People Manager

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

Working at WPP means being part of a global network of more than 100,000 talented people dedicated to doing extraordinary work for our clients. We operate in over 100 countries, with corporate headquarters in New York, London and Singapore.

WPP is a world leader in marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent. Our clients include many of the biggest companies and advertisers in the world, including approximately 300 of the Fortune Global 500.

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. 

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Why we're hiring:

Our WPP HR team is seeking a People Manager on a permanent basis to join our People team in Chennai. This exciting role provides HR Services to Enterprise Technology (ET), ensuring our employee’s needs are managed and met to the highest possible standard.  

Our ET team provides IT services for WPP, the world’s largest communications services group. As a creative transformation company, WPP is helping its clients transform the future through extraordinary work. ET is an integral part of that journey, and we are proud to provide technology for some of the world’s most creative brands. 

What you'll be doing:

Your primary responsibility will be to provide comprehensive HR support to our Global ET team, and in particular the Technology Operations team as well as the Cyber, Risk and Compliance Function. You will partner with local HR on any ET specific initiatives. Additionally, you will assist the Senior People Business Partners in their strategic initiatives and collaborate closely to achieve organisational objectives. Your role will involve building strong relationships internally with stakeholders, ensuring alignment with HR strategies, programs, and initiatives. This position requires a high level of professionalism, interpersonal skills, and a solid understanding of HR practices, both in India and EMEA.

Key Responsibilities: 

Stakeholder Management: 

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with assigned ET departments and stakeholders. 
• Act as a trusted HR advisor, providing guidance and support on a range of HR matters, including general HR policy queries. 
• Collaborate to identify and understand their HR needs and develop appropriate solutions. 
• Partner to deliver commercially focused solutions in partnership with team managers 

Program Implementation: 

• Support the implementation of HR programs, policies, and initiatives. 
• Assist the Senior People BPs in executing talent management processes, including performance management, employee development, and succession planning. 

Employee Engagement and Communication: 

• Contribute to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. 
• Assist in developing and executing employee engagement initiatives. 

Performance and Development: 

• Collaborate with the Senior People BP and business leadership to develop individual and team development plans. 
• Assist in facilitating training and development programs to enhance employees' skills and knowledge. 

Employee Relations and Compliance: 

• Demonstrate a good understanding of employee relations principles, rules, and laws in India and EMEA. 
• Support the resolution of employee relations issues, including investigations and disciplinary actions. 
• Stay updated on HR policies, employment legislation. 
• Support the Senior People BP and local Corporate People team in implementing and interpreting HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. 

Senior HRBP Support: 

• Collaborate closely with the Senior People BP to support their strategic initiatives and projects. 
• Assist in conducting HR research, data analysis and reconciliation, and preparing reports. 
• Contribute to the development and implementation of HR strategies aligned with organizational goals. 
• Lead on recruitment strategy for assigned ET department. 

 Required Competencies: 

Stakeholder Needs: 

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to managing and addressing stakeholder needs and expectations. 
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with business stakeholders and within the wider People function. 
• Actively seeks feedback to continuously improve service delivery. 

Communication: 

• Communicates clearly, concisely, and effectively in both written and verbal forms. 
• Listens actively and demonstrates understanding of others' perspectives. 
• Presents information in a compelling and persuasive manner. 

 

Problem Solving: 

• Identifies and analyses problems, considering various perspectives and potential solutions. 
• Uses critical thinking and creativity to develop innovative approaches. 
• Leverages AI to automate tasks, unlock new insights, and reimagine what's possible in your daily work 
• Takes initiative in addressing issues and proactively seeks opportunities for improvement. 

Collaboration: 

• Works effectively with diverse individuals and teams. 
• Builds trust and fosters a cooperative work environment. 
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in working with others. 

 

ER Knowledge: 

• Possesses a good understanding of Employee relations principles, practices, and regulations. 
• Keeps abreast of industry trends and emerging HR issues. 
• Applies HR knowledge to provide sound advice and guidance. 

 

What you'll need:

• Experience as an HR generalist, including employee relations and employment issues. 
• Excellent attention to detail and strong skills using MS suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.) 
• Desire for working in a fast paced, dynamic environment. 
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage successfully multiple priorities. 
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal. 

Who you are:

You're open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are open-minded: to new ideas, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You're optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You're extraordinary: we are stronger together: through collaboration we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

 

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We aim to create a culture in which people can do extraordinary work.

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?

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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.