At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead talent acquisition and build a high-performance culture in a scaling tech company.
- Company: Dynamic data technology business transforming customer insights with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a chance to shape company culture.
- Other info: Join a collaborative leadership team and drive organisational success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building a talented team in a fast-growing environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in scaling businesses and strong HR background required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
- People Director
- Hands-On | Scale-Up Operator | Hiring, Organisation & Performance
- Company Overview
We are a growing data technology business in the Customer Data Platform (CDP), analytics & data activation space. We have 55+ staff and partner with leading UK and international brands to transform how they understand and monetise their data.
Our proprietary CDP platform, Horizon, enables clients to gain deep customer insight and activate data to drive measurable commercial outcomes. XCM delivers a full solution across data, technology, people and partnership, offering a high-touch, “white glove” service that differentiates us in the market.
Following recent investment, we are entering a critical phase of growth and scaling the business significantly across product, platform, delivery and commercial functions.
Our growth is guided by three strategic pillars: World-Class Technology, Deep
Expertise, and Exceptional Relationships.
- Reporting to: CEO
- Works closely with: CTO, Leadership Team and Talent Manager
Location: North of England (preferred), with regular travel required. Role will require attending meetings in Leeds.
Role Purpose
This is a critical leadership hire for XCM and will play a central role in determining how successfully we scale.
The primary purpose of this role is to build and manage the organisation required to support XCM’s next phase of growth - ensuring we attract, hire, develop and retain high quality talent, whilst building a high-performance, accountable and well-managed culture.
This role balances both talent acquisition alongside the current Talent Manager and broader people leadership, ensuring the business scales effectively without losing performance, structure or culture.
- Core Focus
- Deliver a high-quality hiring engine across all functions alongside the talent manager
- Translate growth plans into a clear, prioritised and realistic hiring roadmap
- Build a well-structured, well-managed organisation where people perform, develop and stay
- Define and enforce a high talent bar aligned to XCM’s strategic pillars
- Support leadership in designing a scalable organisational structure
- Establish clear performance expectations and accountability
Key Responsibilities
- Hiring & Talent
- Execute the hiring plan across product, platform, sales and delivery alongside existing talent manager
- Take ownership of hiring outcomes (speed, quality and consistency)
- Ensure high-quality hiring decisions through clear evaluation frameworks
- Challenge hiring decisions where standards are not met
- Organisation Design & Leadership Support
- Partner with CEO on team structure and role definitions
- Ensure organisation design supports delivery against the strategic pillars
- Identify gaps, overlaps and inefficiencies and drive improvements
- Performance, Retention & People Management (Primary Focus)
- Build and implement effective performance management processes where required
- Support managers in managing, developing and retaining their teams
- Ensure underperformance is addressed clearly and effectively
- Identify, develop and retain high-performing individuals
- Build a culture of accountability, feedback and continuous improvement
- Employee Experience & Culture
- Ensure the organisation scales without losing clarity, engagement or culture
- Build clear communication, feedback and engagement mechanisms
- Support leadership in maintaining a consistent, high-performance culture
- Identify retention risks and proactively address them
- Ensure employees understand expectations, progression and development opportunities
Essential Experience
- Experience scaling a business (circa 50 → 100+ employees)
- Experience in hiring across engineering, commercial and delivery functions
- Strong generalist HR background & experience with recognised qualifications
- (e. g. CIPD Level 7 or equivalent)
- Experience in a client-facing, supplier-led technology or services business
- Exposure to ARR-based business models with multiple clients
- Experience working closely with founders and senior leadership
- Strong hands-on involvement in both hiring and people management
- Experience supporting multi-location or distributed teams
- Strongly Desired
- Experience in CDP, data, martech or Saa S environments
- Experience working in businesses delivering a blend of technology and services
- Experience operating in client delivery environment
- What Success Looks Like (First 6–18 Months)
- XCM scales from circa 60 to 85+ employees with consistently high-quality hires
- Hiring is structured, efficient and predictable
- New hires ramp quickly and contribute effectively
- Clear organisation structure supports growth and decision-making
- Leadership team strengthened with high-calibre hires
- High levels of employee engagement, performance and retention
- A more structured organizational model is achieved that is ready for scale and growth
- Why This Role Matters at XCM
- XCM is entering a critical scaling phase following investment
- The quality of hiring and people management will directly determine success
- XCM operates a solution-led, client-facing model, where team quality impacts revenue and delivery
- Scaling without structure risks performance, delivery and culture
- This role is central to building a high-performing, scalable organisation
- Closing Statement
This is an opportunity to take real ownership and build a high-performing organisation in a scaling, investor-backed technology business, working directly with the CEO and leadership team.
Locations
People Director in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: XCM
XCM is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and a high-performance culture, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the data technology sector. With a focus on scaling and innovation, employees benefit from a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work closely with senior leadership in a dynamic setting in the North of England. The company's commitment to attracting and retaining top talent ensures that every team member can thrive and contribute to the success of our cutting-edge Customer Data Platform.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Director in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨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 XCM!
✨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.
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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 XCM.
We think you need these skills to ace People Director in Hampshire, Portsmouth
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 XCM. 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 XCM 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 XCM. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to XCM'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 XCM
✨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 XCM.
✨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 XCM 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 XCM and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
