Director of Human Resources / Head of People in London
Director of Human Resources / Head of People

Director of Human Resources / Head of People in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Pixi Beauty

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the people agenda and partner with the CEO on HR strategies.
  • Company: Pixi, a dynamic global beauty brand focused on creativity and growth.
  • Benefits: Influential leadership role, competitive salary, and a vibrant company culture.
  • Other info: Opportunity to influence a high-performing, values-led organisation.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of a growing international brand and support its people.
  • Qualifications: Significant HR leadership experience and strong knowledge of US and UK practices.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Location: London or Los Angeles

Reporting to: CEO

Type: Full-time

About Pixi

At Pixi, we are passionate about creating products that make people look like themselves, the best version of themselves. As a global beauty brand with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, we combine creativity, pace and purpose in everything we do. We care deeply about our people, our culture and the way we grow. We are now looking for an exceptional Director of HR / Head of People to join the business as a key leadership partner to the CEO and senior team.

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal role for a senior HR leader who wants to help shape the next chapter of a growing international business. You will be the CEO’s trusted partner on all people-related matters across the EMEA, Americas and APAC offices leading both strategic and hands-on HR work. You will help strengthen our managers, evolve our people practices, support our teams and ensure we are building a high-performing, well-supported, values-led organization. This role is ideal for someone who is equally comfortable advising at leadership level and rolling up their sleeves to solve day-to-day people challenges.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Leading the people agenda across the business, with responsibility for:
  • Partnering closely with the CEO and senior leadership team on organizational design, leadership capability, team structure and people strategy
  • Acting as the senior HR lead on team member matters across the EMEA, Americas and APAC
  • Supporting managers with performance issues, feedback, development, employee relations and difficult conversations
  • Leading and advising on complex and sensitive people matters with sound judgement and discretion
  • Strengthening performance management processes and helping raise the overall quality of management across the business
  • Overseeing core HR operations across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, documentation, policy, change management and offboarding
  • Ensuring HR practices are compliant with federal, state, and local employment laws, practical, scalable and aligned with business needs across both markets
  • Partnering on compensation, benefits, workforce planning and retention
  • Helping shape and protect a strong culture as the business grows
  • Bringing structure, clarity and consistency to the people function without adding unnecessary complexity

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a highly credible, commercially minded HR leader with the judgement and presence to operate as a true right hand to the CEO. You will likely bring:

  • Significant senior HR leadership experience, ideally in a fast-moving, founder-led, entrepreneurial or growth-stage environment
  • Strong experience across both strategic HR leadership and hands-on operational delivery
  • Deep expertise in employee relations and confidence handling sensitive and high-stakes people matters
  • Experience coaching senior leaders and managers to drive performance and accountability
  • Strong knowledge of HR practices across the US and UK
  • Experience in performance management, organizational design, talent development and people operations
  • A practical, solutions-focused mindset and the ability to balance empathy with high standards
  • Excellent judgement, discretion, and communication skills
  • The confidence to challenge constructively, influence credibly, and build trust at all levels
  • SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR certification is highly desirable
  • Experience in beauty, consumer, retail, ecommerce, or another brand-led environment would be highly valued.

Who You Are

You are calm, mature and highly trusted. You know how to bring structure without bureaucracy, challenge without ego and support without losing objectivity. You are someone who:

  • Builds strong relationships quickly
  • Operates with discretion and sound judgement
  • Is equally strategic and hands-on
  • Brings warmth, credibility, and backbone
  • Understands the realities of a fast-paced business
  • Knows how to make a people function feel both commercially strong and deeply human
  • Prefers in office work to remote work

Why Join Pixi

This is an opportunity to step into a genuinely influential leadership role in a dynamic global brand. You will have the chance to shape how we lead, grow, support and develop our people across the business. You will join a company that values creativity, agility, high standards and strong relationships, and where the people agenda is seen as central to business success.

To Apply

If you are an experienced HR leader looking for a broad, high-impact role where you can partner closely with the CEO and help shape a growing international organization, we would love to hear from you.

Director of Human Resources / Head of People in London employer: Pixi Beauty

At Pixi, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises creativity and personal growth. As a global beauty brand based in London or Los Angeles, we offer our employees the unique opportunity to influence the people agenda within a dynamic international environment, while enjoying comprehensive benefits and a commitment to professional development. Join us to be part of a team that values high standards, strong relationships, and the well-being of our people as central to our success.
Pixi Beauty

Contact Detail:

Pixi Beauty Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Human Resources / Head of People in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who have experience in fast-paced environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Pixi is all about creativity and strong relationships, so think of examples from your past that showcase how you embody these traits.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your strategic and hands-on HR experience aligns with the role. Highlight your ability to balance empathy with high standards, as this is key for a Director of HR.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Pixi team.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Human Resources / Head of People in London

Strategic HR Leadership
Operational Delivery
Employee Relations
Performance Management
Organizational Design
Talent Development
People Operations
Judgement and Discretion
Communication Skills
Coaching Senior Leaders
HR Compliance
Change Management
Relationship Building
Solutions-Focused Mindset
SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR Certification

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of HR role. Highlight your strategic and hands-on HR experience, especially in fast-paced environments, to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about people and how your background makes you the perfect fit for Pixi. Don’t forget to mention your experience in beauty or consumer brands if you have it!

Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to know how you lead! Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with senior leaders and managed complex people matters. This will help us see your judgement and presence in action.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Pixi!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pixi Beauty

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Pixi's values and culture. Understand their products and how they position themselves in the beauty industry. This will help you align your experience with their mission and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a potential Director of HR, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with senior leaders in the past, particularly in fast-paced environments. Highlight your ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

✨Prepare for People Challenges

Expect questions about handling sensitive people matters and performance issues. Think of specific scenarios where you've navigated complex situations with discretion and sound judgement. This will showcase your expertise and reassure them of your capability to manage high-stakes challenges.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have thoughtful questions ready for the CEO and senior team. Inquire about their vision for the people agenda and how they see the HR function evolving. This not only shows your interest but also positions you as a strategic partner who is eager to contribute.

Director of Human Resources / Head of People in London
Pixi Beauty
Location: London

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