WPP Production | Freelance Content Production Manager, Japan

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.    We work with the world's most valuable brands and have global reach across 100+ markets, with deep local expertise.   Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow.    For more information, visit WPP.com.   Executive Assistant, WPP Creative  Location Tokyo, Japan Reporting To WPP Creative Lead Japan   About WPP Creative Japan WPP Creative Japan is part of the global WPP network, bringing together world-class creative, strategy, content, production, and integrated marketing capabilities to deliver transformative solutions for leading clients in Japan and globally. As our business continues to evolve toward a more integrated, fast-paced, and collaborative operating model, we are seeking a highly capable Executive Assistant who can support senior leadership while proactively helping the organization operate smoothly across functions and teams.   ROLE OVERVIEW The Executive Assistant will provide high-level administrative and operational support to senior leadership within WPP Creative Japan. Initially, the role will support the WPP Creative Lead, Senior Finance Director, and Managing Director; however, the scope and leadership coverage may evolve depending on business priorities and organizational structure. This role goes beyond traditional executive support. We are looking for someone with a strong “can-do” attitude who is comfortable operating in a dynamic international environment and willing to step in wherever support is needed. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of handling a broad range of responsibilities across scheduling, communication, coordination, events, internal operations, and stakeholder management. The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring leadership effectiveness and helping the broader organization run efficiently. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES EXECUTIVE SUPPORT * Manage complex calendars, meeting coordination, and scheduling across multiple senior stakeholders and time zones * Coordinate internal and external meetings, including leadership meetings and client meetings * Arrange domestic and international business travel, accommodations, and itineraries * Support expense processing, invoice coordination, and administrative documentation * Prepare meeting materials, agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions as required * Help prioritize and manage incoming requests and communications for senior leaders LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT * Support preparation and coordination of Townhall meetings, Exco meetings, leadership offsites, and internal communications * Coordinate cross-functional activities across departments and agencies within WPP * Assist with presentation preparation, document formatting, and reporting materials * Provide operational and logistical support for internal initiatives and business projects * Welcome and coordinate client visits and executive hospitality arrangements * Proactively identify and support operational gaps or tasks that may not clearly sit within a single function COMMUNICATION & STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT * Communicate professionally and effectively with both Japanese and international stakeholders * Maintain a high level of confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism at all times * Build strong working relationships across multiple teams and seniority levels QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE * 5+ years of experience as an Executive Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, or similar role within an international company or fast-paced environment * Experience supporting multiple senior executives simultaneously preferred * Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with excellent attention to detail * Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently with minimal supervision * Strong interpersonal and communication skills * Comfortable working in a matrixed and evolving organization * High level of ownership, flexibility, and problem-solving mindset * Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and common collaboration tools LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS * Native-level Japanese proficiency * Business-level English proficiency required (comfortable communicating with global stakeholders in both written and spoken English) PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES * Positive, proactive, and collaborative mindset * Strong sense of discretion and professionalism * Ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing priorities * Service-oriented attitude with willingness to support beyond formal job scope when needed * Experience in advertising, media, creative, consulting, or other fast-paced professional services environments is a plus   #LI-DNP  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 four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. 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. PLEASE READ OUR PRIVACY NOTICE (HTTPS://WWW.WPP.COM/EN/CAREERS/WPP-PRIVACY-POLICY-FOR-RECRUITMENT) FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW WE PROCESS THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE.

