At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of the People function at a top business school.
- Company: London Business School, a global leader in business education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment focused on innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational culture and leadership development.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in transforming People functions and building high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 113400 - 138600 £ per year.
London Business School (LBS) is one of the world’s pre-eminent centres for business education and research. With an alumni community of more than 58,000 leaders across over 160 countries, an MBA ranked #4 in the world by the Financial Times and Executive Education programmes ranked #1 worldwide, LBS is a truly global institution, founded on a clear and ambitious purpose: to have a profound impact on the way the world does business, and the way that business impacts the world.
London Business School is now seeking to appoint a Chief People Officer (CPO). Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Chief People Officer is a member of the Professional Services Leadership Team. This is a transformation mandate rather than a brief to maintain the status quo: to build the People function and the organisational capability that LBS needs for its next chapter.
The successful candidate will inherit a newly structured function of 25 colleagues, led through three HR Directors covering People Operations; Talent, Performance & Capability; and Data & Systems, and will develop that leadership team into an integrated, high-performing function that is excellent at the fundamentals while becoming a far stronger strategic partner to the School.
The CPO will own the employee journey end to end, from workforce planning, attraction and recruitment through onboarding, performance, development, reward and engagement to succession and exit, ensuring that the experience of the School’s people and the performance of the organisation reinforce one another.
Central to the appointment is a culture of high support and high expectations: an organisation that treats people with empathy and respect and invests in their development, while remaining equally clear about accountability, contribution and performance. A significant part of that ambition sits beyond the People function itself, in building stronger management and leadership capability across the School.
As a trusted adviser and enterprise leader on people, organisation, leadership and culture, the CPO will translate LBS strategy into the workforce, organisational and capability priorities required to deliver it, bringing commercial judgement and constructive challenge to the COO and senior colleagues.
The role also calls for an informed, forward-looking view of what artificial intelligence and evolving ways of working mean for the roles, skills and workforce models the School will need.
Candidates will be proven senior People leaders who have built, transformed or materially upgraded a People function or organisational capability, rather than simply operated an established model. They will bring broad CPO or CHRO-level experience across the employee lifecycle, evidence of building performance, talent and leadership capability in a complex and demanding organisation, and a track record of developing strong People leaders and high-performing teams.
Commercially and organisationally astute, with the ability to connect People decisions to strategy, performance and financial outcomes, candidates must demonstrate experience of significant organisational change, workforce planning and organisational effectiveness, alongside confidence in using data, technology and insight to improve People decisions and organisational performance.
Experience outside higher education is strongly preferred: the School is particularly interested in leaders from sophisticated, high-performance, people-intensive organisations who will bring external thinking, practices and expectations into LBS.
Above all, London Business School is seeking someone human and demanding, courageous, pragmatic and low ego: a builder, energised by creating capability rather than inheriting it, who takes genuine satisfaction from making good leaders and talented people exceptional, and who is ambitious about what people can achieve and what London Business School can become.
Chief People Officer employer: London Business School
London Business School is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where diverse perspectives thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, the school offers unique opportunities for professional development in a dynamic environment, all while being situated in one of the world's most exciting cities. Join us to make a meaningful impact through transformational relationships with high-net-worth supporters, contributing directly to our strategic ambitions and the future of business education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief People Officer
✨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 London Business School!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
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.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 London Business School.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief People Officer
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 London Business School. 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 London Business School 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 London Business School. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to London Business School'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 London Business School
✨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 London Business School.
✨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 London Business School 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 London Business School and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
