Join to apply for the People Director role at Oliver Bonas

We are looking for a People Director to join Team OB in our Support Office.

This isn't your typical HR gig. As People Director, you'll be the driving force behind our people strategy – you'll need to be ready to roll up your sleeves, influence decision-making and work directly with our founders and wider leadership team to shape how we do things at OB.

You'll lead a brilliant people team covering everything from recruitment and employee relations to learning & development, EDI, and reward & payroll. This role demands someone who can provide hands-on support and be the go-to trusted advisor for our Directors and Heads of Departments.

Reporting into the COO and being part of the Leadership team, you'll help steer the company's future direction while nurturing the culture that makes us who we are. This is a generalist role where you'll own the entire employee journey and lead company-wide initiatives that actually make a difference.

Our Support Office is based in Tolworth, near Chessington, with hybrid working: 3 days in the office and 2 days home working per week, with flexibility discussions welcome.

More about OB

At Oliver Bonas (OB), our values of Work Hard, Play Hard & Be Kind are integral to everything we do. Collaboration, imagination, curiosity, and teamwork are key to our success, and everyone has their part to play in making OB a special place to work. We foster a playful and positive environment and are serious about what we do.

Our team is confident, creative, and unafraid to challenge convention, taking accountability for their actions, but always with kindness and humility.

More about the role

An OB People Director will:

• Work with the leadership team to contribute to the overall business plan
• Develop and implement a People strategy covering all elements of the employee journey, supporting growth and embedding our values
• Lead on workforce planning, organizational design and culture initiatives
• Provide direction to the senior people team to align priorities with the broader People strategy
• Champion diversity, equity and inclusion across all people practices
• Advise Heads of Departments and their teams
• Act as a trusted advisor to the COO and Founder/MD on development and key people decisions
• Lead and advise on disciplinary, grievance and HR-related issues and represent the company when needed
• Ensure policies and processes comply with current legislation
• Collaborate with L&D to create performance management frameworks that drive results and progression
• Oversee salary benchmarking, pay equity reviews, bonus schemes and competitive benefits
• Review supplier relationships and contracts annually
• Oversee the HR System and support system changes
• Set People KPIs and manage delivery within budgets
• Work with senior leaders on resourcing decisions
• Protect the company against salary overspend and payroll errors and ensure competitive benefits
• Develop and manage the HR budget and identify efficiencies
• Lead, manage and develop the People team
• Coach and develop through feedback and appraisals with clear development goals
• Build a strong, collaborative team and share strategy across the organization
• Forge relationships across departments and stores to provide effective People support
• Challenge decisions that impact employee welfare
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives and support networks

What we look for

• Proven track record as a People/HR Director within a medium or large multi-site organisation
• Authentic leader who can build trust quickly
• Strong in leading and developing a team
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment law and compliance
• Strategic thinker with ability to execute operational plans
• Strong commercial, strategic and operational skills
• Excellent communication at all levels
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving expertise
• Experience with HRIS systems and people analytics
• Membership of the CIPD (Chartered) – preferable

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at OB

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome all eligible applicants and are particularly interested in candidates from Black, Asian & Mixed Heritage communities. Oliver Bonas is a Disability Confident Committed employer. For our ED&I commitments, see the EDI page on our website.

London, England, United Kingdom

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Human Resources
• Retail

EOE statements and other general notices from the original listing have been removed to focus on the role itself.