At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our People and Culture strategy, fostering an inclusive and high-performing environment.
- Company: Dynamic Corporate Services Group with a mission to redefine business support.
- Benefits: Generous leave, employee assistance, and a dog-friendly office with free lunches.
- Why this job: Be a cultural champion and drive impactful change in a thriving organisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior People leadership and a passion for equity-centered HR practices.
- Other info: Join a team of passionate changemakers in a supportive and innovative workplace.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: ÂŁ90 -100k
Location: Covent Garden | Office-based
Hours: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday
Who we are
We’re a dynamic and rapidly expanding Corporate Services Group, led by our passionate founder and CEO. With a thriving customer base of over 500,000 and consistent growth of 20% year-on-year, we\’re shaking up the business services space. From Company Formation and Legal Support to Virtual Office, we provide everything businesses need to start, grow, and succeed. Profitable, innovative, and customer-obsessed, we’re on a mission to redefine how modern businesses are supported—and we’re looking for driven individuals to grow with us.
Job Summary
We’re looking for an experienced, strategic, and values-driven Head of People and Culture to lead our people agenda through a time of growth and impact. You’ll be the architect of a high-performing, inclusive, and purpose-led culture—ensuring every team member feels seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Reporting into the CEO, you’ll oversee the entire People function, while embedding our values, B Corp commitments, and sustainability goals at the heart of our people strategy. This role is equal parts strategist, operational, and culture champion. You’ll lead with empathy, drive change with integrity, and deliver a forward-thinking People function that powers both individual growth and business success.
🎯 What You’ll Own & Lead:
People Strategy & Leadership
- Lead the People & Culture strategy across the business, aligning talent, engagement, and development initiatives with organisational goals.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the leadership team, providing strategic guidance on organisational design, performance, and workforce planning.
- Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing People team
- Lead company-wide organisational change initiatives (e.g. restructures) with empathy, compliance, and clarity.
Employee Experience & Development
- Own and evolve a values-aligned, HR function that champions wellbeing and performance.
- Oversee impactful performance, development, and coaching frameworks that enable growth at every level.
- Use HR data and people insights to inform decisions, reduce attrition, and boost engagement and productivity.
- Ensure legal compliance across all People operations including contracts, policies, right-to-work checks, and absence management.
Culture, DEI & Engagement
- Champion a culture of inclusion, belonging, and equity—embedding inclusive practices across all touchpoints, from recruitment to internal communications.
- Own the design and delivery of a best-in-class onboarding and offboarding experience, focused on purpose, clarity, and connection.
- Develop and deliver progressive L&D strategies, enabling both career acceleration and personal growth.
- Lead internal communications and staff engagement programs that amplify our values, celebrate wins, and build team connection—digitally and in person.
Purpose, Sustainability & Impact
- Act as internal expert and cultural ambassador for DEI, ESG, and B Corp standards—translating these into practical, people-led actions across the organisation.
- Ensure People practices actively contribute to our social and environmental impact goals.
- Partner with cross-functional leaders to embed sustainability and ethics into the employee lifecycle—from hiring through to exit.
📚 What You Bring to the Table
- Bachelor’s Degree and CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) qualification.
- Significant experience in a senior People leadership role, with proven impact across engagement, development, and culture.
- Demonstrated ability to build inclusive, high-performing teams and a deep understanding of equity-centered HR practices.
- Experience working in or with B Corp, ESG-driven, or purpose-led organisations.
- Confident, emotionally intelligent communicator with exceptional stakeholder management skills.
- Data-literate and commercially aware; able to align people decisions with business strategy.
- High integrity, resilient, and proactive—able to lead with both heart and head in fast-paced environments.
🌍 Who You’ll Be Working With
You’ll be surrounded by passionate, talented changemakers with big ambitions—not just for our business but for our world. Our teams are predominantly based in our Covent Garden, London office. We\’re a company striving for best-in-class service through empathy, integrity, and innovation—and we want you to be the voice and leader who helps us get there
Equal Opportunities
1st Formations is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, criminal history, disability, or gender identity. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Head of People and Culture employer: 1st Formations
Contact Detail:
1st Formations Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People and Culture
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their team too. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs. Keep it concise and engaging—think of it as telling a story about your career journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People and Culture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of People and Culture role. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and how it connects with our mission at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Values: We’re all about culture and values here at StudySmarter, so don’t shy away from sharing your personal values and how they align with ours. Talk about your commitment to inclusion, equity, and sustainability in your application.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make your achievements stand out. We want to see your impact without wading through too much text!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Formations
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's mission, values, and recent achievements. Understanding their B Corp commitments and how they integrate sustainability into their operations will show that you're genuinely interested and aligned with their goals.
✨Showcase Your People Strategy Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led people and culture initiatives in previous roles. Highlight your experience with building inclusive teams and driving engagement, as this is crucial for the Head of People and Culture position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life situations, such as leading organisational change or managing conflict within a team. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Emotional Intelligence
As a leader in people and culture, your ability to connect with others is key. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used empathy and emotional intelligence to foster a positive workplace culture and support team members through challenges.