At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global HR strategies and foster a diverse, inclusive workplace culture.
- Company: Join a values-driven international organisation making a global impact.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to influence change and support a high-performing team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of people strategy in a dynamic, international environment.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and expert knowledge of employment legislation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: London – Hybrid (3 days p/w in office)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Are you an accomplished HR leader with extensive international experience? The ITF is looking for a Director of People & Culture to head the department from our London headquarters, overseeing people operations and strategic workforce planning across 12 regional offices globally.
About the Role
As Director of People & Culture, you will lead the full breadth of the People & Culture portfolio, including workforce planning, global employee relations and compliance, payroll, pensions, benefits, recruitment, learning and development, policy development, and diversity, equity & inclusion. You will set the strategic direction for the P&C team, oversee governance and compliance and financial planning across multiple jurisdictions, and partner closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the department supports organisational goals. This role requires a balance of strategic insight, operational oversight, and the ability to lead effectively in a complex, unionised, international environment. You will also act as a trusted adviser on employment law, organisational change, and policy development across our global offices.
Key responsibilities include:
- Global Workforce Planning: Lead workforce modelling, resourcing strategies, and financial planning for all established roles, ensuring accurate reporting and alignment with organisational priorities.
- HR Operations & Compliance: Oversee payroll, pensions, benefits, and employee-related financial processes. Ensure compliance with employment legislation across the UK and all regional hubs, maintaining robust HR governance and data integrity.
- Employee Relations: Provide senior oversight on complex global employee relations issues, including disciplinary, grievance, and conflict resolution matters. Liaise with unions, staff committees, and external legal advisers.
- Policy Leadership: Lead policy development in line with evolving legislation and organisational needs, ensuring a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Support negotiations with union representatives.
- Recruitment & Talent: Develop global recruitment strategy, champion inclusive and equitable hiring practices, and support managers in delivering high-quality onboarding and talent development.
- Change Management: Lead on organisational change initiatives, including restructures and major transformation projects.
- Culture, DEI & Learning: Champion a diverse and inclusive culture, oversee the learning and development strategy, and ensure an effective performance and development review cycle.
- Leadership of the P&C Team: Provide strategic direction, coaching, and leadership to the P&C team, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and high-quality service delivery.
About You
You’re an accomplished HR leader with a strong record of delivering impactful people strategies in complex, international environments. You combine deep technical knowledge with the strategic capability to influence, shape, and lead across a global organisation.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Senior HR leadership experience: A strong track record in leading P&C functions and delivering strategic HR initiatives internationally.
- Expert knowledge of employment legislation: In-depth understanding of UK employment law and the legal frameworks of ITF’s regional hubs, with the ability to anticipate future legislative changes.
- Strong employee relations and policy expertise: Experience supporting unionised environments and developing policies that advance fairness, compliance, and inclusion.
- Financial and strategic planning capability: Experience in workforce costings, HR financial planning, and compensation and benefits strategy on a global scale.
- Change leadership skills: Proven ability to lead organisational change and support leaders and teams through transformation.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills: Ability to engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels and act with discretion, professionalism, and integrity.
- Professional qualifications: Degree-level education and CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent experience); chartered status desirable.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a global People & Culture function within a values-driven international organisation. You will shape our people strategy, strengthen our culture, and ensure we continue to be a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace for staff around the world.
Director of People & Culture employer: International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a strong commitment to professional development, ITF offers numerous growth opportunities and encourages continuous learning in the dynamic field of IT support. Located in a vibrant environment, employees benefit from a meaningful mission that impacts workers globally, making every day at ITF rewarding and fulfilling.
Contact Details:
International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People & Culture
✨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!
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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 International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)!
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of People & Culture
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 International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). 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.
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Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)'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 International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)
✨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 International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF).
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A full-time HR role at International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) 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.
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