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- Tasks: Lead and shape Gain Theory's global People & Culture strategy for a thriving workplace.
- Company: Gain Theory, a global marketing effectiveness consultancy with a focus on data and analytics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience and drive organisational transformation.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in senior People & Culture roles with a passion for inclusion and wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to creating better work through collaboration and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: London preferred (open to other locations across EMEA)
Role Overview:
As the Gain Theory Global People Lead, you will be responsible for defining and executing Gain Theory's global People & Culture strategy, integrating the Lead, Perform and Grow framework to enhance leadership capabilities, drive high performance, and foster growth opportunities for employees. The role involves close partnership with the CEO, Executive Committee (ExCO), and WPP network to align people strategy with business goals such as Purposeful Growth, Client Growth, and Operational Excellence. Additionally, the role focuses on future‐proofing the workforce through AI adoption, skills foresight, and readiness for the future of work, while championing inclusion, collaboration, and continuous learning globally.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Partnership
- Define and deliver the global People & Culture strategy aligned with the Lead, Perform, Grow framework.
- Collaborate with the Executive Committee to translate business priorities into actionable people and capability plans.
- Work with VML and WPP centres of excellence on compensation, talent, and learning initiatives to leverage group-scale benefits.
- Promote leadership and management excellence through targeted programs, cross‐functional collaboration, and inclusive leadership.
- Utilise data‐driven, predictive approaches for people decisions using analytics and pulse insights.
- Develop and implement future‐of‐work strategies, including AI adoption and workforce capability planning.
- Link people KPIs, such as engagement and retention, directly to operational KPIs like efficiency and innovation.
- Performance, Talent & Growth
- Lead quarterly talent reviews, succession planning, and high‐potential (HiPo) development globally.
- Implement a unified performance and recognition framework reinforcing Gain Theory's values and client promise of 'Unmatched Value'.
- Advocate for career path transparency and expansion of graduate and mobility programmes.
- Integrate consulting, influence, and AI literacy skills into capability frameworks to prepare the workforce for future challenges.
- Monitor and report key people and organisational health metrics, linking them to client growth and operational excellence.
- Foster a high‐performance, inclusive culture that supports well‐being and belonging to enable optimal employee performance.
- Embed inclusion and belonging metrics into leadership expectations and business scorecards.
- Design initiatives promoting psychological safety, equitable opportunities, and workload wellbeing.
- Drive employee engagement through continuous listening, employee councils, and proactive communication.
- Collaborate with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to integrate sustainability and social impact into leadership and employee experience.
- Business Transformation & Organisational Effectiveness
- Partner with area leads to evolve Gain Theory's operating model for efficiency and scalability.
- Lead change leadership capabilities to ensure organisational agility, adaptability, and resilience.
- Champion digital HR transformation initiatives involving platforms like Workday, Asana, and CultureAmp to enhance workforce visibility and efficiency.
- Uphold ethical, compliant, and transparent people practices globally, ensuring responsible employer standards.
- Employer Brand & Employee Experience
- Strengthen Gain Theory's reputation as a Best Place to Work and an Employer of Choice within the sector.
- Develop the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) aligned with the company's purposeful growth strategy.
- Build and sustain talent communities and alumni networks to maintain engagement beyond employment.
- Represent Gain Theory's people brand externally to attract top talent in data, analytics, and strategy through thought leadership and industry partnerships.
- Lead and develop the global People & Culture team, ensuring regional alignment, capability growth, and shared purpose.
- Foster a high‐performing, collaborative HR community modelling Gain Theory's cultural aspirations.
About You
- A proven track record (typically 15+ years) in senior People & Culture leadership roles, ideally spanning multiple geographies and transformation contexts.
- Proven success in organisational transformation, culture building, and leadership development.
- Skilled in data‐driven decision making, predictive analytics, and linking people's impact to business outcomes.
- Global experience across EMEA, APAC, and North America.
- Commercially minded, collaborative leader capable of influencing at ExCO and Board level.
- Passionate about inclusion, wellbeing, sustainability, and creating environments where people thrive.
- Curious, future‐focused, and aligned with Gain Theory's values of Be curious, Be positive, Act with consideration, and Make it better.
About Gain Theory
Gain Theory is a global marketing effectiveness consultancy that empowers marketing and insight professionals to build agile, data‐informed cultures through data, technology, and advanced analytics. The company serves clients worldwide, enhancing business performance by improving marketing effectiveness and efficiency, increasing profits, market share, and share price growth. Its global team comprises over 250 consultants, data scientists, mathematicians, and marketing technology specialists operating in more than 60 markets. Gain Theory values diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity, striving to build a team representing varied backgrounds and perspectives to create better work collaboratively.
WPP (Gain Theory) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to 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.
Global People Lead London, England, United Kingdom employer: Gain Theory Ltd
Contact Detail:
Gain Theory Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Global People Lead London, England, United Kingdom
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you showcase why you’re the perfect fit for the role and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online tools to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your experiences and how they relate to the job description – it’s all about showing your value!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position and reinforces your interest in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Global People Lead London, England, United Kingdom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Global People Lead role. Highlight your experience in people strategy and culture building, and show how it aligns with Gain Theory's values and goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've driven high performance and fostered growth in previous roles. Use specific metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
Be Data-Driven: Since this role involves a lot of data-driven decision making, include any relevant experience you have with analytics and how you've used data to inform people strategies. This will resonate well with us!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gain Theory Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Gain Theory's values and their Lead, Perform, Grow framework. Understand how these principles align with your own experiences in People & Culture leadership. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role involves data-driven decision making, be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've used analytics to drive people strategies. Bring along metrics or case studies that demonstrate your impact on organisational health and performance.
✨Emphasise Inclusion and Wellbeing
Gain Theory is passionate about inclusion and creating environments where people thrive. Be ready to share your thoughts on fostering a high-performance culture and any initiatives you've led that promote psychological safety and equitable opportunities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in Gain Theory's future direction, especially regarding AI adoption and workforce capability planning. This not only demonstrates your curiosity but also your alignment with their forward-thinking approach.
