Head of People & Operations

Essex

Salary: Up to £70,000

About the Role

We’re looking for a Head of People & Operations to step into a newly created, senior role at the heart of a fast-growing, entrepreneurial events business.

This is a unique opportunity to shape how the organisation operates. Leading the people strategy, strengthening culture, and building the internal infrastructure needed to support continued growth.

Working closely with the Chairman, Managing Director and CFO, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the business is not only high-performing commercially, but also a genuinely great place to work.

This is a broad, hands-on leadership role spanning multiple departments, with direct management of teams across data, business support, office management and more.

What You’ll Be Doing

People & Culture

Partner with senior leadership to deliver a people strategy aligned with growth plans
Help evolve the business into a flexible, inclusive, high-performing workplace
Drive initiatives that enhance engagement, wellbeing and retention

Growth & Development

Lead company-wide learning and development programmes
Identify skills gaps and implement targeted training initiatives
Design clear career pathways and progression frameworks
Support and coach current and future leaders

Operational Excellence

Take ownership of internal operations, ensuring efficiency and scalability
Review and improve systems, workflows and ways of working
Act as a senior escalation point for cross-functional issues

Risk & Governance

Manage and review company insurance policies to ensure appropriate coverage
Identify and mitigate operational and commercial risks
Ensure ongoing compliance across the business

Data & Compliance

Act as ICO Officer, leading data protection and GDPR compliance
Maintain robust policies, procedures and training
Oversee Subject Access Requests and data-related queries

Systems & Infrastructure

Oversee and optimise the current FileMaker CRM
Lead evaluation and implementation of future systems
Ensure systems support commercial and operational teams effectively

Brand & Visibility

Own the corporate website and ensure alignment with brand and business priorities
Drive continuous improvement in external presentation

Recognition & Awards

Lead internal recognition initiatives
Drive participation in industry awards and external recognition

What We’re Looking For

Proven experience in a senior People, HR or Operations leadership role
Experience in a fast-paced, commercial environment (events, media or agency preferred)
Strong knowledge of UK employment law and compliance
A hands-on leader who can balance strategy with delivery
Confident influencing senior stakeholders
Highly organised, solutions-focused and adaptable
Experience improving operational processes and systems
Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

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