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.    We work with the world's most valuable brands and have global reach across 100+ markets, with deep local expertise.   Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow.    For more information, visit WPP.com.   What does a Project Manager do at WPP Production?  The Project Manager (Print Retail) is one of the primary day-to-day contacts with our clients’ Marketing Communication team. Working closely with the clients, Print Production Managers, and Retail Sales Program Managers, the PM will support the implementation of campaigns with our client’s retail partners in Japan. Role: * Build strong client relationships which enable a clear understanding of our clients’ retail partner structure and print vendors. Be the ‘go-to’ person for Retail Marketing asset localization and production. * Build strong internal relationships across the agency (Traffic, Content, Interactive, Studio, Print Production, Finance and Operations) * Attend status meetings/VCs on a regular basis * Update daily tracker during live project – shared with clients and Deployment * Own the basics of client service including creating and updating agendas, timing plans, contact reports, and cost estimates * Demonstrate expertise in the delivery of projects through management of client expectations, internal processes and department involvement * Communicate the briefs to the studio and print production teams, and ensure that the correct creative direction is being taken * Immerse yourself in the client’s brand and offering * Set and manage client expectations ensuring they follow the agreed workflows * Build strong, trusting relationships with all key stakeholders, function leads, cross functional producers, senior managers and 3rd party vendors that are directly involved with the work * Manage the approval of quarterly budgets, flagging important budget fluctuations to the client and line manager * The ability to write, prepare and present documents, presentations and reports * Ensure that the line manager is aware of all client issues and proposed solutions (including potential delays) to ensure swift resolution and avoid further escalation * Ensure your account consistently delivers against all contractual obligations including SLAs and KPIs * Act as a brand QC/Guardian – always ensure brand guidelines, QC checklists and procedures are followed * Ensure the best external talent is always used – freelancers, translators, proofreaders, copywriters, and planners where necessary (liaise with relevant department heads and ensure they pass relevant tests) * Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Hogarth business model, services and technology * Organise teamwork, create a balanced work schedule and ensure people are able to deliver results Requirements: * A minimum of 5 years solid advertising agency experience preferred, gained working on global retail and/or shopper accounts, from creative development to final production * Experience in financial management and understanding the importance of accurate financial management * Excellent spreadsheet skills in both Excel and Numbers. Demonstration of past experience in managing complex spreadsheets * Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, in Japanese. Fluency in English is advantageous. * Attention to detail, analytical thinking ability and passion for the work are essential * A hands-on, can-do approach to solving problems * The ability to prioritise and work quickly and efficiently within very tight time frames. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What does a Project Manager do at WPP Production?  プロジェクトマネージャー（Print Retail）は、クライアントのマーケティングコミュニケーションチームとの日常的な連絡窓口の1つです。 PMは、クライアント、プリントプロダクションマネージャー、リテールセールスプログラムマネージャーと緊密に連携して、クライアントの日本のリテールパートナーとキャンペーンの実施をサポートします。 Role: * クライアントと深い関係性を構築し、クライアントのリテールパートナー構造と印刷業社を明確に理解できる。 * リテールマーケティングアセットのローカリゼーションと制作に関してクライアントから信頼される人物。 * 社内関係者としっかりした信頼関係を構築する（トラフィック、コンテンツ、インタラクティブ、スタジオ、印刷物制作、ファイナンス、オペレーション）。 * ステータスミーティング/ VCに定期的に参加する。 * プロジェクト実施中は毎日のトラッカーを更新しそれをクライアントにも正確に共有する。 * 問題提起、適切なスケジュール立案、関係者への適切な報告、コスト見積もりの作成と更新など、クライアントサービスの基本について理解し、それを実行する。 * クライアントの期待、内部プロセス、管理を通じて、プロジェクト実行に関する専門知識を実証する * スタジオおよび印刷制作チームにブリーフィング内容を伝え、正しい創造的な方向性のもと実行されることを確認する。 * クライアントのブランドとサービスのために尽力を尽くす。 * クライアントの期待値を常に正しい方向に導き、合意されたワークフローに確実に従う。 * 作業に直接関与するすべての主要な関係者、ファンクションリード、クロスファンクショナルプロデューサー、シニアマネージャー、サードパーティベンダーとの間に強力で信頼できる関係を構築する。 Requirements: * クリエイティブ提案から最終的な制作物納品まで、グローバル環境での小売業またはShopper Account等を最低5年担当した代理店経験が望ましい。 * 財務管理経験及び正確な財務管理の重要性に関する理解。 * ExcelとNumbers、両方での優れたスプレッドシートスキル。 複雑なスプレッドシート管理経験。 * 日本語による文書および口頭での優れたコミュニケーション能力。 * 業務において英語使用経験があるとより望ましい。 * 詳細に物事を管理できるだけの注意深さ、分析的思考能力、及び仕事への情熱。 * 問題を解決するための実践的で実行可能なアプローチ方法の知識と経験。 * 厳しいタイムスケジュールと高いプレッシャーの元で、迅速かつ効率的に優先順位を付けて作業できる能力。     #LI-DNP 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 four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. 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. PLEASE READ OUR PRIVACY NOTICE (HTTPS://WWW.WPP.COM/EN/CAREERS/WPP-PRIVACY-POLICY-FOR-RECRUITMENT) FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW WE PROCESS THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE.

