Director, People Partner – GroupM EMEA

Job Specification: Director, People Partner- EMEA

About WPP Media

WPP Media is a leading global force in media investment management, bringing together some of the world's most innovative and effective media agencies. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional value and transformative growth for our clients by leveraging cutting-edge data, technology and strategic insights. As part of the wider WPP network, we operate at the forefront of the advertising and communications industry, shaping the future of media and connecting brands with audiences across the globe.

Discover more about WPP Media here: Media is changing. So are we. WPP Media

Role Summary & Impact

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

Strategic Partnership:

• 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.
• Develop and implement people strategies that align with business objectives and drive organisational performance.
• Provide expert advice and counsel on all people-related matters, including organisational design, talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, employee relations, and leadership development.
• 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.
• Identifying and developing 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.
• A point of escalation for the team and managing high profiles 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, but not limited to, 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, ensuring implementation of changes to the team and business.
• Stay up-to-date on best practices and trends.
  
  

Required Skills And Experience

The Director, People Partner requires someone with strong influencing skills who is emphatic and connects easily with other people. It is crucial this person has experience managing a diverse global population.

Moreover, you have the following qualifications:

• Relevant progressive working experience from operational to strategic People consulting, business partnering and/or management roles, from local to regional or global scope
• Preferably experience and affinity 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
• Possess knowledge and ability to ensure all actions are in compliance with appropriate employment laws, company policies and sound business practice
• Strong, impactful leadership and coaching skills
• Fluency in written and verbal English. Due to the international character of the organisation there will be some travelling required for this role
  
  

Equal Opportunities We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Life at WPP Media

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. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.