Head of HR, London

The British Asian Trust; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The British Asian Trust is seeking a strategic Head of HR to lead the People and Organisational Development agenda across our global operations. You will shape talent strategy, drive people-centred decisions, and ensure the organisation can scale with agility and resilience.

Working in a matrixed environment, you will partner with Country Directors and regional leaders to align HR practices with BAT’s mission, balancing global standards with local context and labour law considerations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the People and Organisational Development strategy and deliver a scalable people agenda across BAT's global operations.
• Partner with global and regional leaders to ensure HR strategies align with BAT's mission and priorities.
• Embed a culture of agility, data-driven decision-making, and strategic partnership across the organisation.
• Work in a matrixed environment with Country Directors and local HR teams to balance global standards with local context.

Job description

The British Asian Trust is a diaspora-led international development organisation, delivering high-quality programmes in South Asia. Since our formation, we have reached the lives of over 18 million people across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka with high-impact interventions to address the subcontinent’s critical unmet needs in areas of livelihoods, mental health, education, child protection and conservation.

We are a unique organisation, led and driven by the South Asian diaspora and by a powerful belief that traditional approaches to philanthropy and development will not, alone, solve the challenges of the region.

Role overview:

The Head of HR at the British Asian Trust (BAT) will lead the People and Organisational Development strategy, shaping and delivering a people strategy that enables BAT to operate with agility, resilience, and impact as the organisation evolves. The role requires a whole-system, organisation-first approach, with strong cross-organisational influence and the ability to translate strategy into sustained people outcomes.

The role plays a pivotal role in enhancing organisational effectiveness by partnering closely with global and regional leaders to align HR strategies with BAT’s mission and priorities. This role is strategic and innovative, supporting business growth and talent acquisition and development in a matrixed environment, and embedding a culture of agility, data-driven decision-making, and strategic partnership. The Head of HR collaborates closely with the Senior Management team and Country Directors to ensure adherence to global standards whileincorporating regional and local adaptation to address specific labour laws, cultural contexts, and emerging business needs. Working in a matrixed environment, this role fosters collaboration with Country Directors and local HR teams.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 15 November 2026

We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Please note that due to the large number of applications we expect to receive we will only be able to contact short-listed candidates and cannot offer feedback on unsuccessful applications.

Thank you for your interest in working for the British Asian Trust. We look forward to hearing from you.