Senior Director, People

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.

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com. 

WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com 

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values: 

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity. 

• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust. 

• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise. 

The Senior Director, 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.

• Develop and implement People strategies aligned with the WPP Media’s business objectives and goals.
• Provide strategic guidance on talent acquisition, development and retention.

• 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.

• 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.

• Drive initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and workplace culture.
• Implement programs to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.

• 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).

• 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.

• Lead People initiatives related to organizational change and restructuring, mergers, or acquisitions.
• Support employees through transitions and manage change effectively.

• 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.

• Act as an advocate for employees, representing their interests and concerns to senior management.
• Ensure fair treatment and opportunities for all employees.

• 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.