People Partner

Who is Weber Shandwick?

We create cultural value and help brands navigate the ever-changing age of earned: an age where consumers actively say no to advertising; an age where everyone is an influencer that can make or break your brand; an age where content can be turned into commercial opportunity. Our talented team builds brands by finding connection points in the real world. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses e.g. HSBC, Ikea, Unilever and eBay to name a few.

We earn affection, attention, affinity and purchase by delivering value to people around the world, with deep specialisms across food & drink, travel & tourism, consumer tech, consumer health, automotive, sports sponsorship, entertainment & lifestyle and energy. We are known for:

• Develop data driven insights and strategies to drive measurable impact
• Creating impactful creative campaigns that tap into culture
• Creating channel and platform agnostic campaigns that grow organically
• Delivering integrated campaigns that are earned-first but deliver for paid and owned

What’s Happening?

Weber Shandwick is excited to be looking for a Manager / Senior Manager Data Science to join our Analytics & Insights team. This is an opportunity to work with the EMEA team based in London.

There is a huge opportunity to grow professionally whilst learning from some brilliant thinkers in how to apply analytics and data science in a business context. Working with various tools and methodologies, the Data Scientist will get first-hand exposure to clients, their business problems and acquire useful transferable skills both in the application of your analytics abilities and in presentation and people skills. The company also offers training opportunities tailored to your career goals and interests.

In the Analytics & Insights team, we have diverse backgrounds and expertise, speak many languages and bring this variety together in the work we do as a team. We both, have and get to have, experience with clients both in the UK and globally, championing insight and analysis in decision-making to enable real business performance.

What will you be doing?

It really is never boring in our team. The type of analytics work we do covers:

• Statistical modelling and machine learning
• Data visualisation / Business intelligence
• Data pipelines and data warehouse
• Conversation analysis
• Audience insights / profiling
• Campaign reports
• Multichannel reports

On a day-to-day basis, our main aim is to identify patterns in data which will provide useful insights to our clients. We channel our positive attitude, critical thinking and analytical mind-sets to solve our client’s problems, provide inputs into strategy and see opportunities not visible without data and insights. Depending on scope and requirements we work together or individually to identify insight from large datasets (using NLP, machine learning & Gen AI capabilities) and develop data science and analytics products aimed to solve our clients’ business challenges, consolidate processes and revolutionise how we approach our work.

Among other things, this role involves the development, integration, and scaling of AI, NLP and Gen AI technologies, as well as optimising data processes and working closely with the broader AI team. Keeping up-to-date with advancements in generative AI and machine learning is crucial. This is a hands-on role.

What will you be doing?

• Design, create, and deployment of Machine Learning models and applications aimed at addressing PR and earned media communication requirements.
• Assist the business in incorporating LLMs, NLP, and generative AI into current processes and workflows where applicable.
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines and infrastructure to support ongoing and upcoming projects.
• Collaborate with both technical and non-technical teams to define, research, and implement solutions.
• Develop predictive model prototypes to solve a variety of business problems through natural language processing (NLP), natural language understanding (NLU), and recommendation engines
• Segment audiences using algorithms such as K-means, PCA or GMMs
• Apply your expertise in data analysis to extract key findings from large datasets and present results beyond the numbers, also using tools like Tableau and Looker

Who are you?

Skills Needed

• The preferred candidate will have hands-on experience with large language models (LLMs), including their application in natural language processing systems throughout the development and deployment stages. A deep familiarity with current research and trends in LLMs is advantageous.
• Strong mathematical, statistical or data science background
• Proficient in Python & SQL and ability to write clean production code
• Experience in building datasets, selecting and engineering features, building and optimising algorithms, machine learning in production
• Experience developing and deploying machine learning models, preferably with LLM’s, NLP or GenAI experience
• Experience in some of the following domains: Deep Learning, Learn-to-Rank, Recommender Systems, Regression, Classification, Clustering
• Extensive Experience with ML frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, scikit-learn and Spark Mllib
• Experience deploying to cloud systems (AWS, GCP)
• Strong ability to communicate with technical and non-technical audiences
• Someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment and has the ability to work both independently and within a team

Skills Desirable

• Experience in writing production grade code, unit tests, using version control
• Experience in A/B hypothesis testing (confidence intervals and p-values, linear regression to generalised additive models, time series)
• Knowledge of Spark, Hadoop or similar platform
• Experience with CI/CD including Git, Docker
• Experience with data visualisation platforms like Tableau, Power BI, Looker Studio, etc.
• Experience with front-end visualisation platforms like Streamlit, Dash, Flask

