At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape our People strategy while supporting a growing team.
- Company: Join a founder-led, Certified B Corp focused on creating inspiring workplaces.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, potential for a 4-day week, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team that values diversity and fun.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with ambitious growth plans.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading People functions and strong knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
About Us
x+why launched in 2019 with a simple belief: there’s a better way to do business. We’re a Founder-led, Certified B Corp creating inspiring places for people to work, meet, connect and celebrate. From beautifully designed workspaces to multi-purpose event venues and exclusive Members’ Clubs, we now have 17 sites across London, Birmingham, Manchester and Milton Keynes - with more launches on the horizon. With a current team of 162 awesome humans we've come a long way since 2019, but there is still plenty we want to achieve - which is where you come in!
About The Role
Today, our People function is currently delivered by a trusted external HR partner, who has played a critical role in building a solid foundation for the business. As we enter our next phase of growth, we feel this is the perfect time to bring the function in-house and appoint a People & Culture Director. There will be a healthy transition period with our external partners, who will be on hand to share context, and offer guidance as you get under the skin of the business.
Working closely with our Founders, COO and Senior Leadership Team, you’ll be a trusted adviser - helping navigate the opportunities, challenges and typical growing pains of a scaling business. You’ll shape and deliver our People strategy, making sure how we develop, reward, engage and support our teams, keeps pace as we evolve. And while this is a strategic role, it won’t operate from a distance. You will be a highly visible and approachable presence across our sites, getting to know the business from the ground up - building relationships, earning trust and being on hand for day‑to‑day support.
We can be flexible around hybrid working, but we want you to really know our teams, so there will be regular travel across the portfolio. We are also open to hearing from candidates who would prefer a 4 day per week position.
About You
You’re an experienced People leader who believes that successful businesses are built by good humans, doing great things. You understand that looking after your people and delivering strong commercial performance go hand in hand. You have a natural ability to connect with people, build trust and see the bigger picture. You’re approachable, open‑minded and bring a healthy balance of empathy, common sense and commercial awareness.
You’ve previously led or significantly shaped a People function, have strong UK employment law and employee relations knowledge, and genuinely enjoy coaching and developing leaders. Just as importantly, you’ll understand what makes a founder‑led business special. You'll recognise the importance of protecting our DNA, while bringing fresh perspectives and the confidence to challenge how we do things. We don't want to lose what makes us, us - but we're equally excited about what the future could look like.
Ideally, you’ll have experience in coworking, hospitality, leisure or another multi‑site, customer‑facing environment. You’ll be comfortable with the pace, variety and occasional curveballs that come with a growing business, and enjoy being part of the journey.
Why x+why?
Our environment is ambitious and agile. Good ideas move quickly, great work is recognised and you’ll see tangible results from the initiatives you put in place. Yes, we have strong foundations, but there is still plenty to shape. This is a unique opportunity to build something meaningful and with a genuine seat at the table, you can help define how we scale.
We are a good bunch – curious, passionate, kind, open‑minded and refreshingly low on ego. We care deeply about our members’ experience and although we take our roles seriously, we like to have a little fun along the way. We welcome people from all walks of life and believe the best teams are shaped by different stories, experiences and perspectives. And if there’s anything we can do to make the application or interview process work better for you, just let us know.
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK; unfortunately, we're unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
People & Culture Director employer: x+why
At x+why, we believe in creating a workplace that inspires and empowers our employees. As a Certified B Corp, we prioritise purpose alongside profit, fostering a vibrant and collaborative culture where your growth is supported through comprehensive training and mentorship. Join us in one of London’s most iconic buildings, where you’ll not only have the opportunity to excel in your sales career but also be part of a community that values diverse perspectives and experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People & Culture Director
✨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 x+why!
✨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 x+why.
We think you need these skills to ace People & Culture Director
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 x+why. 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 x+why 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 x+why. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to x+why'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 x+why
✨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 x+why.
✨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 x+why 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 x+why and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
