Head of People & Change - Fixed Term Contract

This is an exciting Head of People & Change role for a long‑established, science-led business. The role is focused on stabilising the organisation post acquisition, improving leadership capability, and putting solid HR structure and policies.

The role will also manage significant change, including workforce transition, while embedding stronger performance, organisational design, and people development practices.

Client Details

A fantastic long-established, family-owned, science-led business, with strong UK and international operations and a strong research and academic culture. The company is now in a period of transition, needing to modernise its structure, strengthen leadership and people practices, and manage workforce changes as it prepares for future evolution and growth.

The role is a 18 month contract and will be based on site near Byfleet, 4 days per week.

Description

As the Interim Head of People & Change, you will...

• Act as a trusted partner to the Managing Director and leadership team, providing pragmatic, hands-on HR leadership during a period of significant organisational change
• Managing both change initiatives and implementing HR foundations, utilising support from the Group's wider HR function, bringing a collaborative approach
• Lead and stabilise day-to-day HR operations, ensuring effective employee relations, policy development and application, compliance, and consistent support for line managers
• Design and implement fit-for-purpose HR frameworks, including performance management and capability frameworks
• Strengthen leadership capability through coaching, guidance, and the introduction of clear tools and best practice approaches to people management
• Lead talent and succession planning, identifying critical roles and key individuals, and implementing retention strategies to protect essential skills and business continuity
• Drive organisational design and workforce planning aligned to future strategy, including preparation for business restructuring
• Manage complex workforce change, including role redesign, consultation, and redundancy processes, ensuring a fair, compliant, and well-communicated approach
• Champion employee engagement, ensuring employee voice is heard and translated into meaningful action to maintain motivation and performance during transition
• Ensure the business is "move-ready" by embedding structure, clear role definitions, and scalable HR processes that enable a smooth handover to future ownership

Profile

The successful Interim Head of People & Change should have:

• Strong expertise in HR leadership and Change
• Experience working with a technical or highly academic workforce is preferable eg, pharmaceutical or
• Demonstrated experience in managing organisational change initiatives through to implementation
• A deep understanding of employment law and HR best practices
• Proven ability to collaborate with senior stakeholders and drive strategic objectives
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• A results-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

Job Offer

• A salary range of £90,000 - £95,000
• The role is hybrid working, with the nature of the work will require 4 days a week in the office near Byfleet.

If you are an experienced HR professional who is immediately available for a new contract, please apply apply today!