Director of People & Culture

International Transport Workers Federation (ITF); United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international organization in the United Kingdom is looking for an accomplished Director of People & Culture. This role involves leading the global HR strategy, overseeing employee relations, managing compliance with employment laws, and driving diversity and inclusion initiatives. Candidates should have significant HR leadership experience, strong knowledge of UK employment law, and the ability to lead organizational change. This position offers the opportunity to shape the people strategy and ensure a supportive working environment.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in leading P&C functions internationally.
• In-depth understanding of UK employment law.
• Experience in developing policies for inclusive environments.
• Ability to lead financial planning for HR.
• Proven capability in managing organizational change.
• Exceptional communication skills at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead workforce modelling and financial planning.
• Oversee HR operations and compliance.
• Manage complex employee relations issues.
• Develop policies in line with legislation.
• Champion diversity and inclusive hiring practices.
• Lead organizational change initiatives.
• Oversee learning and development strategies.
• Provide leadership and direction to the P&C team.

Skills

HR leadership experience

Knowledge of employment legislation

Employee relations expertise

Financial planning capability

Change leadership skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree-level education

CIPD Level 7 or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

As Director of People & Culture, you will lead the full breadth of the People & Culture portfolio, including workforce planning, global employee relations and compliance, payroll, pensions, benefits, recruitment, learning and development, policy development, and diversity, equity & inclusion. You will set the strategic direction for the P&C team, oversee governance and compliance and financial planning across multiple jurisdictions, and partner closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the department supports organisational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Global Workforce Planning: Lead workforce modelling, resourcing strategies, and financial planning for all established roles, ensuring accurate reporting and alignment with organisational priorities.
• HR Operations & Compliance: Oversee payroll, pensions, benefits, and employee-related financial processes. Ensure compliance with employment legislation across the UK and all regional hubs, maintaining robust HR governance and data integrity.
• Employee Relations: Provide senior oversight on complex global employee relations issues, including disciplinary, grievance, and conflict resolution matters. Liaise with unions, staff committees, and external legal advisers.
• Policy Leadership: Lead policy development in line with evolving legislation and organisational needs, ensuring a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Support negotiations with union representatives.
• Recruitment & Talent: Develop global recruitment strategy, champion inclusive and equitable hiring practices, and support managers in delivering high-quality onboarding and talent development.
• Change Management: Lead on organisational change initiatives, including restructures and major transformation projects.
• Culture, DEI & Learning: Champion a diverse and inclusive culture, oversee the learning and development strategy, and ensure an effective performance and development review cycle.
• Leadership of the P&C Team: Provide strategic direction, coaching, and leadership to the P&C team, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and high-quality service delivery.

About You

You are an accomplished HR leader with a strong record of delivering impactful people strategies in complex, international environments. You combine deep technical knowledge with the strategic capability to influence, shape, and lead across a global organisation.

Requirements

• Senior HR leadership experience: A strong track record in leading P&C functions and delivering strategic HR initiatives internationally.
• Expert knowledge of employment legislation: In-depth understanding of UK employment law and the legal frameworks of the ITF's regional hubs, with the ability to anticipate future legislative changes.
• Strong employee relations and policy expertise: Experience supporting unionised environments and developing policies that advance fairness, compliance, and inclusion.
• Financial and strategic planning capability: Experience in workforce costings, HR financial planning, and compensation and benefits strategy on a global scale.
• Change leadership skills: Proven ability to lead organisational change and support leaders and teams through transformation.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills: Ability to engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels and act with discretion, professionalism, and integrity.
• Professional qualifications: Degree-level education and CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent experience); chartered status desirable.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a global People & Culture function within a values-driven international organisation. You will shape our people strategy, strengthen our culture, and ensure we continue to be a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace for staff around the world.