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- Tasks: Lead global HR strategies and oversee people operations across 12 regional offices.
- Company: Join a values-driven international organisation making a global impact.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our culture and drive impactful people strategies worldwide.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and expert knowledge of employment legislation required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: London – Hybrid (3 days p/w in office)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Are you an accomplished HR leader with extensive international experience? The ITF is looking for a Director of People & Culture to head the department from our London headquarters, overseeing people operations and strategic workforce planning across 12 regional offices globally.
About the Role
As Director of People & Culture, you will lead the full breadth of the People & Culture portfolio, including workforce planning, global employee relations and compliance, payroll, pensions, benefits, recruitment, learning and development, policy development, and diversity, equity & inclusion. You will set the strategic direction for the P&C team, oversee governance and compliance and financial planning across multiple jurisdictions, and partner closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the department supports organisational goals. This role requires a balance of strategic insight, operational oversight, and the ability to lead effectively in a complex, unionised, international environment. You will also act as a trusted adviser on employment law, organisational change, and policy development across our global offices.
Key responsibilities include:
- Global Workforce Planning: Lead workforce modelling, resourcing strategies, and financial planning for all established roles, ensuring accurate reporting and alignment with organisational priorities.
- HR Operations & Compliance: Oversee payroll, pensions, benefits, and employee-related financial processes. Ensure compliance with employment legislation across the UK and all regional hubs, maintaining robust HR governance and data integrity.
- Employee Relations: Provide senior oversight on complex global employee relations issues, including disciplinary, grievance, and conflict resolution matters. Liaise with unions, staff committees, and external legal advisers.
- Policy Leadership: Lead policy development in line with evolving legislation and organisational needs, ensuring a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Support negotiations with union representatives.
- Recruitment & Talent: Develop global recruitment strategy, champion inclusive and equitable hiring practices, and support managers in delivering high-quality onboarding and talent development.
- Change Management: Lead on organisational change initiatives, including restructures and major transformation projects.
- Culture, DEI & Learning: Champion a diverse and inclusive culture, oversee the learning and development strategy, and ensure an effective performance and development review cycle.
- Leadership of the P&C Team: Provide strategic direction, coaching, and leadership to the P&C team, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and high-quality service delivery.
About You
You’re an accomplished HR leader with a strong record of delivering impactful people strategies in complex, international environments. You combine deep technical knowledge with the strategic capability to influence, shape, and lead across a global organisation. To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Senior HR leadership experience: A strong track record in leading P&C functions and delivering strategic HR initiatives internationally.
- Expert knowledge of employment legislation: In-depth understanding of UK employment law and the legal frameworks of ITF’s regional hubs, with the ability to anticipate future legislative changes.
- Strong employee relations and policy expertise: Experience supporting unionised environments and developing policies that advance fairness, compliance, and inclusion.
- Financial and strategic planning capability: Experience in workforce costings, HR financial planning, and compensation and benefits strategy on a global scale.
- Change leadership skills: Proven ability to lead organisational change and support leaders and teams through transformation.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills: Ability to engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels and act with discretion, professionalism, and integrity.
- Professional qualifications: Degree-level education and CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent experience); chartered status desirable.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a global People & Culture function within a values-driven international organisation. You will shape our people strategy, strengthen our culture, and ensure we continue to be a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace for staff around the world.
Director of People & Culture in London employer: The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF)
Contact Detail:
The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People & Culture in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who have experience in international environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Since this role is all about People & Culture, showing that you understand their ethos will set you apart. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or using mock interview tools.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People & Culture in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of People & Culture role. Highlight your international HR experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to lead in complex environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in global or unionised settings. We want to see how you inspire and motivate others!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and the legal frameworks relevant to the ITF’s regional hubs. Being able to discuss recent legislative changes and how they impact HR practices will show that you're not just experienced, but also proactive.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led HR initiatives in complex, international environments. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how your strategic insight helped navigate them. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively in a diverse setting.
✨Engage with DEI Initiatives
Be ready to discuss your experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. Share how you've championed these values in previous roles and how you plan to continue fostering an inclusive culture at the ITF. This is crucial for the role!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's current people strategies and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and vision for People & Culture.
