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Lead / Manager

Managing Director CBL (Transformation Lead)

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

VML (Wunderman Thompson)

VML (Wunderman Thompson)

Compensation

$295,000 USD

Costa Mesa, California, United States
Hybrid
Posted April 23, 2026

Job Description

Who We Are

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

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.

Managing Director CBL (Transformation Lead)

Position Summary: The Transformation Lead is a critical role in spearheading the management of strategic transformation projects across the marketing organization of a key client in the automotive category. The primary responsibility of this embedded role is driving a culture and program of consistent change management across the client’s organization including, process optimization and the adoption of new marketing best practices, data and technologies to enhance organizational impact through efficiency and effectiveness, utilizing our client’s size and agility as competitive advantage. The Transformation Lead will advise and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, senior leadership, and partner stakeholders to deliver tangible, sustainable results that align with our client's long-term strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Change Management: Paramount to this role is the ability to develop and implement robust change management strategies, frameworks, communication and measurement plans to facilitate smooth transitions, minimize resistance, and maximize user adoption of new processes and systems.
  • Strategic Project Leadership: Lead and manage end-to-end change management initiatives, including project planning, execution, monitoring, and closure of request; ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timelines.
  • Continuous Improvement: Identify, analyze, and diagnose current state operational inefficiencies. Design and propose innovative, data-driven solutions to optimize business processes, workflows, and organizational structures.
  • Build a Culture of Change Leadership: Build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across departments, including senior leadership, department heads, and project teams, to gather requirements, manage expectations, and ensure project success.
  • Education and Collaboration: Design and facilitate engaging workshops, brainstorming sessions, and meetings to foster collaboration, align teams, and drive problem-solving.
  • Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Define key performance indicators (KPIs), track project progress, assess impact, and prepare regular reports and presentations for executive leadership, highlighting achievements, risks, and mitigation strategies.
  • Risk Management: Proactively identify potential risks and challenges within transformation projects and develop contingency plans to ensure successful project delivery.
  • Commercial Management: Work with commercial, legal and financial leads to lay the foundation for transformation at the commercial level for awareness and planning support.

Role Requirements:

  • A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in managing integrated marketing and change management programs, program management, consulting, corporate strategy, business transformation, or a similar role within a large, complex organization. Experience in the automotive industry is a significant asset.
  • Demonstrated success in leading and managing large-scale organizational change initiatives and strategic projects from inception to successful completion.
  • Experience in developing and executing effective change management strategies
  • Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and provide clear recommendations.
  • Strong understanding of project management methodologies and experience with relevant project management tools.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and persuade stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and adapting to evolving business needs.

Desired Skills and Experiences:

  • Experience with full marketing transformation initiatives, including the implementation of new technologies, automation, and data analytics solutions.
  • Proficiency in project management and collaboration tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence via consensus building across cross-functional teams and senior leadership. 
  • A proactive, results-oriented mindset with a strong bias for action and a commitment to continuous improvement.
  • Strong financial acumen and understanding of business drivers.
  • A passion for the automotive industry and our client's brand values.

Additional Details:

This Transformation Lead role is integral to achieving our client's strategic vision, offering a unique opportunity to significantly impact our operational efficiency, drive innovation, and contribute directly to the company's growth and competitive positioning in the market. The successful candidate will be a catalyst for change, helping to shape the future of our organization. We offer a dynamic work environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to be part of a passionate team committed to excellence.

 

 

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.

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$125,000$295,000 USD

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 an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to 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. 

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit  www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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