Director of HR, UK
Location: London (Hybrid) - 4 days initially onsite reducing to 3 days per week.
About the Company
Our client is a growing international business operating within a creative, commercial and client-focused environment. With an established global presence and ambitious growth plans, the organisation works across marketing, media, partnerships, events and brand engagement, delivering innovative solutions for a diverse portfolio of clients.
As the business continues to evolve, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced HR leader to join the organisation in a newly created Director of HR role.
The Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to shape and influence the people agenda within a dynamic, entrepreneurial and fast-paced business.
As the senior HR lead for the UK, you will partner closely with senior leadership to deliver both strategic and operational HR support across the employee lifecycle. Working alongside commercial, client services, creative and operational teams, you will play a key role in ensuring the business continues to attract, develop and retain exceptional talent.
This position requires someone who is equally comfortable contributing at a strategic level while remaining hands-on when required. You will be a trusted advisor to leaders across the organisation, providing commercially focused people solutions that support business performance, culture and growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership
- Partner with senior leaders to develop and implement people strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Provide expert advice on organisational design, workforce planning and talent management.
- Lead initiatives that enhance employee engagement, performance and retention.
- Support leaders through periods of change, growth and organisational development.
- Review and enhance HR policies, processes and best practice across the business.
- Use people data and insights to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
Talent & Culture
- Partner with leaders to attract, retain and develop high-performing talent.
- Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives.
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative and high-performance culture.
- Champion employee engagement, wellbeing and learning initiatives.
- Ensure the employee experience aligns with the organisation's values and ambitions.
Operational HR
- Provide expert guidance on employee relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary and grievance processes.
- Lead investigations and manage complex people issues with confidence and professionalism.
- Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
- Oversee HR reporting and people analytics.
- Manage key aspects of the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, development and offboarding.
Candidate Profile
We are particularly interested in speaking with HR professionals who have gained experience within fast-paced, commercially driven and talent-led environments.
Relevant sector experience may include:
- Marketing and communications
- Media and entertainment
- Sponsorship and partnerships
- Creative, digital or integrated agencies
- Brand experience and activation
- Events and experiential businesses
- Professional services or other client-service-led organisations
Experience & Skills
- Significant HR leadership experience within marketing, media, agency, sponsorship, creative or similarly commercial environments.
- Experience operating as a standalone HR lead or within a lean, high-impact HR function.
- Strong commercial acumen and an understanding of the people challenges associated with client-facing businesses.
- Proven ability to influence and partner with senior stakeholders and executive leadership teams.
- Expertise across employee relations, organisational development, talent management and performance management.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience within a founder-led, entrepreneurial or high-growth environment would be highly advantageous.
- CIPD qualification or equivalent is desirable but not essential.
