How to Apply
Please submit your application through LinkedIn. To support our selection process, we kindly ask all candidates to complete this brief questionnaire. This will help us better understand your fit for this strategic leadership role.
Important information:
We welcome applications from candidates who are eligible to work in the UK.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this role
. My client values
diversity and inclusion
, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who meet the role requirements, regardless of background.
Location: London, UK
Reports to: CEO
My client is a leading player in the maritime transportation sector, with a strong reputation for innovation and operational excellence. With a dedicated team of around 500 employees and an annual turnover of approximately £50 million, they are poised for continued growth and expansion. This is a confidential search.
-- MISSION --
They are seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief People Officer (CPO) to join their Executive Leadership Team. This is a rare opportunity to lead the people strategy, drive cultural alignment, and oversee employee engagement, organisational development, and change management.
As CPO, you will oversee all areas of HR, working closely with the CEO and Board to align the people agenda with commercial priorities and long-term growth. The role includes 6 direct reports and offers the opportunity to lead and develop the HR function across the organisation.
-- RESPONSIBILITIES --
* Develop and deliver a people strategy aligned to business growth and organisational priorities.
* Partner with C-suite and leadership teams to embed values, drive performance, and shape culture.
* Lead all HR operations and ensure service excellence across systems, payroll, and employee experience.
* Oversee recruitment, succession planning, and workforce development to future-proof capabilities.
* Maintain strong union and employee communications, ensuring constructive engagement and issue resolution.
* Drive organisational transformation, supporting resilience and adaptability during periods of change.
-- REQUIREMENTS --
* 8–10+ years of senior HR leadership experience, including 5+ years in an executive role.
* Proven ability to align people strategy with commercial and long-term business objectives.
* Expertise in talent attraction, development, engagement, and retention.
* Experience in organisations of
similar or larger size (±500 employees)
in complex operational environments.
* Strong background in employment law, regulatory compliance, and union engagement.
* Demonstrated experience in organisational design, restructuring, and cultural transformation.
* CIPD Level 7 accreditation and a Master's degree in HRM (or equivalent).
* Skilled in executive-level partnering with the ability to influence at Board level.
* Inclusive leadership style with high emotional intelligence, resilience, and decision-making ability.
This is a strategic leadership role with significant impact, offering the opportunity to shape culture and people operations within a complex, international, and operationally driven environment.
-- COMPENSATION & BENEFITS --
Competitive remuneration package aligned with the seniority of the role and the market. Specific details will be discussed during the recruitment process.
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