Head of People – Hybrid – Leeds

About the role

We are seeking a dynamic Head of People to join a fast‑paced commercial organisation in Leeds. Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the senior leadership team, you will shape and execute the people strategy that drives high performance and supports growth.

Key responsibilities

• Translate business strategy into a measurable people plan with clear goals.
• Lead workforce planning with heads of function, anticipating short‑ and long‑term resourcing needs.
• Report regularly to the Board and senior leadership team on people performance, risks and recommendations.
• Serve as the first point of contact for employee relations, performance, absence, grievance and disciplinary matters.
• Maintain up‑to‑date HR documentation, handbooks and policies in line with UK employment law.
• Support organisational change initiatives including restructures, M&A and TUPE.
• Own and maintain the HRIS, ensuring data accuracy and actionable insights.
• Drive end‑to‑end recruitment, onboarding and employer branding in partnership with Marketing.
• Develop a skills and progression framework with clear career pathways.
• Coach line managers on training needs, development budgets and performance management.
• Champion AI adoption across the people function, selecting tools that improve efficiency and informing workforce planning.
• Lead internal communications strategy to create a consistent, proactive cadence.

Required profile

• CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent.
• Proven experience as an HR generalist with both strategic and operational responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and experience handling complex cases.
• Demonstrated ability to lead recruitment, employer branding and candidate experience.
• Experience guiding organisations through change such as restructures, M&A or TUPE.
• Confidence using people data to produce evidence‑based recommendations.

Required skills

• HRIS (Human Resources Information System) management.
• Use of AI tools for HR processes and workforce planning.
• People data analysis and reporting.

What we offer

• Competitive salary £55,000‑£65,000 per annum.
• Hybrid working model.
• Opportunity to influence strategy at senior level.
• Supportive, high‑performance culture.