At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our people strategy and enhance our company culture.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing executive search firm with a focus on civil society and public policy.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, part-time options, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on our people and help shape our employer brand.
- Qualifications: Senior HR experience with a knack for problem-solving and commercial insight.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Part-time – We're 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 in Leeds 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 in Leeds
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences. We want to see how you can bring value to the team, so share specific examples of your past successes and how they relate to the role you're after.
✨Be Flexible and Open-Minded
Since Starfish is all about flexible working arrangements, show that you’re adaptable too! Whether it’s discussing part-time options or different working hours, being open to various arrangements can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture, which can help you tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People in Leeds
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 HR and how they support diverse communities. This will help you align your experience with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since they're open to flexible working arrangements, be prepared to discuss how you can adapt your work style to fit the company's needs. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past, demonstrating your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Highlight Your People Skills
As the Head of People, you'll need to connect with various stakeholders. Prepare to share specific instances where you've built strong relationships or resolved conflicts within teams. This will showcase your interpersonal skills and your understanding of effective people management.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don't shy away from asking insightful questions about their culture and future plans. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and career aspirations.
