A Hybrid working model

What does a Talent Acquisition Partner do at WPP Production?

We are seeking a proactive, experienced, and highly organised Talent Acquisition Partner to join our lean but mighty HR team in South Africa. This is a pivotal mid-level role where you will primarily be responsible for spearheading our offshore recruitment efforts across various regions, while also providing crucial operational support to our HR Manager across our Johannesburg and Cape Town offices.

This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact, shaping our talent pipeline and contributing directly to the employee experience in a dynamic creative production environment. You will work closely with our HR Manager, local line managers, and our global Talent Acquisition Team, gaining exposure to both local and international HR best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Talent Acquisition (Approx. 70%):

• Offshore Recruitment Lead: Take ownership of the end-to-end recruitment process for a diverse range of offshore roles, collaborating closely with hiring managers and the UK TA Team to understand requirements and source top talent from various international markets.
• Local Recruitment Support: Manage and execute local recruitment needs for our Johannesburg and Cape Town offices, from entry-level to mid-management roles across various functions (e.g., Creative, Production, Account Management, Finance, IT).
• Sourcing & Attraction: Develop and implement innovative sourcing strategies using a variety of channels including LinkedIn Recruiter, industry-specific job boards, professional networks, and direct outreach.
• Candidate Experience: Ensure a positive and engaging candidate experience from initial contact through to onboarding, reflecting WPP's employer brand.
• Screening & Interviewing: Conduct thorough screening calls, competency-based interviews, and coordinate subsequent interview stages with hiring managers.
• Stakeholder Management: Build strong, credible relationships with local line managers, providing expert advice on talent acquisition strategies, market insights, and best recruitment practices. Liaise effectively with the UK Talent Acquisition Team to align on global standards and share best practices.
• Offer Management: Manage offer negotiations, prepare employment contracts, and ensure all pre-employment checks are completed efficiently.
• ATS Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date candidate data within our Applicant Tracking System (ATS), generating regular reports on recruitment metrics (e.g., time-to-hire, source of hire).
• Employer Branding: Contribute to initiatives that enhance WPP Production SA's employer brand, particularly in the offshore talent market.

1. HR Operations & Support (Approx. 30%):

• HR Administration: Assist the HR Manager with general HR administration, including maintaining employee records, filing, and data management to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Onboarding & Offboarding: Support the seamless onboarding experience for new hires (local and offshore) and assist with offboarding processes, ensuring all administrative tasks are completed accurately.
• Policy & Procedure Guidance: Provide first-line advice and guidance to employees and line managers on HR policies, procedures, and general HR queries, escalating complex issues to the HR Manager.
• Employee Relations Support: Assist the HR Manager with basic employee relations matters, documentation, and investigations as directed.
• HR Project Support: Support the HR Manager in implementing various HR projects and initiatives (e.g., performance management cycles, training programs, employee engagement activities).
• Compliance: Assist in ensuring HR practices remain compliant with South African labour legislation.
• Culture & Engagement: Contribute to fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture across both offices.

Reporting lines and key stakeholders: 

This role reports to the SA Country HR Manager and works closely with the Global Head of Talent Acquisition  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of dedicated talent acquisition or HR Generalist experience, with a strong focus on end-to-end recruitment, ideally within a creative agency, media, advertising, or production environment.
• Proven experience managing a high volume of recruitment, including international/offshore roles.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with diverse stakeholders, including hiring managers and international HR/TA teams.
• Solid understanding of recruitment best practices, sourcing methodologies, and employer branding.
• Working knowledge of South African Labour Law and HR best practices.
• Proficiency with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and HR Information Systems (HRIS).
• Excellent command of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Tools:

Asana

Greenhouse (or Similar)

Sage 300 People

Microsoft Office 365

AI Tool: Chat GPT or Similar

BEE123

Skills & Attributes:

• Exceptional Communication Skills: Articulate, persuasive, and able to build rapport quickly with candidates and stakeholders at all levels, both verbally and in writing.
• Proactive & Self-Starter: Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Strong Organisational Skills: Meticulous attention to detail, excellent time management, and ability to manage a busy workload efficiently.
• Relationship Builder: Natural ability to build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with colleagues, candidates, and external partners.
• Problem Solver: Solutions-oriented approach, with the ability to identify challenges and propose effective solutions.
• Adaptable & Resilient: Comfortable navigating ambiguity and change, thriving in a dynamic, rapidly evolving industry.
• Confidentiality & Professionalism: Unwavering commitment to maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating the highest level of professionalism.
• Passion for People: Genuine interest in supporting employees, enhancing their experience, and contributing to a positive work culture.
• Team Player: Collaborative mindset, eager to support the HR Manager and the wider team.

#LI-LS1