Senior Manager, Talent

Position Summary: 

The Senior Manager, Talent will provide proactive leadership and operational support across IPG Mediabrands Canada. Reporting to the Senior Director, Talent Management, and partnering closely with client leadership, this role will oversee the full employee lifecycle, offering expert guidance on talent management initiatives, employee relations, learning and development, compensation, and performance management. This role requires a dynamic individual who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to execute HR initiatives that align with business objectives, support our unique cultures, and reinforce our reputation as an employer of choice. 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership: 

• Collaborate with client leadership to support HR strategies that align with business goals. 

• Partner with the Finance team to integrate HR strategies with business financials to drive commercial success. 

• Hold regular meetings with management to update on HR initiatives and influence the people agenda. 

Talent Development: 

• Support the implementation of talent management initiatives, including leadership development, Culture & Inclusion programs, and succession planning. 

• Manage the annual talent mapping process to identify and develop high-potential employees. 

• Act as a key resource for career development, providing guidance on training and development opportunities. 

• Collect, interpret, and analyze HR data to generate actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making. Prepare and present these insights in compelling narratives within executive-level decks, effectively telling the story behind the numbers. 

• Utilize data-driven insights to anticipate talent needs and develop proactive solutions that enhance organizational performance. 

Organizational Development 

• Liaise with senior leaders related to influencing change and achieving greater effectiveness by developing, improving and reinforcing strategies to improve efficiencies 

• Leveraging existing talent strategies to drive business operational strategies that align for future growth 

Learning and Development: 

• Partner on the internal training program, working with global and local teams to facilitate relevant content. 

• Champion employee development initiatives, ensuring alignment with business needs. 

• Provide strategic input on employee development gaps and recommend solutions. 

Compensation and Rewards: 

• Partner on compensation strategies with Manager, Total Rewards to ensure clients are competitive and aligned with market data, performance standards, and internal equity. 

• Support the annual merit and incentive compensation processes to appropriately reward employees. 

Performance Management: 

• Advise people managers on performance management, including progressive discipline, improvement plans, and terminations. 

• Support the annual performance cycle process across agency brands. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with employees and management, promoting a culture of trust and respect. 

Employee Relations: 

• Partner with people leaders on complex employee relations issues, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policies. 

• Manage end-to-end employee relations within assigned groups, including performance management, restructures, and flexible working requests. 

• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees at all levels, providing confidential support and guidance. 

Leadership and Team Management: 

• Mentor a team of Talent Managers, Generalists, and Talent Operations staff, fostering an engaging and motivating work environment. 

• Act as a project lead for various Talent initiatives 

Miscellaneous: 

• Represent IPG Mediabrands at industry events and recruitment activities to enhance the company's employer brand. 

• Provide project management support to global HR systems and initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives. 

Qualifications: 

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Human Resources Management, or equivalent education and experience. 

• Progressive years of relevant HR experience, with a strong generalist background and a focus on talent management. 

• Previous experience in advertising/media, communications, start up, or digital/technology industries is preferred. 

• Deep understanding of provincial employment regulations in Ontario (Quebec and BC an asset). 

• Strong Change Management background or Organizational Development experience an asset 

• Proficient in MS Office, HRIS, and Talent Management systems; Workday experience is an asset. 

• CHRP designation is an asset. 

• Strong project management skills, with a proven ability to lead and execute strategic initiatives. 

• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and influencing skills. 

More About You: 

• You are an expert relationship builder, known for your integrity, confidentiality, and ability to inspire trust at all levels. 

• You have a proactive, client-focused, and entrepreneurial mindset, always looking for ways to innovate and add value. 

• You are a lifelong learner, keeping up to date with talent practices, industry trends, and business strategies. 

• You have a strong blend of strategic thinking and operational execution, with a keen eye for detail. 

• You have business acumen and understand how to interpret financials to inform HR strategies. 

If you are a dynamic HR leader ready to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply at [email protected]. We offer a competitive compensation package, excellent benefits, and an extensive employee perks program. For more on IPG Mediabrands, please visit www.mediabrands.com. 

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). IPG Mediabrands manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients across its best-in-class brands UM, Initiative, Media Experts, Reprise, MAGNA, Orion, Mediabrands Content Studio, and the IPG Media Lab. IPG Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors including automotive, personal finance, consumer packaged goods (CPG), pharma, health and wellness, entertainment, financial services, energy, toys and gaming, direct to consumer and e-commerce, retail, hospitality, food and beverage, fashion and beauty. The company employs more than 18,000 diverse marketing communications professionals in more than 130 countries. Learn more at www.ipgmediabrands.ca and follow us on LinkedIn: Mediabrands Canada and Instagram: @MediabrandsCanada.

What's in it for you?
•    Generous paid time off with a minimum of 37 paid days off including vacation and monthly wellness days. We also have four-day long weekends, half-day summer Fridays, and meeting-free Friday afternoons year-round.
•    A flexible hybrid work model that works for you.
•    A focus on personal development with formal training opportunities, including mental health training and inclusion education for everyone.
•    A chance to be part of and grow within a global network of agencies.
•    The opportunity to contribute to our company culture by joining one of our many community-based employee groups, such as Black Employee Network, Girls on Fire, Hispanic or Latinx Alliance, Neuro Network, Pan-Asian Network, and Rainbow Lounge.

IPG Mediabrands is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, colour, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, provincial, or municipal law. If you require an accommodation in any aspect of the selection process, please reach out to [email protected]