports on sustainability performance to senior leadership, the Board, and other key stakeholders.
• Support the submission of WPP’s annual sustainability and ESG disclosures, including data quality checks, resolving external assurance queries and proofing report content.
• Support the implementation of our strategy to engage employees and foster a culture of sustainability across WPP.
• Identify opportunities to simplify reporting processes, for example through tools and technology.

Financial Management:

• Manage the central sustainability budget, including allocation of funds, tracking of expenditures, and reporting on financial performance.
• Assist with the development of robust business cases for sustainability investments and initiatives.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities for sustainability projects, which may include internal and external grants and partnerships.

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain excellent relationships with key internal stakeholders across WPP agencies and functions, including senior leadership, sustainability champions, and subject matter experts.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including clients, investors, NGOs, and industry groups, to advance WPP's sustainability agenda.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Experience: Proven capability of managing teams across a wide portfolio of business functions and geographies. Experienced in dealing with transformation initiatives in changing environments.
• Programme Management: Proven track record of successfully leading and delivering large-scale, complex transformation programmes.
• Financial Acumen: Financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and business case development.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels including C-Suite.
• Passion for Sustainability: A genuine interest in sustainability as an opportunity to differentiate WPP as a business and a commitment to driving positive environmental and social impact.  A basic understanding of sustainability principles, frameworks, and best practices is desirable but not essential.
• Leadership & Teamwork: Proven ability to motivate high-performing teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and integrate with existing direct team members.