Head of Operations & Transformation, Global People Function

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. 

WPP is the world's largest advertising and marketing services company. We are a creative transformation company, built for a new era. Our purpose is to create positive impact for people, clients, and communities. We deliver transformative ideas and outcomes for our clients by bringing together the best talent and capabilities across our global network of agencies. As we navigate an accelerating landscape of technological innovation, particularly the rise of AI, we are committed to reimagining how we operate, deliver value, and foster an environment where our people can thrive and lead the industry into the future.

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

WPP is seeking a visionary and strategic global leader to serve as Head of Operations & Transformation for the People function. This critical role will be instrumental in shaping, aligning, and elevating the delivery of People services across the enterprise by integrating operational excellence with ambitious transformation outcomes. You will lead the charge in creating a unified, highly efficient, and future-ready People organisation, specifically by embedding cutting-edge AI and automation technologies.

The successful candidate will bring together People Operations, Analytics, Transformation, and Shared Services into a high-performing global function. This includes optimizing and leveraging the Talent Shared Service Center. You will instill the agility, robust governance, and advanced capabilities required to meet the evolving needs of a complex, creative, and fast-moving business in an AI-driven era. You will set the bar for service quality, efficiency, compliance, and innovation, ensuring that the People function operates seamlessly and consistently across regions, disciplines, and markets while delivering measurable strategic impact for colleagues, clients, and shareholders.

YOUR IMPACT:

• Drive AI-Powered Organizational & People Function Transformation: Lead the comprehensive modernization and evolution of WPP's global People function by strategically leveraging AI, automation, and advanced analytics. Partner with IT and Enterprise Technology to ensure the talent function and broader WPP workforce are equipped and optimized for an AI-first future.
• Strategic Workforce Design & Efficiency: Enable WPP to evolve its talent model for optimal agility and efficiency. Through operational excellence, data-driven insights, and strategic resource allocation, you will contribute directly to a high-performing, optimized workforce that serves client needs with unparalleled effectiveness.
• Create a Unified Global People Function: Integrate Operations, Analytics, Transformation, and the Talent Shared Service Center into one coherent and effective global structure, fostering cross-functional collaboration and global consistency.
• Raise Performance Standards: Elevate service delivery, governance, compliance, and efficiency across all People operations, demonstrating measurable improvements in quality, speed, and strategic impact.
• Embed Enduring Transformation: Ensure transformation initiatives, especially those driven by AI and new operating models, are fully integrated and sustained within the operating model, delivering long-term value beyond initial programme delivery.
• Build Operational Resilience & Future-Readiness: Architect and implement resilient operational frameworks that support WPP’s global ambitions at scale, proactively adapting to technological shifts and evolving business demands.
• Partner with Global CPO & People Leadership: Operate as a key strategic partner to the Global CPO and the broader People leadership team, shaping and executing a proac