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- Tasks: Lead and transform People operations in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.
- Company: PE-backed education business on the brink of a major sale.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £95k, car allowance, and potential for permanent role.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing company during a pivotal exit phase.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR operations, funding rounds, and start-up environments.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and significant impact.
The predicted salary is between 76000 - 114000 £ per year.
We’re partnering with a PE-backed education business entering the final phase of its growth journey, with a sale planned within the next six months. This is a pivotal, high-impact role for a commercially minded People leader who can drive change at pace.
This is not a steady-state position. It’s a roll-up-your-sleeves role for someone who thrives in complexity, is comfortable making decisions, and can bring structure to a business preparing for exit.
You’ll work closely with the CPO as their right hand, owning the delivery of People operations, infrastructure, and transformation ahead of sale.
The role:
- Lead the build and alignment of People processes; many will be created or rebuilt from first principles
- Own People data definition, governance, and reporting; ensuring exit-ready accuracy
- Scope, select, and implement an HRIS; including data migration and long-term scalability
- Prepare the People function for PE due diligence; documentation, controls, and evidence
- Support funding round or private equity due diligence processes; responding to data and insight requests
- Drive policy, process, and procedural alignment within a regulated environment
- Upskill and support existing team members; raising capability and confidence
- Operate as a delivery-focused leader; moving work forward in ambiguous, fast-moving conditions
What we’re looking for:
- Demonstrable experience supporting funding rounds or private equity due diligence
- Background in start-up or scaling businesses (typically under 2,000 employees)
- Strong HR operations and People infrastructure expertise
- Proven HRIS implementation experience with complex data alignment
- Excellent understanding of People best practice, with a pragmatic, commercial mindset
- Experience working in regulated environments
- A natural driver; accountable, decisive, and comfortable leading through change
- Comfortable in chaos and energised by building rather than maintaining
Why this role:
- High-impact role at a critical point in the business lifecycle
- Direct exposure to a PE exit environment
- Genuine opportunity to shape and mature the People function
- 6-month contract with a clear route to permanent
- Salary up to £95k plus car allowance
- 2 days in the office but likely travel around the UK required, you will need to drive.
If you’re a delivery-led Head of People who enjoys complexity, momentum, and real accountability, this is worth a conversation.
Interested? Apply directly or message me for a confidential discussion; happy to talk through the brief and your sweet spot.
Head of People in Saint Albans employer: Seekhr
Contact Detail:
Seekhr Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People in Saint Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or related fields. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for a high-impact role like Head of People.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company’s recent developments and their PE exit strategy. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their journey and can drive change at pace.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your past successes in HR operations and People infrastructure. Bring concrete examples to the table that demonstrate your ability to thrive in complex environments and lead through change.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People in Saint Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of People. Highlight your experience in HR operations and any previous work with private equity or funding rounds. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this fast-paced, high-impact role. Share specific examples of how you've driven change in previous positions, especially in complex environments.
Showcase Your People Skills: In your application, don’t forget to highlight your ability to upskill and support team members. We’re looking for someone who can lead through change, so share stories that demonstrate your leadership style and how you’ve built strong teams.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Seekhr
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of People, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of HR metrics and data governance. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to people operations and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
This role is all about driving change, so prepare examples of how you've successfully led transformations in past positions. Be specific about the challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the outcomes achieved to illustrate your capability in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand the PE Landscape
Familiarise yourself with private equity processes and what due diligence entails. Being able to speak knowledgeably about how you've supported funding rounds or navigated similar environments will set you apart as a candidate who understands the stakes involved.
✨Be Ready for Ambiguity
This isn't a steady-state position, so expect questions about how you handle chaos and uncertainty. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your ability to thrive in complex situations and how you bring structure to ambiguity, which is crucial for this role.
