At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR functions, from recruitment to employee relations and policy compliance.
- Company: Dynamic media agency in Central London with a close-knit, high-performing team.
- Benefits: 25 days leave, pension, private health insurance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a founder-led consultancy while shaping the workplace culture.
- Qualifications: CIPD-qualified with strong HR generalist experience and knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
Oakleaf Partnership is partnering with our client, a media agency based in Central London, to appoint a CIPD-qualified Head of HR. Working at the intersection of politics, media and business, our client is a close-knit, high-performing team where people are the most important asset.
This is a hands-on, standalone role owning the full people function for a growing, founder-led consultancy, combining strategic counsel with day-to-day delivery, from drafting policy to sitting in on performance conversations. Reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations, you'll be the go-to for all things HR.
Key Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end recruitment: role scoping, talent search, candidate experience, offer management and salary benchmarking
- Lead employee relations, including performance management, disciplinary/grievance processes and coaching line managers, in line with the ACAS Code
- Maintain full compliance with UK employment law, GDPR and HR best practice, keeping policies and the handbook current
- Design and oversee performance, promotion and pay review processes
- Partner with leadership on client resourcing and utilisation reporting
- Champion employee wellbeing and engagement, and help evolve the employer brand
- Oversee health and safety policy and risk assessments with the office manager
Person SpecificationEssential
- Strong standalone HR generalist experience, ideally at Head of HR/senior HR manager level
- Track record in small or mid-sized businesses, ideally in a standalone HR role
- Confident, up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law and complex ER case management
- Practical, solutions-oriented approach; strong stakeholder and written communication skills
- Experience in a PR, public affairs, communications or professional services/consultancy environment, ideally with a trusted network or working in a founder-led business
Highly Desirable
- Understanding of consultancy commercials (fee earning, utilisation, revenue-linked planning)
- CIPD level 5 qualified (or equivalent)
- Experience with HR tech such as CharlieHR and TeamTailor
Benefits
- 25 days' leave plus bank holidays
- Pension
- Discretionary bonus
- Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
- Private health insurance
- Cycle to work scheme
- Hybrid working (Mon-Wed in office)
Applications will be reviewed week commencing 31st August. To apply, or for a confidential discussion, please contact Oakleaf Partnership.
Head of HR in London employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at All The Top Bananas!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at All The Top Bananas.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at All The Top Bananas. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to All The Top Bananas and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at All The Top Bananas. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to All The Top Bananas's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with All The Top Bananas.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at All The Top Bananas will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact All The Top Bananas and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
