Overview

People Partner - 12 month FTC (maternity cover) at VML

Department: People

Location: London, United Kingdom

Requisition ID: 10982

About Us

VML is a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse. Our global family includes over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets. We deliver end-to-end solutions across the customer journey in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology.

Your Role

Role: People Partner

Line Manager: People Director

Contract: 9-12 month FTC (maternity cover)

We are seeking a strategic and influential People Partner to act as a trusted advisor to business leaders, ensuring our people strategies advance overall objectives. You will help foster a high-performing, engaged, and inclusive work environment, providing strategic HR guidance to grow talent and champion cultural improvement.

You’ll be responsible for

• Strategic business partnership to designated client groups, developing understanding of goals, challenges, and opportunities.
• People strategy development & implementation with senior leaders to support business objectives (talent planning, development, performance management, and employee engagement).
• Talent management & development, including succession planning, people development, and career pathways.
• Performance management leadership, guiding leaders in goal setting, reviews, and development planning.
• Employee relations guidance to managers on complex matters, ensuring fair, consistent policy application and risk mitigation.
• Change management leadership to drive effective communication and employee engagement during initiatives.
• Employee engagement & culture building to foster a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Data-driven insights to identify trends and measure effectiveness of People initiatives, with recommendations for improvement.
• Compensation & benefits strategy in collaboration with People Ops to attract and retain talent.
• Legal compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations, mitigating risks.
• Collaboration & teamwork with the wider People team and agency leaders to achieve shared goals.

What You'll Bring

• Strategic HR expertise with a track record of developing and implementing successful people strategies.
• Strong business acumen and ability to align People strategies with objectives.
• Leadership & influence as a trusted People advisor capable of inspiring others.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and credibility with leaders and employees at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinking with strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Experience leading and supporting change management initiatives.
• Deep understanding of employee relations principles and best practices.
• Data and analytics knowledge to inform HR decisions.
• Recent experience as a People Partner in a complex business.
• Level 7 CIPD or equivalent.

Work Environment

We operate a hybrid model with teams in the office approximately four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, discuss with the hiring team during the interview process.

EEO

VML 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 where everyone belongs and has equal opportunities to progress.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, visit our website and follow VML on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Additional

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Human Resources

Industries: Advertising Services