Director, People Partner - GroupM EMEA

Groupm; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global media firm is seeking a Director, People Partner to serve as a strategic advisor to leadership. The role involves developing people strategies, guiding talent management, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Candidates should have strong influencing skills, experience with diverse populations, and knowledge of HR best practices. This position offers an opportunity to shape the organization’s people agenda in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic People consulting and business partnering.
• Experience managing a diverse global population.
• Knowledge of employment laws and company policies.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic business partner to leadership.
• Develop and implement people strategies aligned with business goals.
• Advise on talent management and performance management.

Skills

Strong influencing skills

Empathy

Leadership

Coaching

Client-centric mindset

Education

Relevant HR qualifications

Job description

The EMEA is the largest region where 17,000+ people are employed within the WPP Media ecosystem. We have a bold ambition: to make WPP Media the undisputed leader in our industry, the place where everyone aspires to work and build a thriving career. As Director, People Partner in the regional team, you will play a key role in helping to bring this vision to life; ensuring we attract, retain, and develop the very best talent in the market.

The Opportunity

As Director, People Partner, reporting to the Regional Executive Director, People, you'll act as a trusted advisor to regional leadership and people teams. You will serve as the advisor and coach for their leadership teams and spearhead the people strategy tied to the employee value proposition and their business objectives. You will provide expert guidance and support on all people-related matters, including talent management, organisational development, employee relations, compensation, and performance management. The Director will work closely with Centres of Value in the regional and global teams to ensure alignment and effective delivery of People programmes and services. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape our culture and develop our talent.

Key Responsibilities

1. Serve as a strategic business partner to the leadership team in market and across the region, supporting the market people teams in understanding their business goals, challenges, and opportunities.
2. Develop and implement people strategies that align with business objectives and drive organisational performance.
3. Provide expert advice and counsel on all people-related matters, including organisational design, talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, employee relations, and leadership development.
4. Anticipate future workforce needs and proactively develop solutions to address them.

Team Management

• May lead or mentor a small team of People Partner/s, fostering a high-performing and collaborative environment.
• Provide coaching and guidance to team members on complex people issues.
• Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance reviews.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and development within the team.

Talent Management

• Implement and support markets with talent management programmes, including succession planning, leadership development, and employee development for your employee population.
• Identify and develop high-potential employees.
• Work with the Regional Talent Acquisition lead and local markets to ensure effective recruitment and onboarding processes, as necessary.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace.

Organisational Development

• Assist with organisational design and change management initiatives to improve organisational effectiveness.

Employee Relations

• Provide guidance and support to managers on employee relations issues, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Act as a point of escalation for the team and manage high-profile cases.
• Conduct investigations into employee complaints and resolve conflicts, partnering closely with the Employee Relations Centre of Value.

Compensation & Benefits

• In partnership with the Compensation team, provide guidance to managers on compensation decisions.
• Communicate compensation and benefits programmes to employees.

Performance Management

• Ensure that performance management is aligned with business objectives and that ongoing conversations are happening across your employee population.
• Provide coaching and support as needed to assist with performance management conversations.

Data & Analytics

• Partner closely with the Data & Analytics Centre of Value to use data to inform decision making and communicate with the business.

Client Focus

• Have a client-centric mindset ensuring that we deliver exceptional service and build strong relationships with our key clients both internally and externally.
• Partner with our Client teams, as needed, to support with people-related aspects, including participation in client meetings, onboarding new client teams, or addressing employee concerns.

Collaboration

• Collaborate effectively with other People functions in market and Centres of Value globally and regionally, including Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Payroll, Organisational Development & Growth, DEI, Employee Relations, Data & Analytics, and People Operations.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders across the organisation.
• Live the One WPP Media mindset, providing support where required across the organisation and participating in key People projects and initiatives.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, implementing changes to the team and business accordingly.
• Stay up-to-date on best practices and trends.

The Director, People Partner, requires someone with strong influencing skills who is empathetic and connects easily with others. Experience managing a diverse global population is essential.

Qualifications include:

• Relevant progressive experience from operational to strategic People consulting, business partnering, and/or management roles, from local to regional or global scope.
• Preferably experience with Media, IT, Data, and/or Technology companies.
• Professional HR qualifications are beneficial but not essential. Proven success in driving execution in a global matrixed environment is critical.
• Knowledge of employment laws, company policies, and sound business practices.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills.
• Fluency in written and verbal English; some travel may be required.

WPP Media is a leading global force in media investment management, dedicated to delivering exceptional value and growth for our clients. We operate at the forefront of the advertising and communications industry, shaping the future of media and connecting brands with audiences worldwide.