At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our people strategy, enhancing culture and employee experience across multiple sites.
- Company: Join Honi Poke, a vibrant QSR business with a mission for bold flavours and good vibes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £70k, flexible working, and a focus on employee wellbeing.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and innovation in HR practices.
- Why this job: Shape a people-first culture and make a real impact in the hospitality industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in building people functions in fast-paced environments, ideally in 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 Slough employer: Honi Poke
Contact Detail:
Honi Poke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of People role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get an interview, let your passion for people and culture shine through. Share stories that highlight your experience and how you can bring the Honi Poke spirit to life.
✨Tip Number 3
Do your homework! Research Honi Poke’s values and culture before your interview. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in shaping their people strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Honi Poke team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about shaping a people-first culture at Honi Poke. Share your personal experiences that connect with our mission and values.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Head of People role. Highlight your experience in building people functions and any relevant achievements in hospitality or QSR. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your true self in your written application. We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your professional skills. Share your thoughts on diversity, wellbeing, and what makes a workplace great for you.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the Honi Poke family!
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 developed and implemented successful people strategies. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to Honi Poke's growth plans and enhance their culture.
✨Emphasise Your Hands-On Approach
This role is hands-on, so be prepared to talk about your experience in managing HR operations and employee relations. Share specific instances where you've rolled up your sleeves to solve problems or improve processes. Highlight your ability to balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day HR tasks.
✨Connect with Their Values
Honi Poke values diversity, wellbeing, and a positive workplace culture. During the interview, share your passion for these areas and provide examples of how you've championed similar values in previous roles. This will help you resonate with the interviewers and show that you're a great cultural fit.