Director - Talent Insights

About WPP Media 

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit wpp.com. 

WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com 

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values: 

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity. 
• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust. 
• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise. 

Job Description: Lead – HR Automation, HR Technology & Digital Transformation

Job Title: Lead – HR Technology

Experience: 8 to 10 years
Location: Mumbai
Function: People
Reporting to: Head – Talent Operations & Technology

Role Overview

This role leads the HR Automation and HR Technology charter with a strong focus on digitising, simplifying and automating HR operations at scale. The role is responsible for designing and building low‑code / pro‑code automation solutions, AI‑led enablement, and system integrations that reduce manual effort, improve compliance, and enhance employee experience.

The role requires a strong HR domain understanding, combined with hands‑on capability in Power Platform, Python, SQL and AI, to translate HR processes into scalable digital solutions.

Key Responsibilities

HR Automation & Digital Solutions (Primary Focus)

• Lead end‑to‑end HR automation initiatives across core HR operations including onboarding, joiner‑mover‑leaver (JML), payroll inputs, compliance, benefits administration, employee queries and reporting.
• Design and build apps, workflows and automations using Power Apps, Power Automate (cloud & desktop), Python and SQL.
• Drive process mining and process re‑engineering to identify automation potential, eliminate inefficiencies and standardise HR processes.
• Develop AI‑enabled solutions such as HR chatbots, GenAI copilots, automated document generation, and intelligent reporting.
• Track and deliver measurable outcomes (hours saved, error reduction, compliance improvement, cycle time reduction).

HR Technology Ownership

• Own and evolve the HR tech landscape including HRMS (Workday or equivalent), ATS, payroll systems and integrations.
• Lead enhancements, integrations and automation layers around HR systems to improve usability and reduce manual dependencies.
• Act as the bridge between HR, IT, and vendors to ensure scalable and compliant solutions.

Data & Reporting Enablement

• Enable automated, self‑service and AI‑driven reporting for HR and business leaders.
• Use data (via SQL / Python / Power BI) primarily to support automation, monitoring, exception handling and governance, rather than standalone analytics.
• Ensure data quality, controls and governance across automated HR processes.

Stakeholder & Change Leadership

• Partner with HR leaders to translate HR processes and pain points into automation roadmaps.
• Lead change management, documentation, training and adoption for new digital solutions.
• Act as the internal SME for HR automation, HR tech and AI use‑cases.

Required Skills & Competencies

Core Technical Skills (Must‑Have)

• Power Platform: Power Apps, Power Automate (Cloud & Desktop), connectors
• Python: Automation scripts, system integration, data processing
• SQL: Data extraction, transformation, validation, reconciliation
• Process Mining / Process Mapping: Identifying automation opportunities
• AI & GenAI: HR chatbots, copilots, LLM usage, prompt engineering, applied AI use‑cases
• HR Systems: Experience working with HRMS, ATS and payroll platforms (Workday preferred)

Nice to Have

• Power BI / dashboarding for operational and automated reporting
• Advanced Excel / Power Query
• Exposure to low‑code + pro‑code hybrid solutions

HR & Professional Competencies

• Strong HR domain understanding – HR operations, employee lifecycle, compliance and policies
• Ability to convert HR problems into practical automation solutions
• Hands‑on builder mindset with strong execution orientation
• Structured thinking with attention to controls, auditability and scalability
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, HR, or related field
• MBA / Master’s degree is an advantage (HR, Systems, Analytics or Technology)
• Certifications in Power Platform, Automation, Python, AI or HR Tech preferred

Role Impact

• Digitise and automate HR operations at scale
• Reduce manual effort, errors and dependency on spreadsheets
• Enable AI‑led HR processes and self‑service experiences
• Strengthen compliance, controls and system‑driven governance
• Build a future‑ready, tech‑enabled HR function

Life at WPP Media & Benefits 

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.   

WPP Media 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 in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.