Senior Director, People

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. 

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

Role Summary and Impact

Head of People is responsible for leading and optimizing all HR functions across the organization. The role serves as a strategic advisor and operational leader, driving excellence in HR service delivery and enhancing employee experience.

Strategic HR Leadership:

• Develop and implement People strategies aligned with the WPP Media’s business objectives and goals.

• Provide strategic guidance on talent acquisition, development and retention.

Talent Management:

• Lead talent acquisition efforts by developing recruitment strategies, leading the hiring process, and ensuring the organization attracts and retains top talent.

• Oversee performance management processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, and career development.

Employee Relations:

• Foster a positive work environment and manage employee relations issues effectively.

• Handle employee grievances, conflicts, and disciplinary matters in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.

Organizational Development:

• Drive initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and workplace culture.

• Implement programs to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Support the development of and administer competitive compensation and benefits programs to attract, motivate, and retain employees.

• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing compensation and benefits.

Learning and Development:

• Oversee the design and delivery of learning and development programs to enhance employee skills, knowledge, and performance.

• Identify training needs and opportunities for professional growth for talent across all levels of experience.

• Manage the early talent learning and development program (Media Masters).

HR Operations Leadership:

• Develop and implement HR operations strategies, policies, and procedures to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

• Ensure compliance with applicable labor laws, regulations, and internal policies.

• Oversee payroll, benefits administration, HRIS and leave management and compliance audits.

Change Management:

• Lead People initiatives related to organizational change and restructuring, mergers, or acquisitions.

• Support employees through transitions and manage change effectively.

Executive Leadership:

• Serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership, providing insights and recommendations on people-related matters.

• Collaborate with other functional leaders to achieve organizational objectives.

Employee Advocacy:

• Act as an advocate for employees, representing their interests and concerns to senior management.

• Ensure fair treatment and opportunities for all employees.

Skills and Experience

• Degree qualified in Human Resources from a reputable educational institution.

• 12+ years of generalist HR experience with strong focus on HR business partnering and operations.

• Proven track record in HR leadership, with a focus on rebuilding functions and managing day-to-day operations.

• Strong project management skills with a knack for driving change and process improvement.

• In-depth knowledge of market’s employment laws and government directives.

• Excellent communication, influencing, and coaching abilities.

• Proficiency in data analytics and reporting for informed decision-making.

• Resilience and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events.

WPP Media 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.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

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