WPP · 1 hour ago
Head of Operations & Transformation, Global People Function
New York, NY
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$275K/yr - $350K/yr
15+ years expWPP is the creative transformation company dedicated to building better futures for people, clients, and communities. The Head of Operations & Transformation for the People function will lead the integration of People Operations, Analytics, and Transformation, focusing on embedding AI and automation technologies to create a unified and efficient global People organization.
AdvertisingBrand MarketingConsultingDigital MediaInformation and Communications Technology (ICT)InternetInternet of ThingsMarketingPublic Relations
Responsibilities
Lead the strategic alignment and seamless integration of People Operations, Analytics, Transformation, and the Talent Shared Service Center (SSC), operating as one high-performing global function
Champion the embedding of transformation programme outcomes—including AI-driven solutions and new operating models—into day-to-day operations, eliminating silos and enabling sustained adoption enterprise-wide
Set and monitor enterprise-level KPIs for operational and transformation success, ensuring clear visibility and accountability at the highest leadership level
Establish best-in-class governance frameworks, service delivery standards, and performance review cycles across all operational areas of the People function
Ensure global compliance and ethical standards are met consistently across regions, disciplines, and service lines
Drive a culture of operational discipline, continuous improvement, and innovation in service delivery, constantly seeking new ways to optimize processes and outcomes
Oversee the management of the global People operations and transformation budget, ensuring investment delivers maximum strategic impact and value
Optimise resource allocation across multiple strategic and operational priorities, aligning with WPP's strategic workforce goals
Achieve demonstrable cost-to-serve efficiencies without diminishing service quality, employee experience, or the ability to deliver on strategic talent objectives
Partner extensively with the Enterprise Technology team to maximise the value of Workday, other core HR platforms, and emerging technologies (including AI tools)
Leverage advanced data analytics and insights to drive operational decision-making, enhance performance management, and inform transformation outcomes
Ensure analytics inform governance, strategically align resources, and proactively respond to evolving business needs
Define and champion the strategic roadmap for the adoption, development, and scaling of AI and automation across the entire People function, in partnership with IT
Identify, evaluate, and advance high-ROI automation and "agentic" (AI-driven autonomous operations) use cases to significantly enhance efficiency, data quality, and user experience for all WPP stakeholders
Embed and drive the adoption of AI-enabled analytics and decision support tools into operational processes, ensuring widespread understanding and utilization across all functions within People
Scale and institutionalize proven automation solutions enterprise-wide, establishing clear governance, ownership, and measurable impact
Operate as a trusted, influential, and commercially astute member of the People leadership team, shaping the operational and transformation agenda at a global level
Forge alignment and collaboration across Centres of Excellence (CoEs), regional People Leaders, and wider enterprise functions to deliver a unified and impactful People agenda
Model inclusive and strategic leadership that empowers high-performing, geographically dispersed teams, fostering collaboration and innovation across diverse cultures and disciplines
Qualification
Required
15+ years of progressive operations and transformation leadership experience within complex, global, matrixed organisations, preferably in professional services, technology, or creative industries
Proven track record in leading large-scale People/HR operational transformations, with a strong focus on embedding AI, automation, and advanced analytics to drive efficiency and strategic outcomes
Deep expertise in designing, implementing, and optimizing global operating models that deliver measurable improvements in performance, efficiency, service quality, and compliance
Demonstrated experience in integrating and optimizing Shared Service Centers (SSCs) within a broader operational framework to achieve global consistency and efficiency
Exceptional transformation expertise, with the ability to not only initiate but also deeply embed change and realise sustainable benefits beyond initial programme delivery
Strong financial acumen, with extensive experience managing large global budgets, optimizing cost-to-serve models, and demonstrating ROI on operational investments
Deep knowledge of governance, compliance, and risk management at scale, particularly within a global HR context
Highly skilled in leveraging HR technology (e.g., Workday, service delivery platforms, AI tools) to enable operational excellence, innovation, and enhanced user experience
Operates credibly and influentially at the highest leadership levels, capable of shaping enterprise-wide decisions and securing alignment across diverse and senior stakeholders
An inclusive, strategic leader who excels at building and inspiring high-performing global teams, fostering collaboration, and driving sustained impact in a fast-paced environment
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required
Preferred
Master's degree (e.g., MBA, HR Management, Organizational Leadership) is highly preferred
Benefits
Competitive benefits package
Accommodations or flexibility
Company
WPP
WPP creates transformative ideas and outcomes for its clients through an integrated offer of communications, commerce, and technology.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown1988-01-01IPO
Leadership Team
Kevin Johnson
GroupM CEO - WPP President
Stephan Pretorius
Chief Technology Officer
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