Our client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of People & Operations to lead HR and operational strategies during an exciting phase of transformation and growth. This pivotal role involves overseeing the full spectrum of HR functions and ensuring operational excellence across multiple office locations.

Head of People & Operations

Location: Leeds or Newcastle (with occasional travel across North East, Yorkshire, and North West) Reporting to: Associate Director

Based in Leeds or Newcastle, the successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to shape the organisation's culture, enhance employee engagement, and drive operational efficiency to support ambitious growth objectives. This is a hands-on, stand-alone role that combines strategic vision with operational delivery, offering the autonomy to implement innovative practices in a collaborative and high-performing workplace.

Key Responsibilities

People Leadership

• Lead and develop a dispersed team, including Office Administrators, HR professionals, and Communication Specialists, fostering high performance and engagement.
• Build a collaborative and innovative team culture aligned with the company’s core values.

HR Strategy and Operations

• Develop and implement a business-aligned People Strategy to support and enable organisational goals.
• Promote a results-oriented, open, and positive culture, supporting business change.
• Ensure compliance with company practices and advise senior managers on their responsibilities.
• Establish and report people metrics monthly, quarterly, and annually to inform decision-making.
• Develop and implement an annual Learning & Development Plan to cultivate a learning culture.
• Maintain and enhance policies and procedures in line with legislative requirements.
• Review and optimise the company’s reward and benefits structure to align with growth objectives.
• Advise senior leaders on employee relations, talent management, and workforce planning.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives to attract and retain top talent.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

• Champion the DEIB strategy, using data to drive meaningful and measurable initiatives.
• Foster an inclusive workplace culture that promotes equal opportunities and prevents discrimination.

Employee Engagement & Communication

• Lead internal communications, ensuring transparency and engagement across all locations.
• Implement strategies to enhance employee engagement, reflecting the company’s mission and values.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee the Quality Assurance team, ensuring operational standards are met and improved.
• Collaborate with the Technical Director and Technical Manager on training, safety, and compliance.
• Introduce innovative operational strategies to future-proof the organisation and maintain high service standards.
• Manage employee benefits, including pensions, recognition schemes, and wellbeing initiatives.

Qualifications and Skills

• CIPD Qualified with in-depth HR expertise, including employment law and compliance.
• Proven leadership and interpersonal skills, capable of inspiring and managing dispersed teams.
• Track record of delivering strategic initiatives and operational management excellence.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret employee metrics to inform decisions.

Key Success Factors

• One Team: Foster collaboration and cohesion across multiple locations, building a united and high-performing team.
• Proud of Our Reputation: Ensure legal compliance, promote DEI, and support professional development to reflect the company’s values.
• Ambitious: Demonstrate proactive leadership by delivering progressive HR and operational strategies aligned with growth goals.
• Progressive: Innovate and improve processes to support an inclusive and forward-thinking team.

Lily Shippen is a leading business and executive support recruitment agency in the UK. We recruit top-tier talent across HR, executive support, and business operations roles, ensuring organisations can access the expertise needed to thrive.

We recruit for a broad range of positions, including Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Office Managers, Chief of Staff, and HR roles. Our services span across Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, London, and the wider UK, including remote and international roles. Whether you’re hiring for permanent, temporary, or fixed-term contracts, we offer tailored recruitment solutions to meet your needs.