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- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives, manage a team, and ensure compliance across the UK & Ireland.
- Company: Join Publicis Groupe, a global leader in marketing and digital transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, wellness support, and local discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving HR excellence in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR management, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude required.
- Other info: Located in the iconic Television Centre, London with a focus on inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Company Description
Publicis Groupe is one of the largest advertising agency holding companies in the world and a global leader in the fields of marketing, communications, and digital transformation. A Connecting Company for the Connected Age, Publicis Groupe delivers winning solutions for clients through the Power of One - driven by a common purpose, a powerful spirit, shared behaviours, great character and a relentless focus on our clients. Publicis Re:Sources is the backbone of Publicis Groupe. Re:Sources has grown to 5,000+ professionals servicing a network of prestigious agencies across the globe supporting 63+ markets. Re:Sources is Publicis Groupe's Shared Services Platform. We provide Publicis Groupe agencies with the business solutions, technology platforms and expertise they need to transform, innovate and increase productivity.
Overview
We are looking for an experienced Head of HR (12 months Maternity Cover) to provide strategic and operational leadership for the HR function during a fixed-term 12 months contract. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a key role in driving HR initiatives aligned to our company’s goals, supporting a high-performance culture, and ensuring operational excellence across all HR disciplines, while leading a team of three direct reports. This is a hands-on leadership position, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This role will be based in our London office. Please only apply if you have the right to work in the UK.
Position Summary:
HR lead for Re:Sources UK and Ireland. Responsible for the delivery of HR activities - hiring, employee engagement, employee relations, performance improvement, training and Groupe-wide initiatives. To ensure that the HR department’s practice is in line with Janus (Publicis Groupe Policies), in addition to audit and compliance activities. To act as escalation to the Publicis Groupe UK Brands, ensure that SLAs and KPIs are met. Provide daily support to direct reports in the delivery of their work as well as their professional development.
Responsibilities
- HR Strategy Work closely with HR Director EMEA to ensure any Talent strategies and programmes are rolled out to the UK & Ireland in line with Global Groupe initiatives. Work with HR Director EMEA and Global C&B Team to carry out compensation reviews for bonus/merit rounds. Support Managing Director with quarterly town hall updates and presentations.
- Advisory (Re:Sources UK and Ireland only) Lead and provide guidance on procedures such as Disciplinaries, Raising Concerns (Grievances), Probations, Redundancies, Terminations, TUPE Transfers, etc. Act as escalation point for Employee Relations issues. Interpreting and communicating appropriately with managers and employees company policy and legislation. Engaging with employment legal when necessary, and following advice accordingly.
- Team Management Ensure support and feedback is provided via regular one-to-one meetings, quarterly and annual performance reviews. Perform the evaluation process in Career Conversations at given periods.
- Compliance ISO27001 Lead POC for ensuring HR department is compliant ahead of annual audits - internal and external. Approval of documents list and ensuring trackers, version numbers and changes are updated and recorded correctly. Supplier Security Risk Assessments – via GSO (Global Security Office). Annual review of Business Contingency Plan (BCP).
- GDPR Ensure controls are followed up such as deletions in line with our Retention Policy. Ensuring necessary assessments are undertaken regarding the addition or removal of vendors to internal supplier risk assessment lists.
- CSR Approver for quarterly CSR submissions. Prepare and submit information to Finance on a quarterly basis.
- HR Operations (all Brands including ReSources) Ensure contract templates used are Groupe approved (by Employment Lawyer) and agreed with Agency representative. Ensure the templates are maintained and updated when necessary. Act as escalation for the UK Brands and Re:Sources Poland. Attend monthly HR Ops service/projects review. Lead any new agency integration projects, Country Ops Review & New Projects.
- Payroll Monthly Actions Review and approve payroll actions for Re:Sources UK and Ireland staff. Action any complex adhoc actions for the Re:Sources UK and Ireland payroll. Responsible for sign off ahead of final MD approval for monthly payroll. HSBC File approver for Ireland payrolls.
