Fractional Head of HR – 12-month temp contract

Interim fractional Head of HR – restructuring project

2/3x days a week (flexible on pattern)

1x day onsite a week

Based in Central London

£500 a day outside IR35

Start ASAP!

This senior strategic appointment will lead the design and delivery of an ambitious people agenda, driving large-scale restructuring and transformation initiatives that position the organisation for sustainable growth. Reporting at Executive level, this role acts as a trusted advisor to the leadership team, championing performance, culture, and organisational excellence.

This is more than a Head of HR role – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of a transforming business.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will:

Lead the People Strategy

• Develop and execute a forward-thinking HR strategy aligned to business goals and transformation plans.
• Partner closely with the CEO and Executive Committee on all people-related matters.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing HR function, setting clear standards and driving continuous improvement.
• Provide expert guidance on organisational design, workforce planning, and talent strategy.

Drive Restructuring & Transformation

• Lead complex, multi-workstream restructuring programmes including workforce redesign and consolidations.
• Own end-to-end transformation initiatives – from diagnostic and design through to implementation and embedding change.
• Develop impactful change management strategies that maintain engagement and minimise disruption.
• Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, and Operations to ensure compliance, cost control, and effective execution.
• Oversee consultation processes, redundancy programmes, and transfer-related activities in line with legislation.

Elevate Talent & Leadership

• Design and implement best-in-class talent acquisition, retention, and succession frameworks.
• Lead leadership development initiatives to equip senior and emerging leaders for a changing business landscape.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across all people processes.
• Ensure performance frameworks drive accountability, growth, and high performance.

Strengthen Culture & Employee Relations

• Foster an inclusive, high-performance culture aligned to strategic ambition.
• Manage complex and sensitive employee relations matters, including executive-level issues.
• Maintain effective relationships with trade unions and employee representatives where applicable.
• Leverage engagement insights and people data to drive continuous cultural improvement.

Oversee HR Operations & Governance

• Lead the full HR remit including Business Partnering, Talent, L&D, Reward, Payroll oversight, and HR Systems.
• Ensure compliance across relevant employment legislation and jurisdictions.
• Manage the HR budget with a strong focus on efficiency and value creation.
• Provide clear, data-driven reporting to the Board and Remuneration Committee.

The Individual

The organisation is seeking a proven senior HR leader with:

• Significant experience operating at Head of HR or HR Director level (typically 10+ years in senior leadership roles).
• Demonstrated success delivering complex restructuring and transformation programmes in commercially driven environments.
• Strong UK and US HR best practice expertise; broader international exposure is advantageous.
• Deep employment law knowledge and experience across multi-jurisdictional environments.
• Experience leading a full-spectrum HR function.
• Degree-level education and Chartered Fellow CIPD (or equivalent international qualification).