WPP UK Template presso WPP

Why we're hiring:

The Resource Manager for the WPP OPEN Team plays a pivotal role in optimizing our talent allocation and ensuring we have the right people, with the right skills, at the right time. This strategic and operational role will be instrumental in driving effective workforce planning, collaborating closely with Finance, HR, and Talent Acquisition. You will also partner directly with Business Delivery Heads to proactively identify talent needs, address skill gaps, and drive efficient resource utilization across our integrated client engagements. This role is critical to maintaining operational excellence, fostering talent growth, and supporting the strategic objectives of the WPP OPEN Team.

What you'll be doing:

• Collaborate with Finance to understand budget constraints, project profitability, and financial implications of resource decisions.
• Partner with HR and Talent Acquisition to develop and execute comprehensive workforce plans, including demand forecasting (short, medium, and long-term) based on pipeline, client commitments, and strategic initiatives.
• Analyze capacity versus demand, identifying potential over-servicing, under-utilization, or critical skill shortages.
• Develop strategies for scaling resources up or down efficiently, including recommendations for internal mobility, external hiring, or freelance engagement.

• Manage the end-to-end resource allocation process for the WPP OPEN Team, assigning the most suitable talent to projects based on skills, experience, availability, and career development goals.
• Work closely with Business Delivery Heads to understand project scopes, timelines, and specific talent requirements, ensuring alignment between business needs and resource availability.
• Proactively identify and resolve resource conflicts, under-utilization, and over-utilization issues, proposing effective solutions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date resource tracking systems, ensuring visibility into team availability, current assignments, and future commitments.
• Monitor and report on resource utilization rates, identifying trends and recommending actions to improve efficiency and profitability.

• Liaise continuously with Business Delivery Heads to anticipate future talent needs, identify emerging skill requirements, and pinpoint critical skill gaps within the team.
• Work in partnership with Talent Acquisition to define recruitment briefs, prioritize hiring needs, and provide insights into market demand for specific skill sets.
• Collaborate with HR and Learning & Development to identify internal talent for upskilling or cross-training opportunities to address identified gaps and foster career growth.
• Facilitate internal talent mobility across WPP agencies where appropriate, leveraging the broader network to meet client demands.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all resource-related inquiries and challenges for the WPP OPEN Team.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with Business Delivery Heads, Finance, HR, and Talent Acquisition, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Communicate resource decisions, availability, and potential challenges clearly and proactively to all relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare and present regular reports on resource utilization, capacity, demand, and talent gaps to leadership.

• Continuously evaluate and improve resource management processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Champion the adoption and optimal use of resource management software/platforms (e.g., Workfront, Mavenlink, Smartsheets, etc.).
• Develop and maintain documentation for resource management policies and procedures.

What you'll need:

• Minimum 8+ years of progressive experience in Resource Management, Workforce Planning, or Project Management within a fast-paced agency environment (advertising, marketing, digital, consulting) or similar professional services organization.
• Proven experience collaborating with Finance, HR, and Talent Acquisition on strategic workforce initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex resource allocation challenges across multiple projects and teams.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning capabilities.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in resource management software (e.g., Workfront, Mavenlink, Smartsheet, Monday.com, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
• High level of organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proactive, resilient, and adaptable to changing business needs and priorities.
• Education: Relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, Agile, HR certifications) are a plus.

Who you are:

You're open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are open-minded: to new ideas, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You're optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You're extraordinary: we are stronger together: through collaboration we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We aim to create a culture in which people can do extraordinary work.

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?

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