About WPP Production
We are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world-class human craft with next generation technology to originate, design, and deliver multi-channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today's always on, AI driven marketing world.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.
A Hybrid working model
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 three days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
What Does a Language Lead Do At WPP Production
The Role:
This is an exciting opportunity to work on a prestigious technology brand putting a passion for language and culture into everyday practice. The Language Lead is responsible for leading language services for the ALAC region. This involves bringing together a talented team of Creative Directors, Editors and Project Managers and inspiring them to produce at the highest standard. The Language Lead will support the Global Language Operations Lead (SME), the Group Account Director (GAD), along with WPP Production senior leadership, to deliver world-class marketing communications through knowledge, strategy, and exceptional planning. This role requires strategic thinking - the willingness to drive improvements, initiatives, and innovation as well as set and deliver best practice.
Key measures of success:
- Continuous delivery of all ALAC language projects, striving for excellence at every step.
- Ensure language quality is maintained at all times.
- Develop and own a strong strategic partnership with our client teams.
- Effective team leadership across multiple locations.
- Implementation of global initiatives, delivering against the business and client needs.
- Ability to change and influence, ensuring ALAC is leading the way on the global stage.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership
- Manage a team of Transcreation Account Managers and linguists to ensure an efficient localization set-up to produce high-quality output.
- Lead by example, to build an inclusive team culture, where collaboration, fresh thinking, a can-do attitude and WPP Production values are embedded within the team DNA.
- Review team requirements on an ongoing basis and, with the help of data, ensure the client is serviced appropriately whilst maintaining agreed profitability.
- Inspire and empower, ensuring work is eOectively delegated and individuals take full ownership and responsibility for their projects.
- Identify and lead any Language recruitment requirements.
- Plan and coordinate training/onboarding for incoming and existing teams.
- Ensure the team are well utilized and performing to the high standard.
Collaboration
- Successfully establish a trusted and strong partnership with key clients, and with senior management.
- Possess a strong understanding of and consistently deliver against all contractual obligations, commercial arrangements, KPIs and SLAs with our client.
- Build strong internal relationships across WPP Production and ensure successful collaboration of the Language team with other WPP Production functions – essential to WPP Production’s success.
- Remove barriers and find solutions to meet client needs. Communicate clearly with clients on recommendations and solutions as part of planning, briefing and review sessions.
- Excellence in operational planning and execution.
- Deep understanding of Language project workflows and processes.
- Confidentially provide recommendations using knowledge, experience and data-driven insights.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the WPP Production business model, services and technology.
- Ensure Business Director and Global SME are informed on all matters relating to Language.
Innovations, initiatives, and best practice
- Continuously work on development and implementation of process improvements.
- Work with global Language SME to enhance process/tools and implement efficient initiatives.
- Work closely with WPP Production global counterparts to share best practices.
- Understanding of Language technology and the ability to apply to our clients’ needs.
Team and resource management
- Overall responsibility for the Transcreation Account Managers and linguists to ensure an efficient localization set-up to produce high-quality output.
- Identify and lead any Language recruitment requirements.
- Plan and coordinate training/onboarding for incoming and existing teams.
- Conduct and manage performance appraisals for direct reports.
- Assist with one-to-one management/mentoring.
- Able to create and maintain strong relationships with freelance talent – talent engagement via newsletters, orientation decks, regular check-ins.
- Review team structure and resource on an ongoing basis, and with the help of data, to ensure client is serviced appropriately whilst maintaining agreed profitability.
- Ensure the team are well utilized and performing to the high standard.
- Point of escalation for WPP Production internal teams.
Finance management, reporting and business growth
- Contribute to quarterly budget planning, re-forecasting, reconciliation and analysis.
- Monitor budget utilization across teams and flag issues to key stakeholders.
- Manage resourcing across teams by monitoring data-led utilization and productivity.
- Report regularly on linguistic team performances and productivity.
- Ensure full compliance with all financial procedures and policies.
- Manage and maintain a continual focus on cost and revenue.
- Lead and deliver regular business reviews to Director level (and above).
Requirements:
- Proven experience in a lead client servicing role with deep understanding of language processes, transcreation and localization, preferably from a linguistic or creative background.
- Experience in budgeting and forecasting.
- Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, including confidence in presenting and storytelling to drive change and improvement.
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment, ideally from the Language or creative industry, whilst keeping a keen eye for detail.
- Focus on continuous improvements, delivering excellent quality and high levels of customer service.
- Agency experience managing international clients in multiple markets with multiple stakeholders.
- Experience of running an account team including resource planning.
- People management experience.
- High level of organization and attention to detail.
- Fluent written and spoken English – a second language is preferred but not a must.
- Aligned to our values.
- Must be able to travel as required.
Why work here:
At WPP Production, you’ll help shape the future of content production at a truly global scale. We bring together world-class talent, cutting-edge studios, and advanced technology to solve some of the most complex creative and production challenges in the industry. You’ll work in a collaborative, borderless environment where craft excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged, and AI and next-generation tools are used to amplify not replace human creativity. With access to diverse projects, global career opportunities, and the backing of WPP’s unmatched network, this is a place where you can grow your skills, make real impact, and create work that performs for every audience, across every channel, at every moment.
Inclusion and Impact
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.
Data
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