At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the people agenda and shape a vibrant culture at Whisper.
- Company: Join an award-winning creative partner known for innovation and impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic, entrepreneurial setting with global reach.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent and senior-level people leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 54392 - 66480 £ per year.
Director of People
WHISPER is a global creative partner built on ambition, creativity, and a passion to push what’s possible.
Founded in 2010, Whisper creates award-winning content across a multi-genre slate spanning Sport, Entertainment, Documentaries and Branded Content, alongside Esports and end-to-end Social and Digital services.
Whisper’s work ranges from coverage of the Paralympics and Formula 1 to Wheel of Fortune with Graham Norton and Built in
Birmingham: Brady & The Blues.
- From helping bring
- Red
Bull: Max vs 100 to life to launching Cristiano Ronaldo’s You Tube channel, Whisper captures the world’s attention with the power of production.
With over 300 staff across 5 offices in the UK, EMEA and North America, Whisper combines global scale with an independent, entrepreneurial mindset and a people-first culture.
Whisper works with some of the world’s biggest broadcasters, streamers, brands, federations, leagues, teams and athletes, including UEFA, Formula 1, Wimbledon, FIFA, EA, Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
A BAFTA winner and multi-Emmy nominee, Whisper has also been consistently recognised by The Sunday Times and Broadcast as one of the industry’s best places to work.
We are looking for a Director of People to shape and lead the people agenda within our dynamic, entrepreneurial and fast-paced business.
- WHAT YOU WILL OWN
- Culture, Performance and Employee Experience
- Champion Whisper’s purpose and values, ensuring they are reflected in leadership, ways of working and decision-making.
- Strengthen accountability and performance through clear objectives, expectations, regular feedback and effective performance-management practices.
- Use employee insight and organisational data to improve engagement, inclusion, culture and business performance.
- Develop career pathways and internal progression opportunities that support retention and growth.
- Strategic People Leadership
- Partner with the CEO and senior leadership team to define and deliver a people strategy and roadmap aligned with Whisper’s business priorities and growth ambitions.
- Shape and embed the culture, behaviours and employee experience required to support high performance and sustainable growth.
- Use workforce data, skills mapping and talent insight to anticipate organisational capability needs and inform decision-making.
- Act as a trusted adviser, coach and constructive challenger to the CEO and senior leaders.
- Leadership, Talent and Organisational Development
- Build leadership capability by coaching senior leaders to lead with clarity, confidence and impact.
- Lead talent and succession planning, building strong pipelines for critical roles and creating opportunities for high-potential colleagues to grow.
- Develop and deliver a company-wide learning and development strategy aligned with future capability requirements.
- Shape organisational design and workforce plans across permanent employees, contractors and fixed-term workers in the UK and US.
- Lead and develop the People team, setting clear priorities and ensuring a high-quality, joined-up service.
- Change, Growth and Governance
- Lead the people agenda through growth, transformation and organisational change, identifying implications and opportunities early.
- Support leaders to guide their teams through change with clarity, pace and effective communication.
- Provide expert guidance on complex employee-relations matters, including performance, disciplinary and grievance processes.
- Lead diversity and pay-gap analysis, translating findings into meaningful, measurable action.
- Oversee reward design and pay governance, including executive remuneration, and establish reporting against agreed business objectives.
- Balance commercial priorities, culture, employee experience and risk when advising on sensitive people matters.
- WHAT YOU WILL BRING
- CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent.
- Experience in a founder-led, entrepreneurial or high-growth organisation.
- Senior-level People leadership experience, including direct partnership with a CEO and executive leadership team.
- A strong track record of building and leading People functions, strengthening performance culture and delivering organisational change.
- Demonstrable experience in leadership development, learning and development, talent management, succession planning and organisational development.
- The judgement and flexibility to move confidently between strategic thinking and operational delivery.
- Experience managing blended workforces, including contractors and fixed-term workers, with a sound understanding of IR35.
- Comprehensive knowledge of UK employment law and experience supporting international operations; US experience would be advantageous.
Whisper is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a seven‑time Broadcast Best Places to Work winner.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, communities and lived experiences, and are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone is expected to champion Whisper’s values and feels valued and supported.
Location
The base for this position is Kew, London.
Working Days
This is a permanent, full-time position.
This role is office-based Monday to Thursday, with Friday available to work from home.
Lieu days will be given for any days worked over a five-day week.
Whisper offers the option of flexitime hours subject to production requirements.
Start and Salary
Start: ASAP. Application Closing: Friday 13th November 2026. Salary: Based on experience.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. We’re unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role, so please only apply if you already hold the right to work in the UK.
Director of People in London employer: Whisper
Whisper is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior team members while working on high-profile projects like the UEFA Champions League. The hybrid work model offers flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful employment in the media production industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Whisper!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Whisper.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Whisper. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Whisper and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Whisper. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Whisper's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whisper
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Whisper.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Whisper will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Whisper and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