Core Benefits:

• Private medical insurance
• Group life assurance
• Group income protection
• Personal pension plan
• Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible Benefits:

• Buy or sell holiday
• Additional life assurance cover
• Critical illness insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Travel Insurance
• Health screening
• Gym discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health cash plan
• Flexible working with our 3:2 hybrid work model
• 4pm Friday finish
• Equivalent of $250 USD for new joiners on 6 month + contract to support home working setup
• 25 days’ annual leave (in addition to public holidays) plus 2 volunteering days, birthday day off work and festive period off
• Flexible public holidays (from 2023)
• Sweets and snacks in the office
• Exclusive shopping discounts and perks
• Headspace membership
• Annual eyecare voucher
• Season ticket loan
• Referral bonus scheme
• Long service bonus
• Enhanced family leave
• Inclusive and invisible health policies

We appreciate the time take to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick. We will review all applications within five working days and be in touch with those who have been shortlisted to the next stage. Unfortunately, due to volume we are not able to get back to everyone individually so if you have not heard back from us unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion and wish you all the best in your search.

At IPG we are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at JobAppAccommodation@ipgdxtra.com. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.

#LI-LM1

About the opportunity:

We are seeking a dynamic and proactive People professional to lead our employee engagement initiatives as well taking the lead on all HR generalist responsibilities for Hong Kong. The ideal candidate will be passionate about fostering a positive work environment, enhancing employee satisfaction, and driving organisational culture. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships across all levels of the organisation. We’re open to both Manager and Senior Manager level candidates for this position. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement programs that promote employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Analyse engagement survey results and recommend actionable improvements.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee concerns and conflicts. Facilitate open communication between employees and management to resolve issues and improve workplace dynamics.
• Champion initiatives that strengthen company culture and align with organisational values. Lead activities that promote teamwork, recognition, and community involvement.
• Collaborate with management to identify training needs and develop programs that enhance employee skills and career growth.
• Oversee the performance management process, providing guidance to managers on conducting effective reviews and setting performance objectives.
• Review and update HR policies to ensure they reflect best practices in employee engagement and relations. Communicate policies clearly to all staff.
• Promote diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a welcoming environment for all employees. Monitor progress and report on outcomes
• Ensure compliance with HK labour laws and regulations. Stay updated on HR trends and best practices related to employee engagement.
• Partner with agency MD and their leadership teams to Identify learning needs and support
• Based on agency’s needs, compile HR management related reports and analysis to support business decisions.
• Provide HR advice and support to managers in respect of employment relation matters to ensure those are handled effectively and professionally, including absences, capability, performance, disciplinary and grievance processes, restructuring and redundancy.

Skills Required:

• Min 5+  years of HR experience, with at least 2 years as generalist HR in multi-national (MNC) working environments.
• General knowledge of the full range of HR responsibilities, including Employee engagement and relations, Talent Development, Compensation and Benefits, Succession Planning, Leadership Review and Organisational Development.
• Experience of working in PR / Marketing / Digital / Creative agencies would be advantageous
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and rapport across diverse teams
• You’ll be a natural people person who engages with employees and is passionate about building a positive and inclusive culture
• Fluency in both Cantonese and English is required
• Commercial and business acumen, including an understanding of agency work nature.
• Proficiency in HR software and tools
• Degree in Human Resources, Business, or Business Administration is preferred.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective, we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses.

Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year and PRovoke Global SABRES’ 2024 Global Healthcare Agency of the Year, as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2024.

TWSC VALUES 

Everything we do at TWSC is rooted in our core values of CURIOSITY, INCLUSION, COURAGE and IMPACT. We believe that the world of work has changed, which is why we have developed a unique employee experience that reflects the world we’re living in. Here’s what we offer:

Flexible Working – We understand the need for flexible working and empower our employees to deliver impactful work wherever they are based.

Global Mobility –We unlock opportunities for our employees by utilising our powerful network, and through our mobility initiative Access All Areas, which includes policies on ‘Work from Anywhere’, ‘International Relocation’ and our global ‘Explorer Program’

Inclusive Culture – We look for qualified people from all backgrounds who are restless, curious and want to deliver impactful work in an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. We strive every day to foster as inclusive a culture as possible.

