At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the People Operations function in a fast-growing fashion brand.
- Company: Dynamic London-based fashion brand with a high-growth culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a vibrant team environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and thrive in a hands-on role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building HR infrastructure from the ground up.
- Qualifications: 6-10 years in People Operations with a proven track record.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced People Operations leader with a track record of building HR infrastructure from the ground up? Do you thrive in high-growth, founder-led environments where ownership, pace and accountability define the culture? Are you based in London and ready to shape the people function of a fast-scaling consumer goods business?
As the Head of People Operations, you will be responsible for designing and owning the full people infrastructure of the business from hiring and onboarding through to performance, compliance, and team experience. Working closely with the Senior Leadership team, you will build the systems, processes and ways of working that allow the business to grow with clarity and consistency.
Key Responsibilities- Build and take ownership of the People Operations function end-to-end, covering talent acquisition, onboarding, learning and development, compensation, benefits, compliance and people systems.
- Design and implement scalable people infrastructure that supports both the current team and the next stage of growth.
- Own the full recruitment and talent lifecycle - developing hiring processes and talent practices that attract, assess and retain high-calibre people as the business scales.
- Create an onboarding experience that sets every new joiner up to feel confident, connected and productive from day one.
- Establish the rhythms and foundations of a high-performing team - clear feedback cycles, real development pathways, strong manager support and consistent accountability.
- Lead and develop the People team, ensuring delivery standards remain high and the function scales in line with the business.
- Partner closely with Senior Leadership and hiring managers on headcount planning, compensation decisions and team design.
- Oversee workplace operations and team experience, maintaining strong standards across health and safety, insurance and operational compliance.
- Use data and judgement to identify gaps early and continuously improve how the business hires, develops and retains its people.
- Operate as a hands-on contributor within the business, stepping in where needed, solving problems quickly and keeping things moving.
- 6–10 years of experience in People Operations.
- A proven track record of personally building core people infrastructure - hiring frameworks, onboarding programmes, performance processes.
- Comfortable owning the full people landscape, including the operational detail: contracts, systems, employee relations and day-to-day compliance.
- Fluent in the tools and systems that make teams run effectively, with the ability to implement them in a way that actually embeds.
- Experience working closely with founders or senior leadership teams, with the confidence to navigate ambiguity, challenge thinking and maintain momentum.
- A natural operator: someone who takes ownership without being asked, knows when process adds value and when it gets in the way, and handles difficult conversations with directness and care.
- Based in or able to commute to London, with an appetite for a predominantly in-person working environment.
Head of People Operations in Slough employer: MacGregor Black
Join a dynamic and innovative fashion brand in London as the Head of People Operations, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the people function within a fast-paced, founder-led environment. The company fosters a culture of ownership and accountability, offering excellent benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative work atmosphere that values each team member's contributions. With a focus on building scalable HR infrastructure, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People Operations in Slough
✨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 MacGregor Black!
✨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 MacGregor Black.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People Operations in Slough
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 MacGregor Black. 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 MacGregor Black 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 MacGregor Black. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to MacGregor Black'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 MacGregor Black
✨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 MacGregor Black.
✨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 MacGregor Black 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 MacGregor Black and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
