At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our People & Culture function and shape the next stage of our People strategy.
- Company: Join KnowledgeBrief, a leader in management training and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and dedicated CPD time.
- Other info: Remote-first environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on shaping leadership and culture in a growing organisation.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in senior HR roles and strong knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Head of People
Location: Remote (UK), with necessary monthly travel to London for team meetings, company events and operational requirements
Start Date: October 2026 Closing Date for Applications: 24 August 2026
We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We encourage early applications.
Join Knowledge Brief
Knowledge Brief is a leadership and management training provider specialising in apprenticeship delivery, leadership development, business competency training and professional skills development.
Through a blend of apprenticeships, digital learning, workshops, coaching and practical development programmes, we help individuals and organisations build the knowledge, confidence and capabilities they need to grow and succeed.
Our vision is to inspire the next generation of leaders through high-impact learning experiences that empower great leadership at every level.
We support organisations through core leadership and management training, digital and AI upskilling, and broader organisational performance and professional development solutions.
We are a values-driven organisation with a strong focus on innovation, authenticity, inspiration and relationships, creating meaningful impact for our learners, clients, colleagues and partners.
About the Role
As Knowledge Brief continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced and commercially focused Head of People to lead our People & Culture function and shape the next stage of our People strategy.
Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the C-Suite and Heads of Department, you will ensure Knowledge Brief has the people, leadership capability, organisational structures and People practices needed to deliver its strategic, operational and financial priorities.
You will take on the line-management of the People Partner, and strategise how the People function needs to change with continued organisational growth.
You will provide trusted advice, insight and constructive challenge to senior leaders, translating organisational priorities into practical People plans and well-informed workforce decisions.
You will balance colleague experience and employment risk with affordability, operational requirements and organisational performance.
This is an exciting, influential and hands-on role for someone who can combine strategic thinking and commercial judgement with strong People expertise and practical delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and deliver Knowledge Brief’s People strategy and annual People Plan, aligned with our organisational, operational and financial priorities.
- Lead workforce planning in partnership with Finance and departmental leaders, ensuring capacity, capability, recruitment and succession plans reflect learner demand, anticipated growth and available budgets.
- Review organisational structures, roles and resource allocation to strengthen clarity, accountability, productivity and operational effectiveness.
- Provide commercially grounded advice and constructive challenge to the CEO, C-Suite and Board, using People and organisational data to inform decisions.
- Strengthen leadership and management capability through coaching, guidance and the continued development of our management development programme.
- Lead our approach to performance, talent, development, progression, succession, pay, reward and recognition.
- Shape a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture that supports colleague wellbeing, engagement and development.
- Lead complex employee relations matters and organisational change, balancing employment risk, commercial needs, colleague experience and Knowledge Brief’s values.
- Set the strategic direction for recruitment and maintain effective arrangements for safer recruitment, safeguarding-related workforce requirements, right-to-work checks and employment compliance.
- Lead and develop the People & Culture function, ensuring it provides a responsive, practical and commercially aware service.
- Oversee effective People operations, systems, policies and governance, ensuring they remain proportionate, compliant and suited to a growing organisation.
- Evaluate the effectiveness and organisational value of People activity, identifying opportunities to improve outcomes and simplify delivery.
Experience, Skills & Qualifications
Essential
- Significant experience in a senior HR or People leadership role within a growing organisation.
- Experience designing and delivering a commercially focused People strategy and annual People Plan.
- Experience leading and developing a small, hands-on People function, with the ability to work across strategic and operational priorities.
- Excellent and current knowledge of UK employment law, with significant experience managing complex employee relations matters and employment risk.
- Experience advising and constructively challenging CEOs, C-Suite leaders or Boards.
- Strong experience in workforce planning, organisational design and organisational change.
- Broad experience across performance management, leadership development, recruitment, talent, succession, progression and reward.
- Experience shaping organisational culture, colleague engagement, wellbeing and inclusion.
- Strong commercial judgement and the ability to use People and organisational data to make clear, evidence-based recommendations.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with high levels of discretion, integrity and professional credibility.
- CIPD Level 7 qualified or able to demonstrate equivalent senior People leadership experience.
Desirable
- Experience within apprenticeships, education, training, Ed Tech, professional services or another regulated environment.
- Experience supporting a remote-first workforce.
- Experience working within a growing small or medium-sized organisation.
- Knowledge of safer recruitment, safeguarding-related workforce requirements and UK GDPR.
- Interpersonal Fit
We’re looking for someone who
- Is aligned with our values and understands how effective People leadership contributes to organisational success.
- Communicates clearly, builds trusted relationships and offers constructive challenge when needed.
- Uses evidence and sound judgement to make clear, practical decisions.
- Combines commercial awareness with a commitment to a positive colleague experience.
- Brings curiosity and a passion for learning and continuous improvement.
- Takes ownership, follows through and delivers work to a high standard.
- Works collaboratively while remaining confident in their professional advice.
Why Work With Us?
At Knowledge Brief, we are committed to creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged and able to grow.
You’ll benefit from
- Dedicated monthly CPD time to support your development.
- 5.6 weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
- A two-week company closure over Christmas and New Year.
- Company sick pay.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
- A remote-first environment with opportunities to connect in person.
- The opportunity to shape our People strategy and influence decisions across the organisation.
- Our Commitment to Safer Recruitment and Inclusion
Knowledge Brief is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners, and all colleagues are expected to share this commitment.
Offers of employment are subject to pre-employment checks, including right to work, references and an enhanced DBS check.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.
- Application Process
- Submit your CV and a supporting statement explaining how your experience aligns with the role and why you would like to join Knowledge Brief.
- Interview stage or stages with the C-suite and Board
- Final decision and feedback.
We aim to keep the process timely, transparent and respectful of your experience.
Ready to Apply?
If you are an experienced People leader who can connect workforce strategy with commercial performance while supporting a positive and accountable culture, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your application by 24 August 2026.
The Hiring Team Knowledge Brief
Head of People in London employer: KnowledgeBrief
At KnowledgeBrief, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions professional growth and a supportive work culture. Our remote working model allows for flexibility while fostering collaboration through regular team meet-ups in London, ensuring you feel connected and valued. With uncapped commission opportunities and the chance to gain a fully funded Chartered Management Institute qualification, we empower our employees to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the leadership development sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People in London
✨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 KnowledgeBrief!
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If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
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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 KnowledgeBrief.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People in London
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 KnowledgeBrief. 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 KnowledgeBrief 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 KnowledgeBrief. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to KnowledgeBrief'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 KnowledgeBrief
✨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 KnowledgeBrief.
✨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 KnowledgeBrief 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 KnowledgeBrief and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
