Head of HR

Oakleaf; Greater London; On-site; GBP 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A unique hospitality business in West London is seeking a Head of People to establish and lead the People function. This role involves designing an HR service, implementing processes, and enhancing employee experience. Responsibilities include managing HR operations, payroll, employee benefits, and recruitment processes. Candidates should have a solid background in HR operations, familiarity with UK employment law, and experience with HRIS systems. This position offers the opportunity to influence organizational culture and support growth.

Qualifications

• HR qualifications are preferred but not essential.
• Proven experience in HR operations or a similar HR role is required.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR policy is necessary.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and deliver all day‑to‑day HR operations including onboarding and employee records.
• Manage end‑to‑end payroll delivery in partnership with an outsourced provider.
• Administer and review employee benefits including pensions and health insurance.
• Support the development and maintenance of HR policies and governance.
• Oversee compliance with probationary processes and annual performance reviews.
• Foster a collaborative and high‑performing culture aligned to the organisation’s values.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of a new HRIS.
• Manage recruitment processes to deliver roles to a high standard.

Skills

HR or CIPD qualification preferred

Proven experience in HR operations

Strong knowledge of UK employment law

Experience with HRIS and payroll systems

Education

HR or CIPD qualification

Job description

Head of People

Salary: £85,000

Location: West London W14

5 Days on site

I am delighted to be partnering with an exclusive and truly unique hospitality business to recruit a highly capable Head of People. This standalone role offers the rare opportunity to build and shape the People function from the ground up, becoming the organisation’s first senior HR lead.

As the business’s first Head of People, you will have the autonomy and influence to design a best‑in‑class HR service, implement strong people processes, and elevate the employee experience across the full HR lifecycle. This role is central to ensuring operational efficiency, cultural alignment, and a high‑quality HR offering that supports the organisation’s future growth.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations Administration

• Oversee and deliver all day‑to‑day HR operations including onboarding, offboarding, absence, holiday, benefits, and employee records.


• Ensure an exceptional service is provided across all employee lifecycle touchpoints.

Payroll & Data

• Manage end‑to‑end payroll delivery in partnership with an outsourced provider.


• Ensure accuracy, compliance with HMRC regulations, and timely processing.

Compensation & Benefits

• Administer and review employee benefits including pensions, health insurance and wellbeing perks.


• Negotiate rates as required and ensure effective communication to employees.

Policies & Procedures

• Support the development and maintenance of HR policies and governance.


• Ensure consistent policy application across business units and maintain compliance with UK employment legislation.

Employee Performance

• Oversee full compliance with probationary processes and annual performance reviews.

Culture & Engagement

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing culture aligned to the organisation’s values.

HRIS

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of a new HRIS.


• Ensure data accuracy, streamline workflows, and provide effective reporting across key people metrics.

Recruitment

• Manage recruitment processes, ensuring roles are effectively benchmarked, authorised, and delivered to a high standard.

Projects

• Contribute to HR operations initiatives and strategic projects that support the culture and business priorities.

Key Skills & Experience

• HR or CIPD qualification preferred (not essential).


• Proven experience in HR operations or a similar HR role.


• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, HR policy, and best practice.


• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems, ideally including system implementation.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.