At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR services and shape people operations for 60,000 employees.
- Company: Join GXO, a leading provider of innovative supply chain solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, company car, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced logistics environment with a focus on employee experience.
- Qualifications: Proven HR operations leader with compliance expertise and strategic thinking.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Lead HR services at scale — and shape how people operations really work. Based in Northampton with hybrid working, the Director of People Services plays a critical role at the centre of our organisation, leading the strategy, governance and delivery of HR services for around 60,000 employees across the UK & Ireland.
Operating in a fast‑paced third‑party logistics environment, this role blends strategic leadership with strong operational discipline — owning shared services, HR systems, compliance, immigration, payroll interfaces and vendors — to deliver efficient, employee‑centric and fully compliant HR services.
Working in close partnership with HR leadership, Finance, Legal and Technology, you’ll drive measurable improvements in employee experience, service excellence and operational effectiveness while supporting the organisation’s wider logistics strategy.
Pay, benefits and more:
We’re looking to offer a competitive salary and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays). Your benefits package includes a company car or car allowance, a company sponsored pension scheme, private medical & dental insurance, a 24/7 online GP service, life assurance and a fully comprehensive employee assistance programme. You’ll also have access to our MyBenefits platform offering a variety of high street discounts, a cycle to work scheme, cashback cards, a saving scheme and much more!
What you’ll do on a typical day:
- Leadership & Governance – Senior leader of People Services, Compliance, Systems and Change teams, owning the HR Operations budget and delivering scalable, high‑impact services at pace
- People Services Strategy – Define and evolve the end‑to‑end People Services model, driving consistent, efficient and employee‑centric delivery across the full employee lifecycle
- Compliance & Risk – Own UK HR governance, employment law, SOX audits, ER risk and UKVI sponsorship, translating regulation into robust, data‑led operations
- Senior Stakeholder Partnership – Influence senior HR, Finance, Legal, Technology and global partners, turning HR operational insight into clear business decisions
- Integration, Change & Capability – Lead HR integration through acquisition and change, simplifying processes and building high‑performing, accountable HR operations teams
What you need to succeed at GXO:
- Senior HR Operations Leader – Proven leader of HR Operations or Shared Services in large, complex organisations (25,000+), driving performance across high‑volume teams
- Compliance & Risk Expert – Deep knowledge of HR governance, employment law and SOX controls, operating with rigour, integrity and risk discipline
- Executive Influencer – Trusted partner to senior leaders, influencing outcomes across functions with clarity, credibility and commercial insight
- Operational & Systems Savvy – Experience in logistics or operational environments, with exposure to global HR operations and HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP or Oracle
- Qualified, Hands‑On Strategist – Degree qualified (CIPD Level 7 / SHRM‑SCP preferred), combining strategic thinking with operational grip, a customer‑first mindset and continuous improvement focus
We engineer faster, smarter, leaner supply chains. GXO is a leading provider of cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the most successful companies in the world. We help our customers manage their goods most efficiently using our technology and services. Our greatest strength is our global team – energetic, innovative people of all experience levels and talents who make GXO a great place to work.
GXO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate, support and thrive on diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We believe that diversity and inclusion in our business is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. We are an Armed Forces friendly organisation and Disability Confident Leader as part of the Disability Confident Scheme (GIS) and actively welcome applications from people with disabilities.
People Services Director employer: GXO
GXO is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Northampton with hybrid working options that promote a healthy work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a company car or allowance, private medical insurance, and a comprehensive employee assistance programme, GXO fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an ideal place for talented individuals to thrive in their careers while contributing to innovative supply chain solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Services Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at industry events. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role at GXO.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding GXO's values and how they align with your own. Be ready to discuss how your experience in HR operations can drive measurable improvements in employee experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking! During interviews, share examples of how you've led HR initiatives that improved operational effectiveness and compliance in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the GXO team.
We think you need these skills to ace People Services Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of People Services Director. Highlight your experience in HR operations, compliance, and strategic leadership, showing how you can drive performance in a large organisation like ours.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about shaping people operations and how your background aligns with our mission at GXO. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether it’s improving employee experience or leading successful HR integrations, we want to see how you've made a difference.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status easily. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at GXO
✨Know Your HR Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on UK HR governance, employment law, and SOX controls. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you have the operational discipline needed for the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led HR operations in large organisations. Highlight your experience in driving performance across high-volume teams and how you've influenced senior leaders with clarity and credibility.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HRIS Platforms
Since the role involves working with HRIS platforms like Workday, SAP, or Oracle, make sure you can speak about your experience with these systems. If you haven’t used them directly, research their functionalities and be ready to discuss how you would leverage them.
✨Emphasise Your Customer-First Mindset
The role is all about delivering employee-centric services. Be prepared to share how you've implemented changes that improved employee experience and service excellence in your previous roles.