Mental Health and Wellbeing – Helping our people stay happy, healthy, and productive is our number one priority, so we’ll support your day-to-day life with our bespoke Intellect wellbeing offering.

A note on inclusion

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

#LI-LW1

About the opportunity:

We are looking for an experienced, passionate, and extremely people-focused HR practitioner who thrives in a fast-moving, highly energetic environment.  This role demands a personality that is comfortable to engage and partner with leadership, and that can connect with employees across all levels of the business.  The Human Resources Director will have oversight of every aspect of our HR and Talent function – a role which demands both strong human resources acumen and a “change agent” mindset to continuously evolve and enhance existing HR processes and systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Play a lead role in building and developing a solid Human Resources and Talent team and function in Japan by driving change through process improvement and a forward-thinking approach.
• Ensure full compliance of all HR policies, and legal requirements within Japan market regulations
• Partner closely with the business to ensure solid talent retention programs are in place, bringing an innovative approach to staff career development and incentive programs – integrating the activities with L&D to support development of career paths within the businesses
• Lead the Talent Acquisition function, managing the TA Manager and supporting them in driving an effective and efficient recruitment process, with the use of the Greenhouse ATS.
• Take ownership and manage the performance review process across the agency (with support of the team)
• Address staff performance issues across the businesses as required, minimizing terminations and legal exposure wherever possible
• Ensure relevant Japan market data on remuneration is systematically collected and used to build reliable compensation models for all levels of employees
• Collaborate on global and regional team activities in areas of recognition and reward strategies, and initiate motivational programs for employees
• Build and lead initiatives to enhance employee experience in collaboration with Japan leadership team
• You will be part of the agency’s Senior Leadership Team, and have a strong voice in collaboration with other senior leaders, including the Managing Director and Finance Director, as well as all practice leaders
• You’ll partner closely with APAC regional HR and Talent Acquisition leads, with regards to global and regional initiatives, policies, procedures, and requirements

PERSON PROFILE

• Proven background in Human Resources in the Japanese market, with the ability to provide timely strategic counsel, while taking a long-term perspective.
• Able to dive in operationally as and when needed, including providing guidance on Japanese Labour Law
• Proven ability to hire and develop an on-the-ground strong team encompassing the full human resource employee cycle
• Willing and able to work closely with the MD and FD to align on business priorities and map back with HR strategies
• Ability to grasp issues and business realities quickly and establish a rapport with stakeholders at all levels, managing complex relationships diplomatically and consultatively
• Confident and clear communicator, fluent in Japanese with strong English language skills and the ability to work across markets as needed
• Ability to manage teams and individuals and provide them with the support that encourages and enables them to perform to their fullest potential
• You’re someone who thinks creatively and strategically and understands the importance of in-depth analytical skills within the People function
• You have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrable record of building relationships internally with peers, team members and the wider business
• You’re able to prioritize and organize your workload effectively, within a deadline-driven and changing environment, using initiative to make decisions in complex situations
• You have a desire to challenge the status quo and strive for continuous improvement

OVERVIEW

Part of The Weber Shandwick Collective, we’re the earned-first global communications agency, led by world-class strategic thinkers and creative activators. We create shared and sustainable value for businesses, people, and society. We energise the right mix of talent, using the right platforms and latest technology to choreograph stories that make a real and meaningful impact for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses.

Our game-changing work is recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards bodies, and we have won more than 135 Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. We’re also PRWeek’s 2024 Global Agency of the Year as well as being listed on the Ad Age A-List 2024 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2024.

TWSC Values

Everything we do at TWSC is rooted in our core values of CURIOSITY, INCLUSION, COURAGE and IMPACT.

We believe that the world of work has changed, which is why we have developed a unique employee experience that reflects the world we’re living in. Here’s what we offer:

Flexible Working – We understand the need for flexible working and empower our employees to deliver impactful work wherever they are based.

Global Mobility –We unlock opportunities for our employees by utilising our powerful network, and through our mobility initiative Access All Areas, which includes policies on ‘Work from Anywhere’, ‘International Relocation’ and our global ‘Explorer Program’

Inclusive Culture – We look for qualified people from all backgrounds who are restless, curious and want to deliver impactful work in an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. We strive every day to foster as inclusive a culture as possible.

Mental Health and Wellbeing – Helping our people stay happy, healthy, and productive is our number one priority, so we’ll support your day-to-day life with our bespoke Intellect wellbeing offering

Note from the team

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates

#LI-LW1