Manager - Human Resources at GroupM · Colombo

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. 

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

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.

Role Summary and Impact

The HR Business Partner (Sri Lanka) will support business leaders by delivering effective people solutions with a strong focus on HR compliance, statutory adherence, and policy governance. The role will act as a trusted advisor on employee lifecycle matters, ensuring consistency, legal compliance, and a positive employee experience while enabling business outcomes.

This role requires strong understanding of Sri Lanka labour laws, HR policies, analytics, and stakeholder management, and close connection with industry practices and updates.

Key Responsibilities

HR Business Partnering & Stakeholder Management

• Partner with business leaders and managers to support people strategies aligned with business needs.
• Act as the first point of contact for employee lifecycle queries and people-related decision-making.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships across leadership, regional HR teams, and COEs.

Compliance, Statutory & HR Policies (Mandatory)

• Ensure strict compliance with Sri Lanka labour laws, statutory requirements, and employment regulations.
• Interpret, implement, and govern HR policies in line with local legal frameworks and WPP Media standards.
• Act as the key liaison for statutory audits, inspections, and compliance reviews.
• Stay updated on labour law changes, industry practices, and government notifications, and proactively advise the business.

Employee Relations & Policy Interpretation

• Manage employee relations matters including grievances, disciplinary actions, and investigations in a fair and compliant manner.
• Coach managers on employee policies, code of conduct, and people practices.
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies across the Sri Lanka market.

Talent & Performance Support

• Support performance management cycles including goal setting, reviews, and performance improvement plans.
• Own end-to-end hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning, ensuring timely and quality hiring outcomes.
• Support talent reviews, succession planning inputs, and employee development discussions.

Compensation, Benefits & Payroll Support

• Support compensation reviews, benefits administration, and payroll inputs in coordination with Rewards and HR Operations teams.
• Help assess the impact of compensation changes on employee take-home pay.
• Ensure compliance with statutory benefits and local compensation regulations.

HR Analytics & Reporting

• Use HR data and analytics to provide insights on attrition, performance trends, engagement, and workforce metrics.
• Prepare reports and dashboards to support decision-making and leadership reviews.

Process Excellence & Change Support

• Support standardisation and streamlining of HR processes across Sri Lanka.
• Assist in change management initiatives including restructuring, role changes, and transitions.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve employee experience and operational efficiency.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Sri Lanka labour laws, statutory compliance, and HR policies.
• Proven experience in employee relations and compliance-driven HRBP roles.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Analytical mindset with comfort in HR data and reporting.
• Clear communication skills with ability to guide managers and employees.
• High integrity, discretion, and attention to detail.

Experience & Qualifications

• 7–9 years of progressive HR generalist / HRBP experience.
• Mandatory experience handling compliance, statutory matters, and HR policies in Sri Lanka.
• Strong understanding of local labour laws and industry practices.
• Degree or Master’s qualification in Human Resources or related discipline.
• Prior experience in a matrixed or fast-paced organisation preferred.

Success Measures

• Zero statutory or compliance risks.
• Effective stakeholder partnership and manager satisfaction.
• Consistent and fair application of HR policies.
• Improved employee experience and engagement.

This role plays a critical part in strengthening HR governance and enabling sustainable people practices for WPP Media in Sri Lanka.

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.

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