Full job descriptionHead 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