Talent Lead, Freelance

The Talent Lead, Freelance at WPP Media UK is responsible for overseeing the freelance recruitment strategy, ensuring the organization has access to high-quality, flexible talent promptly. This role involves acting as a strategic partner to senior stakeholders, advising on workforce planning, freelancer engagement models, and resourcing solutions. The Talent Lead will also build and maintain strong pipelines of pre-qualified freelance talent across key skill areas such as digital, media, data & analytics, and client services.

Key responsibilities include managing the end-to-end freelance hiring process, ensuring speed, quality, compliance, and a seamless experience for both stakeholders and talent. The Talent Lead will oversee IR35 compliance processes, including assessment, audit, and reporting, ensuring all freelance engagements meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, the role involves managing the creation and oversight of purchase orders for freelance placements, ensuring accurate tracking, governance, and budget alignment.

The ideal candidate should have significant experience in Talent Acquisition or recruitment, with strong exposure to freelance, contract, or contingent hiring models. Proven experience managing IR35 assessments, compliance, and audit processes within the UK market is essential. Experience managing financial processes related to hiring, including raising and tracking purchase orders and working with budgets, is also required. A deep understanding of the UK freelance market and associated regulations is crucial.

While specific compensation details are not provided, WPP Media offers a competitive benefits package, including medical coverage, group retirement plans, vision and dental insurance, generous paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. Employees are encouraged to lead collectively to inspire transformational creativity, balance people and client experiences by cultivating trust, and champion growth and development to mobilize the enterprise. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, contributing to the growth and success of a leading global media organization.