Your next career starts with Acosta Europe.
Acosta Europe is a people business with a progressive approach, we operate as part of one of the largest Sales and Marketing agencies in the world. We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of People – Strategy to join our UK head office team in a challenging and diverse role.
This role is to drive the strategic people agenda and ensure our vision and values are brought to life and fully embedded across the organisation, creating a healthy, positive, and high performing culture to maximise the effectiveness of our structures and people. You will provide strategic and operational expertise to the leadership team acting as a trusted advisor and an agent for change. Working with confidence and at pace across all aspects of the organisation you will be responsible for the implementation and success of the people strategy and strategic initiatives.
We can offer the opportunity for your experience and knowledge to grow whilst you develop your career in a supportive and dynamic environment as part of a fast paced and friendly HR team.
Role Details:
Job Title : Head of People – Strategy
Reporting to : Group People and Operations Director
No of Hours Per week : 37.5 Hours
Salary: Competitive
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop, design, test, and implement people initiatives aligned with Acosta Europe’s vision and ways of working.
Provide strategic leadership on all people-related issues.
Deliver high-quality information and updates to the Executive Leadership Team and senior leaders.
Ensure effective monitoring and measurement across all areas of the people agenda.
Conduct research and market analysis to identify trends and future opportunities.
Organisational Culture
Drive a culture of high performance and continuous improvement by collaborating with senior leaders.
Lead the design of a colleague engagement programme with engaging and consistent internal communication.
Design and implement targeted interventions to enhance colleague engagement and satisfaction.
Act as a strategic partner to senior leaders on matters of culture, behaviour, and leadership.
Role model Acosta’s ways of working and support senior leaders to do the same.
Collaborate with employee resource groups to deliver the diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda.
Champion inclusion, growth, and belonging across the organisation.
Deliver Acosta’s Employee Value Proposition and Employer of Choice objectives.
Talent Management and Development
Devise a proactive talent management strategy to attract, retain, and develop the best talent.
Develop and implement a succession planning strategy and models.
Innovate approaches to reward and recognition.
Lead programmes to improve and enhance management and leadership capabilities.
Systems and Integration
Support the technological development of the people function, recommending best-in-class systems.
Consult with senior leaders to align and implement group-level initiatives and best practices.
Support integration efforts in onboarding, development, talent management, succession planning, and internal communications.
Other Requirements
Represent Acosta externally, communicating the vision, ambitions, and plans to the wider community.
Attend relevant meetings, including executive leadership meetings.
Contribute to the leadership of the organisation as a member of the senior leadership team.
Undertake other reasonable duties as required by the Executive Leadership Team.
Maintain awareness of and follow company policies and procedures.
Comply with health & safety regulations.
Take responsibility for personal development and ensure mandatory training is completed on time.
Adhere to all General Data Protection Regulations and policies (GDPR).
Essential Knowledge & Skills
Highly Desirable Experience
8-10 years of progressive HR experience with demonstrable leadership experience.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including rapport-building and influencing.
Target-driven with good time and task management skills.
Proactive, confident, and determined.
Leadership that drives action.
Ownership, agility, and acting with pace.
Commercially astute.
Problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict management skills.
Ability to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders.
Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to evaluate and adapt plans as required.
IT literate with advanced Excel & PowerPoint skills.
Previous retail, FMCG, and/or sales experience is desirable but not essential.
CIPD qualified Level 7 or Fellow.
Here at Acosta, passion is at the heart of everything we do. We encourage boldness, curiosity, and new ideas. We are motivated to learn, and constantly strive to exceed expectations. We truly care, and that is what makes us exceptional.
We are career makers, not just job creators. Apply now to join #OurATeam
Acosta Europe is an equal opportunities employer.
Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams.
We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work!
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
