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- Tasks: Lead hiring and people management to scale our innovative tech company.
- Company: Dynamic data technology business transforming customer insights.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Play a key role in shaping a high-performance culture during exciting growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in scaling businesses and strong HR background required.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and make a real impact on our success.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
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.
Location: North of England (preferred), with regular travel required. Hybrid working (circa 50/50 home, office & travel).
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.
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 SaaS 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.
People and HR Director in Leeds employer: XCM
Contact Detail:
XCM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People and HR Director in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
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 on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your experience in hiring and people management, as these are key for the People and HR Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace People and HR Director in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the People & HR Director role. Highlight your experience in scaling businesses and managing talent, as this is what we’re really looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve successfully hired and retained talent in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value a culture of accountability and feedback, so showing us who you are will help us see if you’re a good fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at XCM
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's mission, values, and recent developments. Understanding their Customer Data Platform and how they differentiate themselves in the market will show your genuine interest and help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your People Management Skills
As a People and HR Director, your ability to build and manage a high-performance culture is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully scaled teams, improved performance management processes, and retained top talent in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to address underperformance or restructure teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your thought process and outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about their growth plans, the challenges they face in scaling, or how they maintain employee engagement during rapid changes. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values.