At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic workforce planning and manage global talent capacity for optimal resource deployment.
- Company: Join WPP, a leading growth partner for top global brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for career progression and personal development.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and fosters growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising resources and preventing team burnout in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in workforce planning and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
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 in London employer: T&P
WPP is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and 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 within a supportive environment that values collaboration and creativity. With access to cutting-edge tools and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, WPP empowers its employees to navigate challenges and seize opportunities for professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Resource & Capacity Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you have relevant projects or experiences, don’t hesitate to bring them up during interviews. We love seeing how candidates can apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for talent that aligns with our values and mission, so don’t miss out on that opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Global Resource & Capacity Lead in London
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 our needs at WPP.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We love data-driven decision-making! Include examples of how you've used analytical skills in past roles to forecast utilisation or manage resources effectively. This will demonstrate your fit for the strategic aspects of the role.
Emphasise Relationship Building:Strong relationships are key in this role. Share instances where you've successfully built trust and collaborated with various teams. This will show us that you can navigate our dual-speed operating model smoothly.
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 ensure you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at T&P
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re familiar with key metrics related to workforce planning and resource management. Brush up on how to forecast utilisation and balance resourcing effectively, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've used data in past roles will impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your approach to strategic resourcing and how you’ve managed capacity in previous positions. Think about times when you’ve had to balance fixed and flexible resources, and be ready to share those experiences. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and strategically, which is essential for this role.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role requires strong relationship-building skills, think about how you can convey your ability to communicate and negotiate effectively. Prepare examples of how you’ve built trust with colleagues or stakeholders in the past. This will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in a complex organisation.
✨Embrace Innovation
Familiarise yourself with AI-powered tools and data solutions relevant to resource management. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve leveraged technology in your previous roles to optimise resource deployment. Showing that you’re not just comfortable with innovation but also excited about it will set you apart from other candidates.
