Head of People

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the CEO and as a vital member of the senior management team, the Head of People will spearhead the people strategy to drive clear growth, enhance capabilities, and maintain consistency across Embridge. This leadership position ensures a productive, engaged, and future-ready workforce through strategic HR initiatives, leadership development, organizational structuring, and effective HR operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute the company’s People Strategy aligned with business goals.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO, CFO, and senior leaders to advise on all people-related issues.
• Guide organizational design, workforce planning, capability building, and succession planning.
• Launch programs to boost employee engagement, wellbeing, and overall experience.
• Promote the company culture, values, and Employee Value Proposition.
• Lead change management initiatives ensuring excellent communication, stakeholder buy-in, and adoption of new practices.
• Enhance performance management and career advancement frameworks company-wide.
• Foster leadership and management skills via coaching and development projects.
• Offer expert counsel on employee relations, legislation, policies, and HR best practices.
• Manage HR operations to ensure compliance and efficiency from hiring through exit processes.
• Identify and escalate recurring people issues involving rewards, retention, competitiveness, and risks.
• Maintain HR systems, people data, reporting, and analytics for informed decision-making.
• Provide regular insights and reports to the Board and senior management.
• Lead and mentor HR staff while building the broader People function as the company expands.
• Coordinate with external HR providers to maintain compliance with employment law and health & safety standards.

Qualifications and Skills

• CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven leadership of People or HR functions within scaling organizations.
• Strong strategic thinker with a proven ability to deliver operational outcomes.
• Expertise in employee engagement, relations, learning and development, and HR best practices.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with senior leaders and influencing decision-making.
• Proficiency in supporting organizational change, including stakeholder and manager engagement.
• Analytical ability to leverage data and insights for decision-making.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills.
• Experience coaching managers and developing leadership capacity.
• Thorough knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR governance.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a commercially savvy and values-driven people leader who can integrate strategic insight with practical execution. They serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and confidently influence where necessary while fostering strong organizational relationships. Passionate about cultivating outstanding employee experiences and high-performing teams, they thrive in dynamic, growing environments and champion change management and continual improvement.

• A collaborative, credible leader inspiring trust and confidence.
• Highly organized, pragmatic, and solutions-oriented.
• Adept at balancing strategic priorities with routine operational demands.
• Committed to developing people, building capability, and driving business success.
• Aligned with company values and a culture of engagement, accountability, and growth.

Additional Details

• Employment Type: Full time
• Work Location: Kent office, UK
• Hybrid working model requiring a minimum of three days per week onsite.
• Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
• Benefits include 25 days paid holiday, competitive salary, health benefits, paid volunteer days, pension contributions, excellent career progression opportunities, and Unit4 certifications.

Apply

To apply, candidates should submit a CV and covering letter electronically. Embridge Consulting values respect, excellence, responsibility, and fosters a supportive environment that celebrates success and achievement.