Head of People

A growing organisation is seeking a Head of People to lead their overall people strategy, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and sitting as a core member of the senior executive team. The primary focus of this position is to establish clear, consistent, and capable HR practices that enable sustainable business expansion, employee retention, and high operational performance. Acting as a strategic partner to executive leadership, the successful candidate will oversee workforce planning, leadership development, and organisational design, while ensuring efficient day-to-day HR operations. This role carries direct responsibility for driving change management, strengthening performance frameworks, and managing people operations. Working hours follow full-time executive schedule standards to effectively support senior leadership and operational needs. Key Responsibilities: Align the overarching people strategy with broader business objectives and growth plans. Provide strategic advice to executive leadership on key people matters, talent retention, and operational risk management. Shape organisational design, future workforce capabilities, succession strategies, and reward query visibility. Lead transformation and change management activities, enabling line managers to effectively communicate and embed new ways of working. Direct HR operations, ensuring full compliance with UK employment legislation, governance, and health and safety requirements. Enhance performance management systems, career progression pathways, and employee engagement initiatives. Deliver executive coaching, learning programs, and leadership development frameworks across the business. Oversee HR systems, workforce analytics, and reporting for board-level review. Line manage, mentor, and build the internal HR team, including direct management of an HR Advisor. Manage external HR service providers and third-party vendors. Requirements CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent professional HR experience. Proven track record leading a human resources or people function within a growing business. Demonstrated background partnering with, influencing, and advising executive stakeholders. In-depth understanding of UK employment law, employee relations, and governance practices. Direct experience supporting organisational change, manager enablement, and business transformation. Strong analytical ability to leverage people data and workforce metrics for decision-making. Background in coaching line managers and developing internal leadership capability. Preferred Qualifications: Advanced experience scaling a people function during a period of rapid business growth. Relevant industry certifications or advanced HR qualifications. Required Software Skills: Advanced HR Information Systems (HRIS) management and workforce analytics tools. Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for board reporting and data analysis. Benefits Competitive salary package 25 days paid annual leave plus public holidays Health benefits Company pension contribution Paid volunteer days Excellent opportunities for career progression Professional certification support