Head of People
Contract: Full-time
Location: Remote (UK), with necessary monthly travel to London for team meetings, company events and operational requirements
Salary: Competitive and negotiable, dependent on experience
Start Date: October 2026
Closing Date for Applications: 24 August 2026
We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We encourage early applications.
Join KnowledgeBrief
KnowledgeBrief is a leadership and management training provider specialising in apprenticeship delivery, leadership development, business competency training and professional skills development. Through a blend of apprenticeships, digital learning, workshops, coaching and practical development programmes, we help individuals and organisations build the knowledge, confidence and capabilities they need to grow and succeed.
Our vision is to inspire the next generation of leaders through high-impact learning experiences that empower great leadership at every level. We support organisations through core leadership and management training, digital and AI upskilling, and broader organisational performance and professional development solutions.
We are a values-driven organisation with a strong focus on innovation, authenticity, inspiration and relationships, creating meaningful impact for our learners, clients, colleagues and partners.
About the Role
As KnowledgeBrief continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced and commercially focused Head of People to lead our People & Culture function and shape the next stage of our People strategy. We are a growing UK-based organisation of around 80 colleagues, operating across three complementary divisions with distinct priorities and workforce needs, united by shared organisational goals and values.
Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the C-Suite and other Heads of Department, you will ensure KnowledgeBrief has the people, leadership capability, organisational structures and People practices needed to deliver its strategic, operational and financial priorities. You will provide trusted advice, insight and constructive challenge, translating organisational priorities into practical People plans and well-informed workforce decisions.
You will take on the line management and development of an experienced People Partner who has helped establish and lead KnowledgeBrief’s existing People service as its sole People professional. Together, you will build on the strong foundations already in place and plan how the People function should develop and grow alongside the organisation.
This is an influential and hands-on role, well suited to an experienced HR Manager ready to step into their first Head of People position, or an established Head of HR or People & Culture from an SME, start-up or similarly growing organisation. It offers meaningful involvement in senior decision-making and the opportunity to shape a developing People function while remaining closely connected to colleagues, managers and the practical needs of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
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Design and deliver KnowledgeBrief’s People strategy and annual People Plan, aligned with our organisational, operational and financial priorities.
- Lead workforce planning in partnership with Finance and departmental leaders, ensuring capacity, capability, recruitment and succession plans reflect learner demand, anticipated growth and available budgets.
- Review organisational structures, roles and resource allocation to strengthen clarity, accountability, productivity and operational effectiveness.
- Provide commercially grounded advice and constructive challenge to the CEO, C-Suite and Board, using People and organisational data to inform decisions.
- Strengthen leadership and management capability through coaching, guidance and the continued development of our management development programme.
- Lead our approach to performance, talent, development, progression, succession, pay, reward and recognition.
- Shape a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture that supports colleague wellbeing, engagement and development.
- Lead complex employee relations matters and organisational change, balancing employment risk, commercial needs, colleague experience and KnowledgeBrief’s values.
- Set the strategic direction for recruitment and maintain effective arrangements for safer recruitment, safeguarding-related workforce requirements, right-to-work checks and employment compliance.
- Lead and develop the People & Culture function, ensuring it provides a responsive, practical and commercially aware service.
- Oversee effective People operations, systems, policies and governance, ensuring they remain proportionate, compliant and suited to a growing organisation.
- Evaluate the effectiveness and organisational value of People activity, identifying opportunities to improve outcomes and simplify delivery.
Experience, Skills & Qualifications
Essential
- Substantial generalist HR or People experience, including operating at HR Manager, Senior HR Manager or Head Of People level within a growing organisation.
- Experience developing and delivering a commercially focused People strategy or People Plan aligned with organisational priorities.
- Experience managing and developing People professionals, with the ability to work across strategic and operational priorities in a hands-on environment.
- Excellent and current knowledge of UK employment law, with practical experience managing complex employee relations matters and employment risk.
- Experience partnering with senior leaders, providing trusted advice and constructive challenge.
- Practical experience in workforce planning, organisational design and organisational change.
- Broad experience across performance management, leadership development, recruitment, talent, progression, succession and reward.
- Experience supporting organisational culture, colleague engagement, wellbeing and inclusion.
- Strong commercial judgement and the ability to use People and organisational data to make clear, evidence-based recommendations.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with high levels of discretion, integrity and professional credibility.
- Minimum CIPD Level 5 qualified, or able to demonstrate significant equivalent professional knowledge and experience.
Desirable
- Experience within apprenticeships, education, training, EdTech, professional services or another regulated environment.
- Experience supporting a remote-first workforce.
- Experience developing or scaling People practices within a growing small or medium-sized organisation.
- Knowledge of safer recruitment, safeguarding-related workforce requirements and UK GDPR.
Interpersonal Fit
We’re looking for someone who:
- Is aligned with our values and understands how effective People leadership contributes to organisational success.
- Communicates clearly, builds trusted relationships and offers constructive challenge when needed.
- Uses evidence and sound judgement to make clear, practical decisions.
- Combines commercial awareness with a commitment to a positive colleague experience.
- Brings curiosity and a passion for learning and continuous improvement.
- Takes ownership, follows through and delivers work to a high standard.
- Works collaboratively while remaining confident in their professional advice.
Why Work With Us?
At KnowledgeBrief, we are committed to creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged and able to grow.
You’ll benefit from:
- Dedicated monthly CPD time to support your development.
- 5.6 weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
- A two-week company closure over Christmas and New Year.
- Company sick pay.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
- A remote-first environment with opportunities to connect in person.
- The opportunity to shape our People strategy and influence decisions across the organisation.
Our Commitment to Safer Recruitment and Inclusion
KnowledgeBrief is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners, and all colleagues are expected to share this commitment.
Offers of employment are subject to pre-employment checks, including right to work, references and an enhanced DBS check.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.
Application Process
- Submit your CV and a supporting statement explaining how your experience aligns with the role and why you would like to join KnowledgeBrief.
- Interview stage or stages with the C-suite and Board
- Final decision and feedback.
We aim to keep the process timely, transparent and respectful of your experience.
Ready to Apply?
If you are an experienced People leader who can connect workforce strategy with commercial performance while supporting a positive and accountable culture, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your application by 24 August 2026.
The Hiring Team
KnowledgeBrief
