Chief People Officer

Introduction

We are a mission-driven consultancy working at the heart of public services to help public institutions and their partners deliver lasting change. Our work spans strategy, policy, whole organisational transformation, social care, housing, and economic development. As we grow, we are committed to maintaining our unique culture, supporting our people, and ensuring our leadership remains visible, inclusive, and effective.

We are currently seeking an innovative and strategic Chief People Officer (CPO) to join our exec team. This role is key to shaping our organisational culture, developing our people strategy, and ensuring we attract, retain, and engage top talent across all levels of the organisation during a period of significant growth.

Summary of Job Role:  

The CPO will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering a forward-thinking People Strategy that supports our business goals and nurtures our culture and values. This position entails overseeing all people and HR related matters, marketing and communications, legal, internal technology and digital and our ISO accreditations (9001,14001,20000, You will report to the Chief Executive Officer.

Your leadership will impact our ability to build diverse and empowered teams, fostering an environment where every individual can thrive and contribute to our mission.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Design and deliver a forward-thinking People Strategy that supports business goals and nurtures our culture and values.
• Lead organisational design and workforce planning to support market growth and evolving role structures.
• Lead the evolution of our marketing and communications function so that it continues to support our business goals
• Lead the development of our internal technology and digital to optimise our use of AI and automation

Executive Partnership

• Act as a trusted advisor to the exec and board on organisational design, succession planning, and talent development.

Culture & Inclusion

• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing initiatives across the organisation.
• Ensure our organisational culture remains strong and distinctive as we scale.

Team Leadership

• Inspire and lead the team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous development.

Policy & Compliance

• Oversee the development and implementation of HR policies and practices that are legally compliant and reflect best practice.
• Maintain our existing ISO accreditations in 9001, 14001, 20000, and 27001, and lead efforts to secure additional accreditations that support business growth.

Business Analytics

• Leverage HR data and insights to inform decision-making and present regular updates to the Executive team.

Budget & Partner Management

• Manage the HR budget and relationships with external partners and service providers.

IT & Digital Environment

• Harness the organisation's AI capabilities to improve operational efficiency and enhance employee experience.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a CPO or in a senior HR leadership role within a consultancy environment
• Proven experience of leading digital transformation within an organisation
• Proven experience of leading cross organisational teams
• Strong knowledge of HR practices, employment laws, and organisational development principles.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with a focus on driving business results through people strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and inspire teams to achieve high performance.
• Experience in managing diversity and inclusion initiatives effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• High level of emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate complex employee relations issues.
• Strong analytical skills to assess data and create actionable insights for improvement.

Personal characteristics:

Individuals who thrive in Inner Circle typically have the following characteristics:

• A passion for developing people and organisations.
• A strategic mindset with the agility to adapt to change.
• Strong integrity and ethical standards.
• A commitment to inclusivity and understanding of the value it brings.
• Ability to build relationships and networks easily.
• A proactive approach to challenges with the ability to provide innovative solutions.
• Show resilience while working in a fast-paced environment.

Salary and benefits

• Competitive salary including performance related bonus
• Private Healthcare plan with Aviva
• Optical and Dental care
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension Plan
• Death in service 5 times salary
• 30 days + additional days as business allows
• Full sick pay for up to 4 weeks
• Income protection scheme
• Hybrid working