Divisional HR Head at Publicis Groupe

Job Purpose:

• The Divisional Talent/HR Head is a strategic leadership role responsible for developing and executing HR and Talent strategies that align with the business objectives of the Production, Media and Bespoke divisions within Publicis Groupe Africa.
• This role serves as a trusted advisor to the SVP Production, SVP Media, SVP Bespoke or any practice as determined by operational requirements and Managing Directors/Partners of brands within the Practice(s), providing expert guidance and support across the full spectrum of HR and Talent functions.
• The Divisional Talent/HR Head will drive initiatives that foster a high-performance culture, attract, retain, and develop top talent, enhance employee engagement, and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including South Africa's labour laws and Employment Equity Act.
• This role will also require the Divisional HR/Talent Head to interact and build relationships with the Publicis Global community and leverage support from Talent Operations Excellence, Learning & Org

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic HR and Talent Leadership:

• Develop and implement HR and Talent strategies, policies, and programmes that support the Production, Media and Bespoke divisions' business goals and Publicis Groupe Africa's overall HR and Talent strategy.
• Partner with the SVP Production, SVP Media, SVP Bespoke or any practice as determined by operational requirements and Managing Directors/Partners of brands within the Practice(s) to understand their business priorities and provide proactive HR and Talent solutions.
• Contribute to the development of organisational design and change management initiatives.
• Provide strategic advice and counsel to senior leaders on HR and Talent-related matters, including organisational effectiveness, talent management, and employee relations.
• Collaborate with the Publicis Global community to share best practices and align talent initiatives.
• Leverage the expertise of Talent Operations Excellence, Learning & Organisational Development, and Talent Acquisition to deliver effective HR and Talent services.

Talent Acquisition and Management:

• Lead the talent acquisition process, ensuring the attraction and recruitment of top talent with a focus on diversity and inclusion, in line with Publicis Groupe Africa's transformation agenda.
• Oversee performance management processes, ensuring alignment with business objectives and the development of high-performance cultures.
• Identify and develop high-potential employees, creating succession plans for critical roles within the Production, Media and Bespoke divisions.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives to foster a positive and productive work environment.

Employee Relations:

• Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues, ensuring compliance with South Africa's labour laws and promoting fair and consistent practices.
• Provide guidance and support to managers on disciplinary procedures, grievances, and conflict resolution.
• Develop and maintain effective communication channels between management and employees.
• Oversee compliance with all relevant legislation, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Labour Relations Act, and Employment Equity Act.

Organisational Development:

• Lead organisational development initiatives to enhance organisational effectiveness, including change management, team building, and leadership development.
• Identify and address organisational design issues to optimise structure and workflow.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Manage the design and administration of compensation and benefits programmes to attract, retain, and motivate employees.
• Ensure that compensation and benefits practices are competitive and aligned with market trends and internal equity.
• Oversee the annual salary review process.

Learning and Development:

• Identify learning and development needs within the Production, Media and Bespoke divisions.
• Oversee the design and delivery of learning and development programmes to enhance employee skills and performance.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and development.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I):

• Drive DE&I initiatives to create an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of South Africa.
• Ensure compliance with South Africa's Employment Equity Act and related legislation.
• Promote equitable practices in all HR processes, including recruitment, performance management, and development.

HR Operations and Compliance:

• Oversee the efficient and effective delivery of HR services, including payroll, HR information system (HRIS) management, and employee records.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant HR policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
• Manage HR budgets and resources effectively.

Qualifications:

• Minimum: A Bachelor's degree (BCom) in Human Resources Management or a related field.
• Advantageous: A Post-Graduate qualification in Human Resources Management, such as an Honours degree, Master's degree, or relevant professional certification.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a senior HR/Talent management role.
• Proven experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, preferably within the advertising, media, or related industry.
• Strong knowledge of South African labour laws and HR best practices.
• Experience in managing diverse teams and working across different business units.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing HR and Talent strategies that drive business results.
• Experience in building relationships and collaborating with global teams.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute HR and Talent strategies that align with business objectives.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of the advertising and media industry and the business drivers of Publicis Groupe Africa.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to lead, manage, and develop HR and Talent teams, specifically HR Managers and Business Partners.
• Relationship Management: Exceptional ability to build strong relationships with senior leaders, employees, and external stakeholders, including the Publicis Global community.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and persuade at all levels.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyse complex issues, develop solutions, and make sound decisions.
• Change Management Skills: Ability to lead and manage organisational change effectively.
• HR and Talent Expertise: Deep knowledge of all HR and Talent functions, including talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and learning and development.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A strong commitment to DE&I and a proven track record of driving inclusive practices.
• Ethical Conduct: High level of integrity and ethical conduct.
• Resilience: Ability to work effectively under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration and Influencing: Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels, including global teams.
• Accountability: Demonstrates ownership and takes responsibility for HR and Talent delivery within the division.
• Direct Management of HR Managers: Proven ability to effectively manage and develop HR Managers.

Additional information

• Personal Attributes:
• Proactive and results-oriented
• Strong work ethic and commitment to excellence
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Culturally sensitive and adaptable
• Collaborative and team-oriented