Chief People Officer

Castle Employment Agency Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic organisation in East Yorkshire is seeking a Chief People Officer to shape and deliver a people strategy. This senior role involves leading cultural transformation, enhancing employee engagement, and ensuring HR compliance while fostering a high-performing and inclusive environment. The ideal candidate will have significant HR leadership experience and a strong commitment to wellbeing and development.

Benefits

37 days’ annual leave

Market-leading pension scheme

Enhanced pay for maternity, adoption, and sick leave

Life assurance and employee assistance support

Health and wellbeing plans

Flexible benefits including Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record in senior HR leadership roles.
• Experienced in leading culture transformation and large-scale change programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a modern people strategy.
• Foster a high-performing, inclusive culture.
• Oversee HR, Payroll, and Health & Safety functions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Cultural Transformation

Employee Engagement

Education

CIPD

CMI

Job description

Chief People Officer
Location: East Yorkshire (with travel across regional sites)
Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary of £80,000 – £90,000 + comprehensive benefits package

We are supporting a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation based in East Yorkshire in the search for a Chief People Officer (CPO). This is a senior, board-level position offering the opportunity to shape and deliver the people strategy for a large and complex organisation with significant regional impact.

Operating across multiple sites within East Yorkshire, the organisation continues to grow through innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes. With a focus on digital transformation and future-ready learning environments, this values-led business has a strong sense of purpose and community.

The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO and executive team, driving cultural and organisational development and embedding a people-first mindset at all levels.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Strategic Direction: Lead the development and implementation of a modern, forward-thinking people strategy aligned to organisational priorities and long-term ambitions.
• Culture & Engagement: Foster a high-performing, inclusive culture that builds trust, promotes wellbeing, and drives meaningful engagement.
• Learning & Development: Strengthen the organisation’s approach to staff development, talent pipelines, and career progression.
• Wellbeing & Reward: Oversee a competitive and inclusive benefits offering, with a strong focus on employee wellbeing and engagement.
• HR Operations & Compliance: Ensure HR, Payroll, and Health & Safety functions are compliant, efficient, and future-focused.
• Leadership & Influence: Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team of around 40 professionals, promoting collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

The Ideal Candidate:

• CIPD and/or CMI-qualified, with a proven track record in senior HR leadership roles (e.g., CPO, HR Director).
• Experienced in leading culture transformation and large-scale change programmes.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, workforce planning, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies.
• Demonstrated success in shaping L&D strategies and embedding development frameworks.
• Comfortable overseeing Health & Safety functions and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• An influential communicator with the presence, credibility, and confidence to operate at board level.

Why Apply? This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a progressive and ambitious organisation. In return, you’ll receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 37 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays and seasonal closure)
• Market-leading pension scheme
• Enhanced pay for maternity, adoption, and sick leave
• Life assurance and employee assistance support
• Health and wellbeing plans (including medical and dental cover)
• Flexible benefits including Cycle to Work scheme and staff discounts

This role is ideal for a people-focused leader passionate about building inclusive, high-performance cultures and shaping the strategic direction of a values-driven organisation.