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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our people strategy and shape a vibrant workplace culture.
- Company: Join Honi Poke, a dynamic QSR business with a mission for bold flavours.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with diverse teams and foster a thriving workplace.
- Why this job: Be the driving force behind a people-first culture in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Experience in building people functions in fast-paced environments, ideally hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
We're Honi Poke - a 33-strong QSR business with sites across London, Manchester, Leeds, and Bristol, on a mission to bring bold, fresh flavours and good vibes to every bowl we serve. Now we're looking for a Head of People to shape the culture and employee experience that makes it all possible.
The Role
Reporting to the Board and CEO, you'll own our people strategy end-to-end - from recruitment and onboarding through to engagement, retention, and leadership development. This is a hands-on and stand-alone role: you'll partner closely with Operations, Finance, Marketing, and our Store Managers to build a people-first business that attracts and grows outstanding talent. This is a full-time role, based in London, with four days in and around the office and sites, and one day working from home.
What You'll Do
- Set the people agenda - Develop and deliver a people strategy aligned to our growth plans, acting as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team on everything from org design to workforce planning.
- Champion our culture - Embed our values across every touchpoint, design initiatives that drive engagement and belonging, and lead internal comms that connect every team member to our purpose.
- Build brilliant teams - Oversee the full employee lifecycle, create hiring and onboarding processes that find people who live the Honi Poke spirit, and develop pathways that grow future leaders.
- Transform how we work - Evolve HR from transactional to transformational, introducing modern systems, tools, and human-centred policies that balance operational excellence with strategic impact.
- Keep us compliant and running smoothly - Manage day-to-day HR ops, employee relations, payroll partnership with Finance, and accurate reporting that drives continuous improvement.
What Success Looks Like
- A clearly embedded people and culture strategy that fuels company growth
- Improved engagement and retention across the business
- Recognition of Honi Poke as a standout place to work in hospitality
- Measurable commercial impact on overall business objectives
About You
You're a strategic thinker who loves rolling up your sleeves. You've built people functions in fast-paced, multi-site environments (ideally in hospitality or QSR) and you know how to balance big-picture culture work with the operational detail that keeps teams thriving. You're passionate about diversity, wellbeing, and creating workplaces where people genuinely want to be.
Salary: Up to 70k per annum
Head of People in London employer: Honi Poke
Contact Detail:
Honi Poke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. At Honi Poke, they’re all about bold flavours and good vibes, so think about how your experience aligns with that. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but also a fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re the perfect Head of People for Honi Poke. Highlight your strategic thinking and hands-on experience in building people functions. Make it clear that you’re passionate about creating a workplace where everyone thrives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Honi Poke family. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the role shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about shaping a positive culture and employee experience at Honi Poke!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with our people strategy. Highlight your past achievements in building teams and enhancing workplace culture, as this is what we’re all about.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of People role. Share specific examples of how you've transformed HR functions and engaged employees in previous roles.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Honi Poke
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Honi Poke's mission, values, and culture. Understand their approach to employee experience and how they aim to create a people-first business. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Head of People, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully developed and implemented people strategies. Highlight how these strategies contributed to engagement, retention, or overall business success, making sure to connect them back to Honi Poke's objectives.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
Honi Poke is all about bold flavours and good vibes, so make sure to convey your passion for creating a positive workplace culture. Share specific initiatives you've led that fostered engagement and belonging, and discuss how you would champion their values across the organisation. This will show that you can help build a thriving environment.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Ask about their current people strategy, challenges they face in employee engagement, or how they envision the future of their workforce. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if Honi Poke is the right fit for you.