At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People strategy and build a high-performing team in a growing consumer business.
- Company: PE-backed consumer SME focused on organisational growth and culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to building exceptional employee experiences.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a dynamic organisation while fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR leadership and strategic decision-making in fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 95000 £ per year.
Our client is a PE-backed consumer business that's investing as heavily in its organisation as it is in its commercial growth. As they enter the next phase of their journey, they're looking for a Head of People to help build the leadership capability, organisational structure and culture needed to support a larger, more complex business.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll be part of the conversations that shape the future of the organisation, not simply responding to them. You'll lead an established People team, partner with leaders across the business and have the scope to influence everything from how talent is developed and rewarded to how the organisation is designed for the years ahead.
It's the kind of role that suits someone who enjoys building. Building teams, building capability, building culture and helping a business evolve without losing what made it successful in the first place.
The Role
As Head of People, you'll own and deliver the people strategy, ensuring it supports both the immediate needs of the business and its longer-term ambitions. You'll act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team, providing both strategic direction and practical guidance across every aspect of the employee lifecycle.
This is a broad leadership role with genuine visibility. Alongside leading an established People team, you'll also oversee the Workplace function, ensuring employees have an exceptional experience from the moment they join through to their ongoing development and progression.
Success in this role will come from balancing strategic thinking with operational excellence. You'll know when to step back and shape the bigger picture, but you'll also enjoy working closely with your team and the wider business to bring plans to life.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the CEO and senior leadership team to develop and deliver a People strategy that supports the business through its next stage of growth.
- Lead, develop and inspire the People team, creating a high-performing function that is trusted across the organisation.
- Oversee the Workplace team, ensuring employees benefit from an engaging, inclusive and well-run working environment.
- Continue to evolve leadership capability through effective coaching, succession planning and development initiatives.
- Shape organisational design, people processes and policies to ensure they're fit for a growing business.
- Lead the organisation's approach to talent, helping to attract, develop and retain exceptional people.
- Work closely with Learning & Development to build capability across the business and support future leadership needs.
What the Client Would Like to See
- Previous experience leading a People / HR / Talent function within a fast-paced, commercial environment.
- A track record of partnering with executive leadership teams and influencing strategic decision-making.
- Experience leading organisations through growth, transformation or organisational change.
- A progressive leadership style, underpinned by strong emotional intelligence and sound commercial judgement.
- Experience developing high-performing teams and creating cultures where people can perform at their best.
What We'd Like to See
- Experience within retail or a consumer-facing business would be beneficial, although not essential.
- Leads with authenticity, curiosity and emotional intelligence.
- Has a track record of building high-performing teams and developing future leaders.
- Understands how to balance commercial objectives with an exceptional employee experience.
- Has experience reporting into a CEO or Founder directly.
Salary: £85,000-£95,000 + benefits
Location: London (hybrid)
At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.
Head of People | PE-backed Consumer SME | London in Slough employer: Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp
As a PE-backed consumer SME based in London, our client is committed to investing in both its commercial growth and its people. The company fosters a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee engagement and development, offering exceptional opportunities for career progression and leadership influence. With a focus on building high-performing teams and a supportive environment, this role as Head of People provides a unique chance to shape the future of the organisation while maintaining its core values.
Contact Details:
Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People | PE-backed Consumer SME | London in Slough
✨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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp!
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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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People | PE-backed Consumer SME | London in Slough
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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp. 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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp 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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp'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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp
✨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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp.
✨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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp 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 Harmonic Operations™ | Certified B Corp and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