- Other Tasks Supporting the HR Director EMEA in any ad hoc projects. Lead for the Re:Sources D&I Champions and Steering Committee, as well as the Headline (Mental Health & Wellbeing) initiative. Lead and coordinate various DEI initiatives i.e. mentorship and work experience programmes. Learning and Development – put together and roll out training for various topics including D&I initiatives (Unconscious Bias), new Groupe policies, manager workshops and HR systems training.
Qualifications
Experience/Qualifications/Certifications Significant work experience in a managerial HR role in the UK. Ability to give appropriate advice on a range of HR best practices whilst being empathetic, supportive and risk adverse. Experience of being in a standalone, fast paced and varied HR generalist role. Used to dealing with multi-regional stakeholders. Preferable Shared Service Centre experience. Preferable experience of HR practice in Ireland. CIPD qualification not essential.
Knowledge & Skills (including technology) Employment law & HR best practice. HR policies and procedures. Strong Microsoft office skills. Excellent time management, prioritisation and multi-tasking. Strong Communication skills with all levels. Ability to analyse and display sound judgment over complex and sensitive matters.
Attributes/Behaviours Leadership, coaching, empathetic, forward thinking. Organised and methodical. Proactive and positive attitude. Display discretion when managing confidential information.
Additional Information
We offer a hybrid working pattern of 3 days in the office and 2 days WFH. Our main office is located in the iconic Television Centre (TVC) at White City, London. We are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing a fair assessment process and are happy to discuss and explore reasonable adjustments during the hiring process. Publicis Groupe UK fosters an inclusive environment through our inspirational Employee Action Groups (EAGs). We have a comprehensive benefits offering. Our full health and lifestyle benefits package will be shared with you, when you join us. In addition to key benefits like Pension, Life Assurance, Income Protection and Private Medical, some of our other benefits are: Annual Leave (25 days plus 8 bank holidays), increasing after 5 years, by 1 day per additional service up to 30 days. Birthday Day Off that can be used in your birthday month and the opportunity to Buy or Sell Holiday at the start of each year. Flexible Bank Holidays, you can switch the 2 Easter bank holidays for other days of your choosing. Reflection Days for time away from work to focus on what works best for you. Help@Hand, our lifestyle and wellbeing app that supports you and your family; 24/7 Helpline, Remote GPs, Medical or 2nd Opinion, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Physiotherapy, 1-2-1 Lifestyle Coaching, Nutritional Consultations, Savings & Discounts and lots more. Inclusive Policies to support you and your family including enhanced Family Leave, Disability, Carers, Transitioning at Work, Flexible Working, Menopause. Local discounts, restaurants & retailers in Westfield White City. Onsite Café with complimentary breakfast, a subsidised lunch menu, and an in-house barista.
Interim Head of HR, UK & Ireland (Maternity Cover) employer: Publicis Groupe UK
Contact Detail:
Publicis Groupe UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of HR, UK & Ireland (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Publicis Groupe's values and culture. Understanding their focus on a high-performance culture and client-centric approach will help you align your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Publicis Groupe, especially those in HR roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company’s expectations and the nuances of the role, which can be beneficial when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific HR initiatives you've led that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Highlighting your hands-on leadership experience in a fast-paced environment will demonstrate your suitability for this interim position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current employment laws and HR best practices in the UK and Ireland. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only help you in interviews but also show your commitment to compliance and operational excellence in HR.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of HR, UK & Ireland (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant HR experience, particularly in managerial roles. Emphasise your ability to lead teams and manage HR functions in a fast-paced environment, as this is crucial for the Interim Head of HR position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as driving HR initiatives and supporting a high-performance culture.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and strong communication abilities. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully applied these skills in past roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is essential for a leadership role in HR.
How to prepare for a job interview at Publicis Groupe UK
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Publicis Groupe's values and culture. Familiarise yourself with their approach to HR and how they support a high-performance culture. This will help you align your answers with their expectations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the hands-on nature of the role, be ready to discuss specific scenarios you've faced in previous HR positions. Think about challenges related to employee relations, performance improvement, and compliance, and how you successfully navigated them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this position involves managing a team, highlight your leadership experience. Be prepared to discuss how you provide support and feedback to your team, as well as how you foster professional development among your direct reports.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Employment Law
Since the role requires advising on various HR procedures, brush up on UK employment law and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you would handle issues like grievances, redundancies, and compliance with company policies.