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.    We work with the world's most valuable brands and have global reach across 100+ markets, with deep local expertise.   Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow.    For more information, visit WPP.com.   THE COMPANY: 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. #L THE ROLE: We are looking for a passionate leader and technical champion for the creation of rich front-end experiences. You will manage a team of HTML5, Javascript, CSS developers and be ultimately responsible for the clients’ technical delivery. You have an in-depth knowledge of current and emerging front-end technologies and can work with server-side technical leads to create and integrate complex client-side applications. You will have a clear idea of what ‘good’ looks like, and be able to communicate best practice to your colleagues and fellow project members. You will work with WPP Production and partner organisations to define the optimum technical approach for client projects and ceaselessly promote best practice, quality and craft in your code and the code of those you lead. Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen, understand, advocate, and persuade are essential as you will represent your practice in client and internal senior stakeholder meetings. You will Provide technical thought leadership and promote the vision, strategy and services of the digital department to both educate our teams within WPP Production and to be seen as a leading figure in the industry. Define our distributed development strategy and processes across our onshore, offshore and remote teams, including identifying and developing key strategic technology partnerships. You will manage a team of highly skilled developers ranging from Graduate to Senior level, implementing and maintaining development practices, running meetings and workshops that ensure the growth, motivation and continued development of the team, and ultimately take responsibility for the quality of your team’s output. The team needs to build/modify responsive web pages using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc. based on the visual briefs. You will work closely with other discipline leads (QA/PM) to ensure scoping, estimates, and requirements are estimated correctly and delivered with minimal errors. You must be enthusiastic about technology and constantly be looking at the next innovation. On top of possessing strong oral, interpersonal, and organizational abilities, you must be able to work in a fast paced environment. Flexibility and tolerance is a necessity.   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Co-ordinating with leads across key delivery teams (Tech, Project Management, QA, and Resource Management) * Ensure compliance with Hogarth production processes * Acting as the point of escalation for project issues raised by team leads, resolving problems quickly and communicating effectively * Coaching and developing the team in their roles with regular performance reviews to ensure success in their personal development * Manage the team hiring and keeping briefs clear and consistently updated * Interviewing candidates for the team and taking responsibility for the approval of freelancers to work in a fast paced and reactive environment * Set and manage client expectations while coordinating and ensuring all parties follow the agreed workflows * Build strong, trusting relationships with all key stakeholders, function leads, cross-functional project managers, senior managers, and third-party vendors that are directly involved with the work * Manage the approval of quarterly budgets, flagging important budget fluctuations to the client and line manager * Draft, prepare and present timelines, documents, and presentations and reports both to the client and to the team * Ensure that the line manager is always aware of all client issues and proposed solutions (including potential delays) to ensure swift resolution and avoid further escalation * Ensure your account consistently delivers against all contractual obligations including SLAs and KPIs * Act as a brand QC/Guardian – always ensure brand guidelines, QC checklists and procedures are followed * Keep GAD and FD informed of any circumstances which would positively or negatively affect forecasts * teamwork, create balanced work schedule and ensure people are able to deliver results * Identify training requirements for team members to ensure their adherence to processes and workflow * Plan resources for overseas projects and inform talent manager and line manager of new recruitment needs * Plan, prepare and implement the induction of new starters   REQUIREMENTS: * A minimum of 12 years Project Management experience background, of which 2 years are leading a team * Experience of leading innovation, leveraging emerging platforms and quickly facilitating new ideas and platforms to market * Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills * Know-how in working cross-functionally to build relationships between business units, technology, product, media, agency, and design teams * Experience working on international initiatives - ideally with exposure to emerging markets * Self-motivated and a self-starter * Very high competence in project management software such as Microsoft Project and Omniplan * Extensive experience in costing, quotations and project scope definition * Excellent communication skills to different target groups within the project team, management and clients * Ensure understanding of the contractual obligations, commercial arrangements and SLAs of the accounts and ensure specific details are understood by the wider team where relevant * Analytical and detailed in project documentation, accountability, and tracking * Pragmatic, team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills * Understanding of brands and brand challenges * The ability to function productively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment * High level of IT literacy, including use of spreadsheets * Strong numeracy skills * Support GAD/CSD and FD in revenue forecasting on an ongoing basis * Keep GAD/CSD and FD informed of any circumstances which would positively or negatively affect forecasts * Ensure full compliance with all financial procedure and policies * Prioritization, time management and attention to detail * Resilience and ability to work under pressure * Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, in both Japanese and English * Strong interpersonal skills * Highly organised, detail oriented, customer focused, and proactive * Possess technical understanding of mobile and web technologies necessary to run projects and convey details. Examples would be: * iOS and Android development * Cloud computing * HTML5/CSS/JavaScript * ecommerce/Shopping Carts * Social Media Strategies/Platforms * Familiarity with creative production and development tools is always an advantage. Such software includes Adobe Creative Suite, BBEdit, SVN, GitHub, Eclipse, Dreamweaver, Final Cut Pro and others. In addition, familiarity with mobile and web platforms and ecosystems would also be advantageous * Must be able to travel as required, sometimes for several weeks at a time I-DNP 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 four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. 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. PLEASE READ OUR PRIVACY NOTICE (HTTPS://WWW.WPP.COM/EN/CAREERS/WPP-PRIVACY-POLICY-FOR-RECRUITMENT) FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW WE PROCESS THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE.