People manager

People Performance Lead (12 month fixed term, maternity contract)

Leeds/Wakefield or West Bromwich

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded People Performance Lead to play a key role in shaping our people strategy, driving organisational performance, and embedding a high-performing, values-led culture.

This is a pivotal leadership position where you will lead a small People team, partner closely with senior stakeholders, and deliver impactful people initiatives that support business transformation and growth.

If you are a proactive HR leader who thrives on influencing change and delivering measurable results, this is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact.

The Role

As People Performance Lead, you will act as a trusted partner to the business, ensuring our People function evolves from reactive support to a proactive, value-adding driver of performance and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the UK People Team, ensuring delivery of a high-quality, commercially focused HR service
• Act as a subject matter expert in employment law and employee relations, providing guidance and escalation support
• Drive and support business-wide change initiatives, including restructures and TUPE, aligned to transformation goals
• Lead workforce planning and organisational design aligned to future business needs
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle, ensuring a consistent and positive employee experience
• Use data and insights to inform decision-making and drive performance improvements
• Build leadership and management capability across the business to empower decision-making
• Review and improve HR processes, policies, and service delivery for greater efficiency and impact
• Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, translating business challenges into effective people solutions
• Embed organisational culture, values, and leadership behaviours, supporting a “One Team” approach

What Success Looks Like

• A proactive, high-performing People function aligned to business objectives
• Strong leadership capability across the organisation
• Measurable improvements in performance, engagement, and efficiency
• Effective delivery of transformation and change initiatives
• A consistent and positive employee experience across the business

About You

You will be a confident and resilient HR leader with a strong commercial mindset and the ability to influence at all levels.

You’ll bring:

• CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent)
• Proven experience in a senior HR Business Partner or People Operations role in a multi-site environment
• Strong knowledge of employment law and experience managing complex ER cases, including restructures and TUPE
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing HR teams
• A track record of driving organisational change and delivering people-led business outcomes
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and coaching skills
• A data-driven approach, with the ability to translate insight into action
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to challenge constructively

Why Join?

• Opportunity to play a key role in a transforming organisation
• Ability to shape and influence the People strategy at a senior level
• Lead impactful change and drive measurable business performance
• Work within a collaborative and ambitious People & Transformation team