Chief People Officer

Peeq - The HR Recruitment Specialists; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Chief People Officer (CPO) / HR Director to lead their people and culture strategy. This role offers the chance to shape HR policies and drive engagement in a purpose-driven organisation known for its strong cultural identity. You will work closely with the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team, ensuring that HR initiatives align with the company's evolving business needs. If you are passionate about enhancing employee experience and embedding diversity and inclusion in a growing workplace, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Pension Plan

28 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays

Wellness Initiatives

Industry Events

Qualifications

• Proven success in a senior HR leadership role with strategic and operational experience.
• Strong experience in talent development and cultural transformation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a high-impact people strategy covering recruitment and culture.
• Provide hands-on operational HR support and navigate organisational change.

Skills

Strategic HR Leadership

Talent Development

Employee Engagement

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

Coaching and Influencing

Problem Solving

Adaptability

Education

Senior HR Leadership Experience

Tools

Workday

Job description

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Peeq - The HR Recruitment Specialists provided pay range

This range is provided by Peeq - The HR Recruitment Specialists. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Our client is a well-regarded, purpose-driven organisation with a strong cultural identity and a recognised presence in the creative industries. Operating across multiple channels, they are at an exciting stage of evolution, working with key partners to expand their impact and build a thriving, inclusive workplace.

As part of this transformation, they are seeking a highly capable Chief People Officer (CPO) / HR Director to lead the people and culture strategy, ensuring the organisation remains a progressive, high-performing, and values-driven employer. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), shaping HR policies, driving engagement, and embedding an inclusive and agile workplace culture.

CPO / HR Director – London – Job Role

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role will provide both strategic and hands-on HR leadership, supporting business growth and enhancing employee experience, organisational design, and HR operations. The HR Director / CPO will work closely with senior stakeholders and external partners to ensure HR policies and initiatives align with the company’s culture, values, and evolving business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a practical, high-impact people strategy covering recruitment, talent development, employee engagement, and culture.
• Act as a strategic HR business partner to the Managing Director and SLT, supporting leadership development and succession planning.
• Own and implement Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, embedding best practice across all people processes.
• Provide hands-on operational HR support—this is not a purely strategic role and will require involvement in day-to-day HR activities.
• Enhance HR operations and technology, ensuring systems such as Workday are effectively leveraged.
• Navigate organisational change, ensuring the company retains its unique culture while adapting to a changing external landscape.
• Support line managers in developing their people leadership capability, ensuring teams are well-supported and high-performing.
• Drive employee experience and engagement initiatives, responding to key themes from engagement surveys, particularly career development and retention.
• Ensure HR compliance and best practice, overseeing policies, contracts, and employment law matters in the UK.

CPO / HR Director – London – Key Skills & Experience

To be considered for this role, candidates should demonstrate:

• Proven success in a senior HR leadership role (HR Director, People Director, or CPO equivalent), with experience shaping and executing people strategies at an organisational level.
• A blend of strategic HR leadership and hands-on operational delivery, particularly within SME or fast-growing businesses.
• Strong experience in talent development, employee engagement, and cultural transformation.
• A passion for DEI, with demonstrable experience embedding inclusive talent practices.
• Confidence in coaching and influencing senior stakeholders, ensuring HR plays a key role in shaping business success.
• Experience in a creative, media, publishing, entertainment or dynamic industry is highly desirable.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset, with the ability to work autonomously in a lean team.
• Adaptability and willingness to be hands-on, particularly in a growing organisation with a small HR team.

Location & Working Model

• London-based with flexible working – minimum 2-3 days in the office per week.
• A highly collaborative role, requiring strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Compensation & Hiring Timeline

• Salary: £140k-£160k base + benefits (PMI, pension, 28 days holiday + bank holidays, wellness initiatives, industry events, and more).
• Preferred Start Date: ASAP.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic HR Director / CPO looking to make a genuine impact in a growing, purpose-led organisation.

To apply, please submit your CV

Next Steps & Application Process

We appreciate the time and effort that goes into applying for a role, and we’re committed to keeping you informed throughout the process.

• All applications will be reviewed as they are received.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 10 working days of application submission.
• Due to the high level of interest, we may only be able to provide individual feedback to those progressing to interview stages.
• Every application will get a response.
• The interview process will consist of 3 stages, including an initial conversation / competency-based interview, case study / presentation and a final discussion with key stakeholders.

Peeq Ltd is committed to equal opportunities for all, irrespective of age, religion or sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin, gender, race, disability and in line with the 2010 Equalities Act. Our commitment is based on strong ethical beliefs because we value a diverse customer base & the individualism each employee brings to our business.

Equal opportunity is about good, fair employment practices that make sound business sense. Every person has the right to work and do business in an environment free of discrimination and harassment.