Director of People and Culture

Aardman is an employee-owned, independent and multi-Academy Award® and BAFTA® award-winning studio. Its work spans feature films, series, commercials, games and interactive entertainment. Aardman’s brands are global in appeal, novel, entertaining, brilliantly characterised, and full of charm reflecting the unique talent, energy, and personal commitment of the Aardman team. The studio’s work is often imitated, and yet the company continues to lead the field producing a rare brand of visually stunning content for cinema, broadcasters, digital platforms, and live experiences around the world.

This vacancy is a unique opportunity to be part of the leadership team and help shape the next exciting chapter of the studio, as Aardman approaches an amazing 50-year anniversary. This is a senior leadership role working with the rest of the Exec Board in delivering on Aardman’s studio mission, to create worlds that allow us to connect, immerse and entertain global audiences.

As Director of People & Culture, you will be a highly visible and influential leader, both internally and externally, championing a culture of positive employee engagement, to ensure Aardman remains a thriving, creative, and supportive workplace. This role works closely with the MD in setting the cultural tone for the Board and leading their understanding of Corporate Governance and Best Practice for an EO organisation. The role provides expert leadership to the HR function, embedding best-in-class people practices that enhance employee experience, nurture our creative talent, and future-proof our organisation for continued success.

We are interested in talking to HR professionals with proven experience in a senior leadership role, with a strong history in People, Culture, and HR strategy, ideally in a creative or media environment. You should bring a deep understanding of employee engagement principles and how they drive business success, together with a natural ability to influence at Board level, providing strategic insight and thought leadership on cultural and people-related matters.

For further details and to apply, please contact Vanessa Moon or Simon Quinn for a briefing pack via quoting reference MC2592. Closing date: Midnight, Wednesday 25th June.

NB: All direct applications will be forwarded to Moon Executive Search for consideration and both Aardman Animations and Moon Executive Search are equal opportunity employers and welcome Expressions of Interest from all areas of society. You can read more about Aardman’s fascinating history at Our Diversity & Inclusion Charter is our commitment to building a workforce that is truly reflective of society, underpinned by the belief that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential in delivering on our mission: to create entertainment for all and to be the most inspirational animation company in the world. We welcome applications from all individuals and are always happy to discuss flexible working needs. Aardman is proud to be both a Disability Confident Employer and a Living Wage Employer.

Aardman became Employee Owned in November 2018. Before this, Aardman was “owned” by its two founders, Peter Lord and David Sproxton who had begun working professionally under the Aardman name in 1976. When the partnership became a limited company, Peter and David held all the shares.