Head of Operations & Transformation, Global People Function

WPP•New York, NY

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, HR Management, Organizational Leadership) is highly preferred.

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.