At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop people strategies and partner with leadership teams to drive growth.
- Company: Join People Puzzles, the UK's largest team of fractional People Directors.
- Benefits: Earn from £60,000 in your first year, rising to £135,000+ with support and community.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with ongoing professional development and a supportive network.
- Why this job: Enjoy flexibility and autonomy while making a real impact on businesses.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and a commercial mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Build a portfolio career with independence, not isolation.
Earnings: typically from £60,000 in your first year, rising to £135,000+ once established.
Are you an experienced HR Director, People Director, VP People, Head of People, CPO, CHRO or Senior HR Consultant looking for more flexibility, autonomy and impact?
People Puzzles is looking for a Fractional People Director to work with businesses across Cambridge and the surrounding area.
People Puzzles is the UK's largest team of fractional People Directors.
You'll build your portfolio one client at a time, until it suits you.
With each of our clients, you'll act as a Board-level member of their leadership team.
Behind you is a national brand, a dedicated marketing and business development team, and a community of around 70 People Directors working in local teams.
Whether you're already consulting, exploring a portfolio career or considering a move away from corporate life, we'd encourage you to apply.
Why Cambridge Cambridge is one of the UK's most distinctive business ecosystems.
Alongside established mid-sized and larger organisations, the region is home to life sciences and biotech companies, deep tech and software businesses, and university spin‑outs, many of them scaling fast.
That creates specific people challenges.
Our clients here are growing from a founding team into a structured organisation, competing for scarce scientific and technical talent, designing reward and equity approaches that work, and building leadership capability ahead of growth.
If you know this market, or want to get to know it, this role is for you.
What you'll do Develop and deliver people strategies that drive growth and commercial performance Partner with Boards, founders and executive teams on organisational design, change and culture Build leadership capability, talent pipelines and succession plans Improve engagement, wellbeing and performance Use people data, technology and AI to help leaders make better decisions What the work is really like Many of our clients are owner‑managed or founder‑led, and some have no HR team.
One week you're shaping a Board's three‑year plan; the next you're gently explaining to a brilliant scientist why 'just hire my mate' isn't a recruitment strategy.
Your value is measured by business outcomes, not frameworks or process.
For many People Directors, this is the most rewarding part of the role.
It's also the biggest adjustment from corporate life.
Your territory This role covers Cambridge and the surrounding area, including Ely, Huntingdon, St Neots, Newmarket, Saffron Walden and Royston.
Some work can be delivered remotely, but most client work is onsite, so you'll need to live within easy reach of the region.
About People Puzzles Since 2010, People Puzzles has been trusted by over 1,500 business leaders to solve their people challenges.
Our People Directors work alongside leaders in scaling, mid‑sized and larger organisations, combining strategic people expertise with commercial thinking.
Inclusion We welcome applications from People Directors of every background.
If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please tell us in your application.
Senior people leadership experience, with a track record of delivering results at Board level A commercial mindset and the confidence to challenge leaders' thinking The ability to build trusted relationships and influence senior stakeholders quickly A pragmatic, hands‑on approach alongside strategic thinking Confidence using technology, people data and AI to improve business and people outcomes A home base within easy reach of Cambridge Better people.
Better business.
Better life.
Earnings typically from £60,000 in your first year as you build your portfolio, rising to £135,000+ once established A brand trusted by over 1,500 business leaders since 2010 Marketing, lead generation and business development support from a dedicated team Referral opportunities through the wider People Puzzles network Ongoing CPD, proven tools and methodologies A community of around 70 People Directors, so you never work alone Membership of an award‑winning team Full details of how our model works, including earnings and the first‑year journey, are shared with applicants through our recruitment portal. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Fractional People Director employer: People Puzzles Ltd
At People Puzzles, we offer an exceptional opportunity for experienced HR leaders to build a rewarding portfolio career while enjoying the flexibility and autonomy that comes with consulting. Our collaborative community in the West Midlands provides extensive support, including marketing assistance, business development resources, and ongoing professional development, all aimed at helping you thrive as a trusted advisor to ambitious business leaders. Join us to transform organisations and make a meaningful impact, all while being part of an award-winning team dedicated to your success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional People Director
✨Get Involved in HR Communities
Dive into HR forums and local meetups! These spaces are goldmines for freelance opportunities, as many businesses often look for freelance HR consultants through trusted connections. Join groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions to showcase your expertise.
✨Build Your Personal Brand Online
As a freelancer, your online presence is everything. Start a blog or share insights on social media about HR trends, changes in employment law, or best practices in talent management. This not only builds credibility but also attracts potential clients who resonate with your style.
✨Leverage Recruitment Events
Attend HR conferences or recruitment fairs in your area. These events are perfect for mingling with potential clients and showcasing what you can offer. Bring business cards and don’t hesitate to pitch your services – you never know who might need your help!
✨Connect with Startups and Small Businesses
Many small businesses are looking to outsource their HR needs. Reach out to local startups and offer your freelance services. Tailor your pitch to show how your skillset can help them streamline their hiring processes or enhance team management.
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional People Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Expertise in HR:In the world of human resources, it’s vital to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Make sure to weave in your specialisations, like talent acquisition or employee relations, in your CV or portfolio. If you've got any certifications, like CIPD or SHRM, flaunt them—they're a big plus!
Tailor Your Portfolio to HR Projects:As a freelancer, your portfolio should showcase your best work in HR. Include case studies of past projects, such as recruitment drives or training programmes you’ve managed. This gives potential clients a clear look at what they can expect from you, so don’t hold back!
Pitch Your Availability and Rates Clearly:When applying for freelance HR roles, clarity is key. In your application, state your availability and expected rates straight away. This helps manage expectations and shows that you’re organised and professional in your approach.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:HR isn't just about admin and processes; it's also about people! In your cover letter, be sure to bring out your soft skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. Share anecdotes that reflect these traits, as they can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at People Puzzles Ltd
✨Showcase Your HR Toolkit
As a freelancer in human resources, it's crucial that we highlight the specific tools and software we're adept at using, like HRIS systems or performance management software. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully implemented these tools in past projects to streamline HR processes.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Freelance roles often involve short-term contracts and varying clients, so we should emphasise our ability to quickly adapt to different workplace cultures and team dynamics. Share examples of how you've effectively tailored HR strategies to meet diverse client needs in previous gigs.
✨Highlight Your Unique Value Proposition
In a freelance setting, we must communicate what sets us apart from other HR professionals. Think about the specific niche you fill — whether it's recruitment, employee engagement, or compliance — and prepare to pitch your unique skills and successes that solve problems for potential clients.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Be ready for scenario-based questions that test our interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills. Freelance HR often involves negotiations or mediating disputes, so we should have relatable examples ready to illustrate how we've handled similar situations with clients or employees before.
