Deal Desk Manager, WPP Open

Deal Desk Manager, WPP Open 

About WPP Open: WPP Open is WPP's cutting-edge AI platform for marketing. It seamlessly connects talent, tools, data, and artificial intelligence to deliver faster, and more scalable marketing solutions at a reduced cost. We operate across a portfolio of products that includes WPP Open Enterprise, and WPP Open Pro – providing a range of offering from self-serve client capabilities to fully managed strategic partnerships. This innovative approach firmly positions WPP as the self-disrupting, AI-enabled agency of the future. 

Why we are hiring: We are seeking a Deal Desk Manager to join our Growth and Commercial team, which is central to driving growth for WPP Open. You will be instrumental in delivering expert deal structuring and pricing support for our global Sales Teams and Agency networks. As a subject matter expert, you will leverage data-driven insights to foster growth and act as the key liaison between sales, finance, and legal teams for all critical deal support matters. 

 

What you'll do: Reporting to the Chief Growth & Commercial Officer, you will: 

• Review and vet complex deals on behalf of Strategic Business Practices and Sales Executives, ensuring strategic alignment and risk mitigation. 

• Negotiate commercial terms with client procurement teams, ensuring best value outcomes. 

• Guide Sales on optimal deal structures, proactively manage risk within contractual terms, and take ownership of final approval decisions. 

• Demonstrate critical thinking, analytical rigour, and the ability to identify variable risks and opportunities within a deal, influencing outcomes with strategic recommendations as variables evolve. 

• Partner with the Pricing team to develop and implement best practices for commercial terms, leveraging improved data utilisation and comprehensive market knowledge to inform decisions. 

• Enable Sales teams with best practices for optimised pricing and efficient deal structures through training and guidance. 

• Collaborate strategically with Finance, Legal, and Operations departments to optimise contract terms and accelerate deal closure. 

• Support Sales & Growth teams in the proficient use of CRM systems, ensuring data integrity and process efficiency. 

• Enable and educate Agency teams on WPP Open's distinct Pricing & Commercial Models. 

• Develop compelling client-facing commercial proposal materials. 

• Support the creation of robust business cases to effectively aid complex sales conversations. 

 

What you’ll bring: 

• Relevant experience in a deal desk, commercial finance, or sales operations role, preferably within the technology industry. 

• Deep knowledge of commercial, pricing strategies, and deal desk functions, or directly relevant experience. 

• Extensive experience with CRM and CPQ systems and proven proficiency in financial modelling and analysis. 

• An analytical background with problem-solving skills. 

• Proven experience leading and influencing at various levels across the organisation. 

• Capable of explaining complex concepts clearly and credibly across all levels of the organisation. 

• Ability to navigate complex discussions to productive outcomes. 

• Deep practical knowledge of project management, with experience leading large, complex initiatives. 

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing & prioritising competing demands.