At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our people strategy and enhance our company culture.
- Company: Starfish Search Limited, a thriving executive search business since 2019.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on our people and help shape our future.
- Qualifications: Senior HR experience with a focus on business partnering and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Part-time – We are open to candidates looking for a three or four day week and will consider other flexible working arrangements (e.g. School hours) as appropriate. Starfish Search Limited is an executive search business working across civil society, health, local government and public policy on senior, high-profile appointments. Our work is split across executive and non-executive roles, and we support both permanent and interim appointments.
Our experienced consultancy team have a powerful track record of appointing to the most senior roles across a diverse and national client base. We are a rapidly developing and highly successful business, established in 2019 with offices in London and Leeds. Having successfully navigated the pandemic in our first year of trading, we have continued to grow and thrive, and our people and culture agenda has grown with us.
As our new Head of People, reporting directly to one of our Board Directors with a dotted line to the Chief Executive, you will ensure the smooth running and forward planning of the people elements of our business, including how we recruit, develop and retain our workforce from Partners to Assistant Consultants. Based in our Leeds office, you will be instrumental in driving forward the company’s people objectives and continuing to help us evolve our employer brand, culture and values.
We are looking for a senior HR professional with substantial experience of HR business partnering, who can work closely with our fast-paced leadership team. You will be commercially astute, a natural problem-solver and personally flexible in supporting an evolving business, with a strong understanding of how great people practice enables commercial success. As with all Starfish colleagues, you will be a positive role model.
Please visit starfishsearch.com/jobs/head-of-people to access the role profile and application process. To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to recruitment@starfishsearch.com. Closing date: Monday 22nd June 2026.
At Starfish we are passionate about our people and providing the best possible services to our clients. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of other non-white ethnicities, LGBTQ, disabled and neurodiverse individuals.
Head of People employer: Swift Agency
Starfish Search Limited is an exceptional employer that prioritises flexibility and inclusivity, offering part-time roles and accommodating various working arrangements to suit individual needs. With a strong focus on employee development and a vibrant culture, our Leeds office fosters a collaborative environment where innovative thinking thrives, making it an ideal place for HR professionals to make a meaningful impact in shaping our people strategy and employer brand.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their culture, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to highlight why you're the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Starfish Search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of People role. Highlight your HR business partnering experience and any relevant achievements that align with our company’s values and objectives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for people management and how you can contribute to our evolving culture and employer brand.
Showcase Your Flexibility:Since we’re open to flexible working arrangements, mention how you can adapt your work style to meet the needs of our team. This shows us you’re ready to support our dynamic environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swift Agency
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Starfish Search Limited's mission and values. Understand their approach to people management and how they navigate the complexities of civil society and public policy. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since they're open to flexible working arrangements, be prepared to discuss how you can adapt your work style to fit their culture. Share examples from your past where you've successfully navigated changing environments or supported diverse teams, highlighting your ability to be a positive role model.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and HR business partnering experience. Think of specific scenarios where you've driven people objectives or improved employer branding. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Starfish is passionate about inclusivity, so be ready to discuss how you've championed diversity in your previous roles. Share initiatives you've led or been part of that promote an inclusive workplace, and express your commitment to fostering a diverse team at Starfish.
