At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic workforce planning and optimise resource deployment across global teams.
- Company: Join WPP, a leading partner for top global brands, fostering creativity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring team wellbeing and efficient resource management.
- Qualifications: Experience in workforce planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting‑edge media intelligence and data solutions, world‑class creativity, next‑generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.
The Role
The Global Resource & Capacity Lead ensures that our global talent capacity is deployed as a strategic asset across our dual‑speed squad‑based operating model. This is not a traffic management role; it is a strategic workforce planning function. This role is responsible for building and managing the systems that forecast utilisation, balance resourcing, and prevent team burnout. This is a critical operational role that ensures we can deliver sustainably and profitably, linking all departments and requiring strong, trusted relationships at every level.
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage advanced capacity models to provide accurate, long‑term utilisation forecasting and resource planning across all teams and markets, predicting pinch points and informing hiring decisions.
- Define and manage the strategic balance between fixed and flexible resourcing (freelance) to optimise for both efficiency and specialist capability.
- Lead regular resource meetings with department heads, using data to identify clashes and solve resource problems proactively.
- Implement and govern strategies for burnout prevention and proactive surge planning to manage periods of high demand without compromising wellbeing or quality.
- Own the resource management platform and processes, championing and policing its use to ensure utilisation and timesheets are accurately recorded, providing a clear view of capacity and profitability.
- Manage all aspects of freelancers, from identifying and booking talent to ensuring appropriate sign–off, managing onboarding, and tracking spend against budget.
- Work closely with finance to ensure appropriate and effective use of the budget.
Key Skills
- Workforce Planning: Proven experience in a workforce planning or resourcing leadership role within a complex, fast‑paced global organisation.
- Analytical & Commercial Judgement: Strong analytical skills combined with sharp commercial judgement to manage capacity, forecast utilisation, and make data‑driven resourcing decisions.
- Strategic Resourcing: Ability to balance fixed vs. flexible resourcing models to prevent burnout and plan effectively for surge capacity requirements.
- Relationship Building: Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to build strong, trusting relationships and influence people at all levels of the organisation.
- Innovation & AI Fluency: Expertise in using data and AI‑powered tools, such as WPP Open, for predictive capacity modelling, utilisation forecasting, and optimising resource deployment across a dual‑speed operating model.
T&P, part of WPP, is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular 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 Resource & Capacity Lead employer: T–
WPP is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a dynamic work culture where innovation thrives. As the Global Resource & Capacity Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping strategic workforce planning while enjoying access to advanced tools and resources, fostering collaboration across global teams. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, WPP ensures that every employee feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Resource & Capacity Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your achievements and projects. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role. Understand their challenges and think about how you can help solve them. This shows you’re not just interested, but invested!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Resource & Capacity Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Global Resource & Capacity Lead role. Highlight your experience in workforce planning and resource management, and show how your skills align with WPP's needs.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical and commercial judgement, include examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles. We want to see your ability to forecast utilisation and manage capacity effectively.
Emphasise Relationship Building:This position is all about collaboration, so don’t forget to mention your communication and negotiation skills. Share instances where you’ve built strong relationships across teams or influenced stakeholders at various levels.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at WPP!
How to prepare for a job interview at T–
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your analytical skills and come prepared with examples of how you've used data to forecast utilisation and manage resources in previous roles. WPP values strong analytical judgement, so be ready to discuss specific metrics and outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to talk about your experience in workforce planning and how you've balanced fixed and flexible resourcing in the past. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to make tough decisions to prevent burnout while still meeting project demands.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role requires excellent communication and negotiation skills, think of examples where you've successfully built trust and influenced stakeholders at various levels. Be ready to share how you approach relationship-building in a complex organisation.
✨Embrace Innovation
Familiarise yourself with AI-powered tools and how they can enhance resource management. Be prepared to discuss any experience you have with predictive capacity modelling or similar technologies, as WPP is keen on leveraging innovation for operational success.
