Job Description
Head of People (6-month contract with view to perm)
PE-backed Education Business | Pre-exit (6 months to sale)
Up to £95k + car allowance
We’re partnering with a PE-backed education business entering the final phase of its growth journey, with a sale planned within the next six months. This is a pivotal, high-impact role for a commercially minded People leader who can drive change at pace.
This is not a steady-state position. It’s a roll-up-your-sleeves role for someone who thrives in complexity, is comfortable making decisions, and can bring structure to a business preparing for exit.
You’ll work closely with the CPO as their right hand, owning the delivery of People operations, infrastructure, and transformation ahead of sale.
The role
* Lead the build and alignment of People processes; many will be created or rebuilt from first principles
* Own People data definition, governance, and reporting; ensuring exit-ready accuracy
* Scope, select, and implement an HRIS; including data migration and long-term scalability
* Prepare the People function for PE due diligence; documentation, controls, and evidence
* Support funding round or private equity due diligence processes; responding to data and insight requests
* Drive policy, process, and procedural alignment within a regulated environment
* Upskill and support existing team members; raising capability and confidence
* Operate as a delivery-focused leader; moving work forward in ambiguous, fast-moving conditions
What we’re looking for
* Demonstrable experience supporting funding rounds or private equity due diligence
* Background in start-up or scaling businesses (typically under 2,000 employees)
* Strong HR operations and People infrastructure expertise
* Proven HRIS implementation experience with complex data alignment
* Excellent understanding of People best practice, with a pragmatic, commercial mindset
* Experience working in regulated environments
* A natural driver; accountable, decisive, and comfortable leading through change
* Comfortable in chaos and energised by building rather than maintaining
Why this role
* High-impact role at a critical point in the business lifecycle
* Direct exposure to a PE exit environment
* Genuine opportunity to shape and mature the People function
* 6-month contract with a clear route to permanent
* Salary up to £95k plus car allowance
* 2 days in the office but likely travel around the UK required, you will need to drive.
If you’re a delivery-led Head of People who enjoys complexity, momentum, and real accountability, this is worth a conversation.
Interested?
Apply directly or message me for a confidential discussion; happy to talk through the brief and your sweet spot.