At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the people function and drive a high-performing culture in a mission-driven organisation.
- Company: Join one of the UK's most ambitious organisations focused on making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical, dental, and flexible leave options.
- Other info: Hybrid role in London with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while developing your HR leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR leader with strong employee relations and union experience.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 112800 £ per year.
A compelling interim opportunity for a senior HR leader to take the reins of the people function at one of the UK's most intellectually ambitious and mission-driven organisations — and make a real impact over a defined, meaningful tenure.
We're looking for an experienced People Director to cover a maternity leave, stepping into a pivotal UK focused role that sits at the heart of the organisation's strategy. Reporting to the Group Chief People Officer, you'll lead a talented people team, partner closely with the Executive and senior leadership, and keep a high performing culture firmly on course.
The role
- You'll own the people agenda for the UK business — from culture and employee experience through to ER, talent, OD and operational excellence.
- You'll be the primary point of contact for union representatives, navigating that relationship with transparency and mutual respect, while also keeping the organisation ahead of a fast evolving legislative landscape.
- This is a genuinely strategic role that also demands hands-on credibility — someone who can advise at Executive level in the morning and roll up their sleeves on a complex ER matter in the afternoon.
What we're looking for
- A seasoned HR leader with a strong generalist background and exceptional depth in employee relations.
- Proven experience working in unionised environments.
- Confident leading and developing a people team, with the credibility to influence at the most senior levels.
- Deep knowledge of UK employment law, applied with creativity and pragmatism.
- Track record of delivering people strategy and managing complex change within mission-driven or similarly intellectually demanding organisations.
- Background in research, charity, innovation or technology sectors would be an advantage.
- CIPD Chartered membership preferred.
- Available to start between now and September 2026.
The details
- London, hybrid — minimum three days per week in the office.
- £90,000 – £112,800p/a dependent on experience, plus comprehensive benefits including private medical, dental, and flexible leave options.
- 10 – 12 month FTC (maternity cover).
To find out more, please get in touch.
Interim People Director employer: Tucker Stone
Join a forward-thinking organisation in London that prioritises intellectual ambition and mission-driven work, making it an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a meaningful impact. With a strong focus on employee growth, a collaborative culture, and comprehensive benefits including private medical and flexible leave options, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead a talented people team in a dynamic environment. Embrace the chance to influence at the highest levels while also engaging in hands-on HR challenges, all within a supportive and innovative workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim People Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who have experience in unionised environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK employment law and recent changes. We want you to be able to discuss how you can creatively apply this knowledge in a hands-on role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed complex change. This will help them see you as the strategic leader they need.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim People Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim People Director. Highlight your experience in HR leadership, especially in unionised environments, and showcase your ability to manage complex employee relations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led people teams and navigated challenging ER situations in the past.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your understanding of the strategic nature of this role. Talk about how you've successfully delivered people strategies and managed change in mission-driven organisations before.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tucker Stone
✨Know Your People Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the organisation's people strategy. Understand their culture, values, and how they approach employee experience. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Brush Up on Employment Law
Given the role's focus on UK employment law, make sure you're up to speed with the latest legislation. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated complex ER matters in the past and how you can apply your knowledge creatively in this new role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a senior HR leader, your leadership style is crucial. Think about examples where you've successfully led a team or influenced senior stakeholders. Be ready to share these stories, highlighting your ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
✨Prepare for Union Engagement Scenarios
Since the role involves working closely with union representatives, prepare for questions around this topic. Reflect on your experiences in unionised environments and be ready to discuss how you foster transparency and mutual respect in those relationships.
