Head of People

About the job

Head of People

London | £65,000–£70,000 + Benefits | 4 Days Office / 1 Day WFH

Build the People Function. Shape the Culture. Influence the Future.

Some Head of People roles inherit an established HR function.

This isn't one of them.

We're exclusively partnering with a well-backed, founder-led branded hospitality business entering an exciting new phase of growth. With over 30 locations across Europe and ambitious expansion plans, they're looking for their first Head of People to build the People function from the ground up.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll become a key member of the leadership team, shaping not only the people strategy but the future direction of the business.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced People leader from a branded hospitality, retail or leisure environment who wants to leave a lasting legacy within a scaling, entrepreneurial business.

The Opportunity

As the company's first Head of People, you'll have the freedom to design and implement a people strategy that supports commercial growth while creating an outstanding employee experience.

You'll build the foundations that enable the business to attract, develop and retain exceptional talent as it continues its ambitious expansion.

Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, you'll influence business decisions, develop future leaders and create a culture where people and performance thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the People strategy aligned to business growth
• Build the HR function, policies, processes and frameworks from the ground up
• Partner with senior leaders to develop high-performing teams
• Lead talent acquisition and employer branding initiatives
• Design leadership development and learning programmes
• Drive employee engagement, culture and retention
• Lead employee relations and ensure employment law compliance
• Develop succession planning and organisational design as the business scales
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team

About You

You're an experienced People leader who enjoys building rather than maintaining.

You combine commercial thinking with a hands-on approach and are comfortable operating in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments where no two days are the same.

You'll bring:

• Experience leading or building a People function within a growing organisation
• A background within branded hospitality, retail, leisure or another fast-paced multi-site business
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Experience supporting organisational growth and change
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
• The confidence to work autonomously while partnering closely with senior leaders
• A genuine passion for developing people, leaders and culture

Why Apply?

This isn't a traditional Head of People role.

It's an opportunity to build something from day one.

You'll join an ambitious leadership team that genuinely values its people and recognises that culture will be fundamental to the next stage of growth.

If you're looking for a role where your ideas will shape the future of a business, your influence will be visible across the organisation, and your work will leave a lasting legacy, we'd love to hear from you.

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